Stories behind our places in Wales

A sketch published in The Times newspaper depicting Chartists approaching Tredegar House.

If walls could talk, our special places in Wales would have some stories to tell. Join us as we delve deeper into their histories and bring them to life.

A sketch of Sir Charles leading a procession through the New Hall

Riches and Rebellion, Tredegar House 

This autumn we’ll be marking 180 years since the Newport Rising, exploring themes of power, responsibility, surveillance and the curation of history through a new experience in the mansion house. Riches and Rebellion will explore the Morgans’ role in the uprising, the surveillance of their tenants and Octavius Morgan’s passion for collection and curation.

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Bodnant Garden in the early 1800s

70th anniversary, Bodnant Garden 

2019 marks the 70 years of Bodnant Garden in the National Trust. In 1948 Bodnant’s owner, Henry Duncan McLaren (2nd Lord Aberconway) then President of the Royal Horticultural Society, persuaded the Trust to accept stand-alone gardens, not just those that came with great houses, into the fold of the charity. The following year he gifted his beloved Bodnant to the nation.

The roots of the listed garden
The imprisoned Soul, Margarte Lindsay Wiliams

The Imprisoned Soul, Dyffryn Gardens 

A collection of 4 paintings by renowned Welsh artist Margaret Lindsay Williams were discovered at Dyffryn Gardens. Find out more about the unexpected nature of this discovery and the work needed to save ‘The Imprisoned Soul’.

Picture perfect
A film of the Butterfly Dance in the Gothick Hall at Plas Newydd.

Behind the Stage, Plas Newydd 

Discover more about the life-changing events and work that have shaped this charismatic house along the banks of the Menai Strait.

A new experience
A graphic of four evacuees arriving at Powis Castle, National Trust, Wales

Worlds apart in War, Powis Castle 

The opulent state rooms and formal gardens at Powis Castle tell us much about the wealthy Herbert family who made the castle their home for hundreds of years. Yet scratch beneath the surface and the castle hides an unexpected Second World War story.

Step back in time
Caryl Parry Jones at Penrhyn Castle

People's Landscapes: The Castle on the Hill, Penrhyn Castle 

Singer, songwriter and actor Caryl Parry Jones visited Penrhyn Castle to find out how this domineering castle changed the North Wales landscape forever and how it's working with the community to look to a brighter future.

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The Hare of Inaba pictured on the Shagreen Chest at Chirk Castle

Folklore and furnishings, Chirk Castle 

Many of the collection of objects and furnishings in the castle have travelled from around the world. Trade routes, often defined by the Myddelton family's business connections, carried stories and ideas – sometimes half-remembered, altered and reshaped. Explore Chirk Castle's eclectic collection and their links to ancient stories and folklore from around the world.

Folklore before your eyes