Glanusk Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glanusk Park |
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Engraving of Glanusk Park, circa 1880
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Crickhowell, Powys |
| Country | Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°52′08″N 3°10′19″W / 51.869°N 3.172°W |
| Completed | 1826 |
| Demolished | 1952 |
| Client | Sir Joseph Bailey |
Glanusk Park is a large country estate located in Wales, United Kingdom. It is found near the town of Crickhowell in Powys. Sir Joseph Bailey, a wealthy ironmaster, started the estate in 1826.
The park is so important that it is part of a special family title, Baron Glanusk. This title was given to Sir Joseph's grandson, Sir Joseph Russell Bailey, in 1899. At that time, he was a very important person in the area, known as the Lord Lieutenant of Brecknockshire.
Glanusk Park is huge! It includes about 20,000 acres of common land and 3,500 acres of farmland. There are also 29 homes and 7 farms that are rented out. A five-mile (8 km) part of the River Usk flows through the estate. The park also has 400 acres of private parkland and 800 acres of forest. This forest is home to over 200 different kinds of oak trees.
The Legge-Bourke family privately owns Glanusk Park and Estate. It sits in the beautiful countryside of the Usk Valley in South Wales. It is also part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Glanusk is one of the biggest privately owned estates in all of Wales.
Glanusk Park's Story
Joseph Bailey and his brother, Crawshay Bailey, became very rich. They worked for their uncle, Richard Crawshay. He owned the Cyfarthfa Ironworks near Merthyr Tydfil. Joseph used his money to buy many estates. These included lands in Brecknockshire, Radnorshire, Herefordshire, and Glamorganshire. He bought the Glanusk Park estate in 1826.
The large mansion built by Sir Joseph was taken down in 1952. This happened because it was damaged by fire. The fire occurred when the Army was using the building.
The family still lives on the estate today. They live in a house called Penmyarth. Many other buildings on the estate are very old and important. These include the Tower Bridge and the Stable Yard. There are also several farm buildings from 1826 and a private chapel. You can even find some ancient Celtic standing stones on the estate.
An old golf club, Crickhowell & Penmyarth Golf Club, started in 1897. It had a course at Glanusk Park. The club and course closed down in the late 1960s.
Glanusk Park Today
Today, Glanusk is a busy and varied country estate. It has farming, private homes, and businesses. It is also used for sports, weddings, and holiday rentals. People can go pheasant and partridge shooting there. There is also salmon and trout fishing in the river.
The estate is a popular place for big events. It hosts the yearly Green Man Festival. In the past, it has also held Welsh Polo games. The Glanusk International Horse Trials took place here too. Many smaller events and charity functions happen at Glanusk. These include the annual NGS Open Garden and an Estate Fair.
Shân Legge-Bourke is the current owner of the Glanusk estate. She is the Lord Lieutenant of Powys. She also works as a lady-in-waiting to The Princess Royal. Shân is the daughter of Wilfred Bailey, 3rd Baron Glanusk. Her daughter, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, grew up at Glanusk. Tiggy was the nanny for Prince William and his brother Prince Harry. She still lives on the estate today.
