Plas Newydd
14 of us met at Plas Newydd in Llangollen, where the Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, “The Ladies of Llangollen” lived from 1788-1829.
They came over from Ireland with their maid Mary Carryll to look for somewhere where they could live quietly together. They had little money and depended on the goodwill and support of their friends.
When they moved into the house it was a simple 2 story 3 window cottage which they extended and refurbished in the Gothic style by installing arches, stained glass windows and many ornate wooden carvings and panelling, the walls that weren't panelled were 'papered' in tooled leather.
They lived in relative isolation but over time their reputation grew and the tourist route up the A5 into and through Wales brought many visitors to Plas Newydd, including The Duke of Wellington the poet Wordsworth and the German Prince Pukler-Muskau.
The black and white facade was added after their death by General York, it had also undergone large extensions which later developed woodworm and had to be demolished leaving the house as you see it today.
We spent a happy hour and a half looking round the house, after which we went to the very pleasant cafe to enjoy tea scones or delicious cake.
Helen