.jpg?width=1000)
Europe · United Kingdom · Gwynedd
Penrhyn Castle & Garden
The story
History of Penrhyn Castle & Garden
Penrhyn Castle () is a country house in Llandygai, Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales, constructed in the style of a Norman castle. The Penrhyn Estate was founded by Ednyfed Fychan.
United Kingdom · Gwynedd
- Built
- 15th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Gwynedd
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 53.226, -4.095
In depth
The fuller history
In the 15th century, the Penrhyn estate was the centre of a large landholding developed by Gwilym ap Griffith. The land had originally been granted to his ancestor Ednyfed Fychan, Seneschal to Llywelyn the Great. Despite losing his lands temporarily during the Glyndŵr Rising, Gwilym regained them by 1406 and began the construction of a fortified manor house and adjoining chapel at Penrhyn, which became his family's main home.
The National Trust has held custodianship of Penrhyn Castle since its transfer by the government in 1951. It has worked to conserve the house and its setting, and to develop its attraction to visitors. In 2019/2020 Penrhyn received 139,614 such visitors, an increase over the two previous years (118,833 and 109,395). In the 21st century, the Trust has sought to develop its understanding and coverage of the links between the house and colonialism and slavery (see below).
Key dates
- 1406Despite losing his lands temporarily during the Glyndŵr Rising, Gwilym regained them by 1406 and began the construction of a fortified manor house and adjoining chapel at Penrhyn, which became his family's main home.
- 1780Between 1780 and 1790 he made over thirty speeches defending the slave trade against abolitionist attacks, and became so influential that he was made chairman of the West India Committee, an informal alliance of some 50…
- 1808On Lord Penrhyn's death in 1808, the Penrhyn Estate was inherited by his second cousin, George Hay Dawkins, who adopted the surname Dawkins-Pennant.
- 1837Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1837
- 1927Hugh Douglas-Pennant, 4th Baron Penrhyn, who inherited the title and estates in 1927, died in June 1949, when the castle and estate passed to his niece, Lady Janet Pelham, who, following family tradition, adopted the…
- 2018In 2018 local Plaid Cymru councillors accused the Trust of failing to fully recognise the contribution of slate workers to the castle's history.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
Tips & experiences
Been here? Leave a note for the next visitor.
Loading tips…