June

Plas Newydd

and the

Ladies of Llangollen

Plas Newydd, Llangollen, is a stone-built house and internally converted into a gothic ‘fantasy’, by its most famous inhabitants – The Ladies of Llangollen.

The Ladies of Llangynog (Berwyn Belles WI) arrived some 250 years later! Friday 13th may be unlucky for some, but for us it was a bright, warm and sunny day. Ideal for strolling around the grounds and garden, and enjoying the cool interior of the house.

Before viewing the house, members gathered to hear the fascinating story of the Ladies of Llangollen. Our guide explained about how the ladies escaped the life they were expected to live in Ireland.

They daringly ran away together in 1778 to set up a new life and home in Wales where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Members made their way through the Gothic style porch into the heavily and impressively carved entrance, then freely wandered around the house, taking in the homely atmosphere.

The house has been welcoming visitors since the arrival of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, and it seemed appropriate that our visit coincided with Pride month, given the close, and likely romantic, relationship these ladies enjoyed.

After exploring the house, it was time for lunch! Some ate alfresco while others sat just inside.

The Lunch Menu Options

Traditional Welsh Lamb Cawl - Slow Cooked Lamb, Root Vegetables, Pearl Barley and Lentil Broth.
Creamy Chicken & Leek in a Tarragon Sauce served with Rice
Cheese and Vegetable Frittata served with a dressed salad
All served with a Crusty Roll & Butter.

Frittata

Time to explore the grounds…

Time to say goodbye and set off home, either by car or Swiftlift. What a fabulous day was had by all!

Note: Butler and Ponsonby (The Ladies) are buried together, along with their devoted servant, Mary Caryll at St. Collen’s Church in Llangollen.

Llangynog WI Summer Outing

11th June 2014 (from the archive)

Our Summer outing took us to the delightful house and gardens at ‘Plas Newydd’, home to the Ladies of Llangollen; Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby from 1780-1829. Before looking around the house which is now a fascinating museum, displaying many of the artefacts which celebrated guests brought as gifts during the Regency Period, we were given an informative talk about the ladies themselves and the background to the present unique house and beautiful gardens.

After tea and scones in the grounds we drove in convoy over the hills and down into Llanarmon DC. A short meeting was held, al fresco, and we then finished off a splendid day with a tasty meal at ‘The Hand’. Cath Williams was thanked for all her hard work in organising such an enjoyable outing!

Photo: Ladies of Llangynog meet 'The Ladies of Llangollen'