s4c - y ty cymreigs4c - y ty cymreig
s4c - cottages

Wales’ Oldest Prefab?

A remarkable oak framed house, Neuadd Cynhinfa in Dolannog, takes centre stage in the programme. Built in 1509 it is a very rare survivor of an early form of construction where the oak frame was fitted with exterior oak panelling instead of the more common ‘wattle and daub’. In the sixteenth century oak was only used by the rich, so the ostentatious use of the wood at every opportunity shows that the owners were determined to display their wealth.


Another impressive ancient home to be featured in the programme is Plas Mawr in Conwy, the finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse in Britain, and now opened to visitors by Cadw. This house was built between 1576 and 1585 and has been lovingly restored back to its former glory.

Aled and Greg will also travel to Llanbedrgoch on Anglesey to visit Y Glyn. This fascinating farm is home to several decorated plasterwork friezes dating back to the 1640s. All of the ancient houses in Wales that have survived into the twenty first century tell the story of the gentry and wealthy farmers. These houses show us that Wales was never a rural backwater, and that our finest homes have always been self-conscious buildings designed to create a lasting impression.

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