The rather imposing and sinister Old Manor House at World’s End, Llangollen, was built in 1563. Its rather striking upper storey is particularly noticeable with its massive timbers.
Lion Rampant
A coat of arms with three fleurde- lys and three lions passant presides over one doorway, while a lion rampant looks over another. The inside walls are oak panelled and there is an oak staircase. Large pieces of furniture and carved bedsteads adorn the house.
The rather deep windows only let in a weak, dim light. The house features many Roundhead period relics, including a portrait of Oliver Cromwell. You can see the motto “Ovner Na Ovno Angau” (Fear him that fears not death) above the main south doorway.
Lords of Powis
Another inscription is “Eglwyseg Manor inherited by the Princes and Lords of Powis from Bleddyn ab Cynvyn King of North Wales and Powis, slain 1073 in battle. AD 903, Son of Roderic, the great King of all Wales, slain in battle. AD 844, Son of Nest, daughter of Cadell ab Brochwel ab Eliseg King of Powis who died AD 808”.
On the south frontage of the West Wing is the Inscription “MDLXIII, Elizabeth Regina” (see image below). MDLXIII corresponds to the year 1563, right in the middle of Elizabeth I’s reign (1558-1603).
At one time, the Manor was the property of Colonel John Jones of Harlech. He was a noted Parliamentarian and was one of the regicides. On his marriage to Margaret Edwards of Stansty, he became the owner of the house. Colonel Jones married again in 1656 to Catherine, sister of Oliver Cromwell.
Captured and Executed
Following the restoration in 1660, Colonel Jones took refuge in the Manor, but at a later date, he fled to Kilhendre, the home of his niece. However, he was later captured and executed in London on October 17th, 1660.
The property then passed into the possession of a Miss Baldwin Lloyd of Ruthin. Sometime later, she sold it to the Jones family of Llanerchrugog Hall. While Cadwgan, Prince of Powis, was the owner of the house, which he called “Hafod”, an incident took place of some importance.
King of Deheubarth
Nest, the daughter of Rhys ap Tudor, King of Deheubarth, attended an Eisteddfod at Cardigan at Christmas 1108. When she was a girl, Nest was a ward of the court of Henry I, who gave her away in marriage to Gerald de Windsor, Earl of Pembroke. Cadwgan’s son was then living at the Manor at World’s End.
On hearing of the beauty of Nest, he performed a night raid on Pembroke Castle. Gerald escaped through a drain, but Owain abducted Nest and her two children and brought them by mountain pathways to the Manor at Plas Uchaf. Later, Owain fled to Ireland and Cadwgan lost both his hands on the orders of Henry I and Gerald of Pembroke, who raged against the Welsh.
Eventually, Nest was restored to her husband, who slew Owain. Since the events of those far-off times, the Manor has passed into many hands: Sir Watkin Williams Wynn of Ruabon owned the house around 1911.
Article courtesy of John Davies, Wrexham History. Original research by HC Diggory.
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