Earlier Houses: The 18th century Middleton Hall was built above the old house of the Middleton family.

Built / Designed For: Sir William Paxton

House & Family History: Tourists in the early 19th century agreed that Middleton was the finest modern house in South Wales. Built for Sir William Paxton, a nabob, in 1793-95, the House was purchased by the Abadam family in 1825. The Abadames added a large wing and enhanced the Park. On November 10, 1931 Middleton was destroyed by fire. Part of one wing and the stables are extant and owned by the local government council. The National Trust owns the triangular folly.

Collections: There was an important collection of Abadam family portraits at Middleton Hall.

Garden & Outbuildings: Middleton Hall had a beautiful park; the triangular folly, dedicated to Nelson, and the Stables, both survive. The grounds are today home to The National Botanic Garden of Wales, the first botanic garden to be created in the UK for more than 200 years. The Garden's Great Greenhouse was designed by Lord Norman Foster.

Vitruvius Britannicus: C. New, II, pls. 62-64, 1808.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. I, p. 179, 1854.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. V, 1822.

House Listed: Not Listed

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Sir William Paxton, 19th century. Abadam family, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Other

Primary Current Ownership Use: Other

Ownership Details: Today the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

House Open to Public: Grounds Only

Historic Houses Member: No