Members of the Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society recently enjoyed an exclusive tour of the stunning Brynkinalt Estate in Chirk. They were welcomed by Kate Hill-Trevor, whose husband is the property's current custodian. The group were treated to a guided tour of the house before enjoying tea and cake in the stunning Great Hall. Afterwards, they spent time exploring the beautiful formal West Garden and woodland Shrubbery Garden.
A Rich History Spanning Centuries
The estate has a rich history that stretches back to the ancient kings of Wales. Brynkinalt has been the home of the Trevor family since it was built in 1612 by Sir Edward Trevor, then passed down through the generations. The house was remodelled in the early 19th century by Charlotte, Viscountess Dungannon, who added the wings, a conservatory, gate lodges, summer houses and follies. She was also responsible for its gothic features, such as parapets and castellations, as well as building the walled garden.
Connection to the Duke of Wellington
The estate boasts a fascinating connection to the Duke of Wellington, whose mother was part of the family line. During the visit, the history fans were even shown a historic sword that is said to have belonged to the Duke. Nowadays, the estate offers luxurious self-catering holiday cottages, is available for private celebrations and has even served as a filming location for the Netflix movie 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'. The owners also run an organic dairy herd and the gardens can be visited during the annual National Garden Scheme open days.
Warm Welcome and Gift Exchange
At the end of the afternoon, Kate Hill-Trevor was thanked for the warm welcome she had extended to everyone. She was presented with a Cymdeithas Hanes Lleol Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society publication 'Trem yn ôl – A View of the Past'. New members are always welcome to join the friendly history group, with yearly membership costing just £8 for four fascinating meetings. Visitors can also attend individual sessions for £3. To find out more, email: llangwyfanhistory@hotmail.com
Have your say: Do you love exploring the hidden history on our doorstep? Have you ever visited the beautiful Brynkinalt Estate yourself, or is there another local historic gem you think the society should visit next? Let us know in the comments below!
