DiCamillo Companion
Wales

Plas Newydd (Pen-y-Maes)

  • House & Family History: A black-and-white timbered house that sits high on a hill looking over the village, Plas Newydd was, from 1780 until 1829, the home of two eccentric Irish ladies known as the Ladies of Llangollen. Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsoby, who always dressed as men, lived in the house for 50 years, entertaining famous literary and political figures, including Byron, Sir Walter Scott, and William Wordsworth, who wrote a sonnet about the ladies. They became celebrated throughout the country as the story of their friendship spread through Regency society. Plas Newydd still retains the Gothic features they introduced. The house was acquired by Denbighshire County Council in 1932 and is today run by them as a museum. Plas Newydd is said to be haunted by the Ladies of Llangollen and has been featured on the UK's "Most Haunted" TV program.

  • Garden & Outbuildings: Plas Newydd is set in gardens surrounded by trees and includes the font from the nearby Valle Crucis Abbey. The circle of stones in the grounds were used for the 1908 Llangollen National Eisteddfod.

  • House Listed: Grade II*

    Park Listed: Not Listed

  • "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (1989 - TV mini series).
  • Past Seat / Home of: Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, 1780-1829. General John Yorke, late 19th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Government

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Museum

    Ownership Details: Owned and operated by Denbighshire County Council

  • House Open to Public: Yes

    Phone: 01978-862-834

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://www.llangollen.com/

    Historic Houses Member: No