History of Acton, Wrexham in Timeline

Acton is a suburb and community located in the north-eastern part of Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough, Wales. It is primarily a residential area. A key feature of Acton is Acton Park, which is situated on the grounds of the historic Acton Hall.

1905: Sir Robert Alfred Cunliffe faces the house with stone

In 1905, Sir Robert Alfred Cunliffe faced Acton Hall with stone.

1916: Death of Sir Foster Cunliffe

In 1916, Sir Foster Cunliffe died in World War I.

1917: Estate bought by Sir Bernard Oppenheimer

In 1917, after the death of Sir Foster Cunliffe, the Acton estate was purchased by Sir Bernard Oppenheimer. The Denbighshire Hussars were also billeted in the house and grounds during this time.

July 1920: Grounds of Acton Hall opened to the public

From 30 July 1920 onwards, the grounds of Acton Hall were opened to the public as a pleasure garden.

July 1920: Laying of commemorative foundation stone

On 30 July 1920, Mayor Thomas Sauvage J.P. laid a commemorative foundation stone at Cilcen Grove, marking the start of a quality housing scheme designed by Patrick Abercrombie on sixty acres bought by the Borough Council.

1921: Closure of diamond cutting workshop

In 1921, following the death of Sir Bernard Oppenheimer, the diamond cutting training school and workshop in Acton Park closed.

1935: Abolishment of the civil parish of Acton

In 1935, the civil parish of Acton, which was based on the old township's boundaries, was abolished. Parts of Acton were then transferred to the civil parishes of Bieston and Wrexham Regis.

1939: War Office requisitioned Acton Park

In 1939, the War Office requisitioned Acton Park. Nissen huts were erected in the grounds for soldiers, and officers were billeted in the house.

1943: American battalions stationed at Acton Park

In 1943, the American 33rd Signals Construction Battalion and 400th Armoured Field Artillery Battalion were billeted at Acton Park. Eagles Meadow was used as their vehicle store and the Butter Market was used as their canteen.

1945: Park plundered for firewood

In 1945, following occupation by the US Army, people plundered Acton Park for firewood during the tough years of rationing.

1947: Council presented with hall and parklands

In 1947, Alderman William Aston, the owner at the time, presented the Council with Acton Hall and its parklands.

August 1954: Demolition of Acton Hall

In August 1954, after failing to be saved as the city's museum, Acton Hall was demolished.

1970: Park developed as housing

From 30 July 1920 until 1970, about half of Acton Park was developed as an area for housing.

1972: Abolishment of local structures

In 1972, under the terms of the Local Government Act 1972, all the latter structures were abolished.

1977: Dedication ceremony for the National Eisteddfod

In 1977, a Gorsedd, a circle of standing stones, was erected in Acton Park to mark the site of the dedication ceremony for the 1977 National Eisteddfod, which was held on nearby Borras Airfield.

1985: Creation of new community areas

In 1985, a Boundary Commission review led to the creation of four new community areas within Wrexham: Acton, Rhosddu, Offa, and Caia Park. Each area was given its own community council.

2001: Acton Census

In 2001, the census recorded Acton as the most populous community in the county borough, with 12,960 people residing in 5,412 households.

2005: Residential development built

In 2005, a residential development built in the style of the original hall was constructed on the site of the original Acton Hall, consisting mainly of flats with a small number of houses.

2008: Heritage Lottery Funding secured

In 2008, Wrexham County Borough Council obtained Heritage Lottery Funding to develop design proposals for the refurbishment of the park, including ideas such as a Discovery Centre, Lakeside Pavilion, and extending the bowling greens.