The Old Rectory, St Asaph

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High on the frontage of this building is the date 1780. Some parts date back to earlier in that century. A large extension – to the right of the original building – was added in the 19th century. This is now a private house – please enjoy the view of it from the street but don’t disturb the residents.

photo of old rectoryThe building is L-shaped, with a long section at right angles to the roof at the lower end of the site. This section includes the former stables, where the rack for the fodder is still attached to the rear wall inside. Above the stables is a small room where the stable boy lived - you can see it on the far right of the photo of the rear of the house, taken in 2013.

The current name implies that this was once home to the rector of St Asaph, although the parish church is further away from the house than the cathedral opposite. In the early 20th century it was home to Dr Harold Carpenter Lumb Stocks (born 1884), a former St Asaph Grammar School pupil. He was appointed organist at the cathedral in photo of Dr Stocks1917, the year after he was invalided out of service with the Royal Army Medical Corps. He remained in that post until he died in 1956.

Dr Stocks (pictured left) was also a prolific composer and arranger of church and choral music and wrote books about educating choristers and organists. Among his compositions are A Good Cup of Tea (1902), a cantata for five child soloists, Missa Sancti Asaph (1932) for full choir, and a theme and variations for organ called Y Delyn Aur (“The Golden Harp”). In 1953 he showed French composer and organist Marcel Dupré around the cathedral.

During the Second World War the Old Rectory was requisitioned for use as a post office.

Postcode: LL17 ORF    View Location Map

To continue the Words & Music Tour, walk past the roundabout and along Chester Street. The QRs are on the wall, halfway down the hill. Take care – this is an A road. If you prefer to avoid this lengthy walk, press ‘Next’ now to read the information Navigation next button