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, with the Unlocking the Asylum project, part of a two-day heritage event, Open Doors Ruthin, at Ruthin Gaol.

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

Cllr Anne Roberts, chair of organisers the 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 for many people who had relatives there, to see photos and information on staff and patients.”

Buildings that opened on September 8 and 9 also 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.”