Aberconwy House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aberconwy House |
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The house at the corner of Castle Street and High Street
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| Type | House |
| Location | Conwy, Conwy County Borough, Wales |
| Built | C.1420 |
| Restored | 1976 |
| Architectural style(s) | Vernacular |
| Governing body | National Trust |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Aberconwy House | |
| Designated | 23 September 1950 |
| Reference no. | 3262 |
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Aberconwy House is a very old and special building located at 2 Castle Street in Conwy, Wales. It's a medieval merchant's house, which means it was once home to a wealthy trader. This house is one of the oldest buildings in Wales that we can accurately date. It was built in the 15th century and is one of only two merchant houses from that time still standing in Conwy. Because it's so old and important, it's recognized as a Grade I listed building. Today, the National Trust looks after Aberconwy House, and you can visit it as a museum.
The Story of Aberconwy House
After King Edward I of England took control of Wales in the late 1200s, Conwy became a very important town. It had a strong castle and big walls. The town was given a special permission called a Royal charter in 1284. This encouraged English traders, especially from areas like Cheshire and Lancashire, to move to Conwy.
Aberconwy House is a rare example of the homes and warehouses built by these English merchants. They traded goods in the Welsh Marches, which was the border area between England and Wales. A famous architect named John B. Hilling said in 2018 that it's the only house like it left from the "new towns" that King Edward I created in Wales.
Scientists used a method called tree-ring analysis to study the wood in the roof of Aberconwy House. They found that the trees used for the roof were cut down around 1417 to 1420. This makes it one of the oldest houses in Wales that we can pinpoint the exact building date. Because of its age and history, it was given the special status of a Grade I listed building in 1950.
Over the years, the house was used for different things. In the 1800s and 1900s, it was a hotel that didn't serve alcohol, called a temperance hotel. Later, it was used for other purposes. In 1934, it was given to the National Trust. The Trust did a lot of work to fix up the house in 1976, making sure it stayed strong and looked its best. Now, it's a museum where people can learn about its long history.
What Does It Look Like?
Aberconwy House has two floors above a cellar, which is like a basement. The top floor sticks out over the floor below it. This style is called "jettied," and the sticking-out part is held up by special stones called "corbel stones." This design was a sign that the owner was wealthy and successful.
The building is built around a strong timber frame. The way the wood is put together shows a style that was common in areas like Kent or Wealden in England. This unique architecture makes the house even more interesting to explore.
