Muriau, now Conwy Tourist Information Centre

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This building was erected in the mid-1880s for timber merchant Humphrey Lewis and his wife Adelaide. One of their three sons, named Arthur, died in the First World War (see below).

Portrait of Humphrey Lewis as mayor of ConwyLlanrwst-born Humphrey (pictured right) and his brother Peter owned thriving timber yards in Llanrwst and on Benarth Road, Conwy, plus a boat-building yard near Conwy quay. As you can see inside, the ornate timberwork reflects Humphrey’s line of business!

He lived with his sisters at 23 Castle Street before moving, by 1885, to Muriau. The 1891 census records at this address: Humphrey and Adelaide; their daughter and three sons; and three servants. Humphrey was a town councillor, town mayor, churchwarden and Conservative Club member. He died in 1898.

Derby-born Adelaide (nee Starkey) was prominent in local society, being secretary and treasurer of the Nursing Association for 15 years and an active member of the local Primrose League (the Conservative women’s group). Adelaide ran the timber business from 1898 until 1909, when it appears to have closed. She moved from Muriau in 1904 to Cadnant Park and later Liverpool. 

From 1909 to 1914 Muriau was the home of solicitor James Porter. In 1914 he sold the property to the Guardians of the Poor, who ran Conwy workhouse. They used the building until 1930. 

A local defence unit of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers used Muriau in February and March 1915 for sleeping accommodation, an orderly room and office, paying a £5 weekly rent. The unit was formed in September 1914 for home service, and moved to Bedford in July 1915. 

Photo of pop-up post office in Conwy during Covid-19 pandemicArthur Starkey Lewis, who had grown up at Muriau, resigned his commission as a second lieutenant with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in 1910. He re-joined for the war and died in France in May 1917, aged 32.

From 1922 to 2002, Muriau hosted the office of the registrar for births, deaths and marriages. A community clinic was based here from 1979 to 2007. Elwyn’s Taxis operated from the first floor from 1969 to 2011, with vehicles parked in the yard behind.

Muriau became the town’s Tourist Information Centre in 2012. Conwy’s “pop up” post office was here during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The photo shows the sack before the counter which kept customers well clear of staff, and a hand-sanitiser bottle on the mantelshelf.

With thanks to Ray Castle, Adrian Hughes and Conwy Archive Service

Postcode: LL32 8LD    View Location Map

Website of Conwy Tourist Information Centre