Gobowen
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Gobowen is a large village in Shropshire, England, of population 3,927 (according to the 2001 census).[1]
[edit] History
The village was previously called Bryn-y-Castell, but the name in time changed to Gobowen. The name Gobowen is believed to originate from Gob (a pillow) and Owen (Owain Glyndŵr) who was believed to have rested his weary head there. However, this name may also originate from a man named Owen who starting mining there, and the old Welsh word for mine is 'gob' hence Gobowen (Owen's mine). The mines were filled in during the second world war by displaced persons and prisoners of war by hand, and were in a camp at the nearby village of St.Martins, which is now called Bank Top Industrial Estate.
[edit] Amenities and attractions
It has a railway station (Gobowen railway station), which is used by people travelling to the nearby town of Oswestry (the station and railway line there having closed). The village is also home to the world famous Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Also within the village is the Derwen College which provides residential further education for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The village is well served by a superstore, butchers, library, hairdressers, doctors' surgery, nursing homes, youth club/café and IT centre and a primary school. There are three churches, Anglican, Methodist and United Reformed. Approximately 20 organisations offer many activities in which to participate. Local tourist attractions include Park Hall Countryside Experience and Chirk Castle.
[edit] Orthopaedic hospital
On the doorstep is the world famous Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, which has its origins in a convalescent home for disabled children established in 1900 at Baschurch by Agnes (later Dame Agnes) Hunt. In 1919 funds and premises became available and the hospital transferred to Park Hall into the hospital section of a former army camp. Much progress has been made since that time both with vast new buildings and pioneer medical treatments. The hospital, through the quality of service and care offered by a dedicated team of staff, is a centre of excellence with an international reputation.
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