Tredegar House

This spectacularly impressive late 17th century mansion once stood at the centre of an estate extending to some 1,000 acres of parkland. Gradually overshadowed by urbanisation, and the M4 running along its boundary, the park has been reduced to just 90 acres, but is beautifully laid out.

Since the beginning of the 15th century, Tredegar was owned by one of the great Welsh families, the Morgans, and after the Civil War the present grand house was built, incorporating the south-west wing of the earlier medieval house. With the marriage of William Morgan and Blanche Morgan in 1661, not only was the splendid mansion completed with the help of her huge dowry, but also the joining of these two influential families made them a powerful force to be reckoned with over the next 250 years. Their fortunes continued to flourish down the generations, tremendously enhanced by the foresight and business enterprises of Sir Charles Gould Morgan throughout the 18th century.

Following his father's financial successes, his son further expanded several commercial and industrial projects, and virtually established Newport as an important trade centre. Whilst consolidating their influence on the political and economic issues of the country, the Morgans had been desperately trying to secure a title as the final stamp of approval. They finally managed to secure a baronetcy in 1859, and in 1905 the first Viscount Tredegar was created.

Having achieved this pinnacle of recognition after centuries of proving their dominance and wealth, it is perhaps ironic that this also signalled the eventual demise of the Morgan family. Extravagance, eccentricities, and weighty death duties seriously depleted the family's financial assets throughout the next three generations until, in 1951, Tredegar House was stripped, the remaining contents auctioned, and the estate was sold. For 23 years Tredegar House served as a school but it was finally purchased by Newport Borough Council in the 1970s. With considerable financial help, this beautiful house has been gradually restored to something resembling its former splendour.

No records survive to identify the designer or builder of Tredegar House, but much of the external embellishment does seem to be after the style of Inigo Jones'. Internally, the rooms have been restored as far as possible to an original condition, and furnished with the aid of old photographs and inventories. Although the majority of contents were scattered at the sale of Tredegar House, some have since been recovered, and returned to their rightful place in the house. The rare 'Tredegar Salt', a silver salt cellar inscribed with the Morgan family crest, was discovered at auction a few years ago and purchased for a staggering sum in order to be reinstated in the dining room.

Highly informative, and often amusing, the guided tours of Tredegar House offer the visitor an opportunity to explore the architectural delights of the house, take in the family history, and learn a little about some of the bizarre family traits. There was Catherine who, believing she was a bird, made numerous nests and even some big enough for her to sit in, and Evan who kept a menagerie of strange animals, and had a macabre interest in black magic. In the grounds are several old barns and outbuildings from various times, and a very 'upmarket' stable block that was quite clearly modelled on the main house. A separate orangery is approached through a walled garden containing a stunning 18th century parterre created from an assortment of gravel, crushed shells and grass.