THE history of a Denbigh landmark has been put under the microscope.

About 300 people entered through the doors of the former North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, for the 'Unlocking the Asylum' project at Ruthin Gaol, part of the weekend heritage event Open Doors Ruthin.

Talks were given on hitherto unknown aspects of the hospital's past, with historic documents from the Denbighshire Archives on display as well as an electroconvulsive therapy machine, artifacts used in treatment, and a portrait exhibition by Same but Different called The Beauty of Rare.

Cllr Anne Roberts, chair of the Ruthin Open Doors organiser, Ruthin and District Civic Association, said: “One of my relatives attended the hospital and died there, so for me it was poignant and I’m sure it was for many people who had relatives there, to see photos and information on staff and patients.”

Other buildings that opened over the heritage weekend on September 8 and 9 included Nantclwyd y Dre, the Wayfarer Wool Shop, Rose Cottage and Porth y Dwr, Capel y Tabernacl, Ruthin Castle and the English Presbyterian Church.

Cllr Roberts added: “The weekend was very successful. There was a lot of people about the town that had the chance to see buildings that are not normally open.”