Wrexham [key], Welsh Wrescam, town (1981 pop. 39,929) and county borough, 193 sq mi (499 sq km), NE Wales. It lies in the coal field of N Wales. Wrexham's industries include the manufacture of tires, plastics, bricks, pharmaceuticals, metal and paper products, machinery, and chemicals. There are also livestock markets. Since 1946, Wrexham has been a “development area,” in which the government has attempted to stimulate industry. The town is the seat of the Roman Catholic bishop of Menevia. St. Giles's Church was rebuilt in 1472 after a fire; most of the present structure dates from the 16th cent. Elihu Yale is buried in the churchyard. Glyndwr Univ. is there.
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