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Nannau, Wales facts for kids

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Nannau
Plas Nannau.jpg
“The highest situation of any gentleman’s house in Great Britain.”
Type House
Location Llanfachreth, Gwynedd
Area North Wales
Built 1795-1805 & 1808
Architect Sir Robert Vaughan, 2nd Baronet & Joseph Bromfield
Architectural style(s) Neoclassical
Website Nannau.Wales
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: Nannau
Designated 14 June 1952
Reference no. 4710
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Nannau (which means "the place of many streams" in English) is a grand old house and the land around it. It is located near the village of Llanfachreth in Gwynedd, Wales. This historic estate has a long and interesting past, stretching back many centuries.

The mansion was once home to the Nanney (or Nannau) family. This family was directly related to the ancient House of Mathrafal. This was a powerful royal family from the Kingdom of Powys and Gwynedd in Wales.

The History of Nannau

The Nannau estate was started by a man named Madog ap Cadwgan. He was the first Lord of Nannau. Madog was the son of Prince Cadwgan ap Bleddyn, who lived from 1051 to 1111. The title of Lord of Nannau was passed down through the family for about 400 years.

Changes in Ownership

Eventually, the estate was divided among different family branches. It then passed to an heiress named Janet. In 1719, Janet married into the Vaughan family from a place called Hengwrt.

Her descendants, the Vaughan baronets, decided to build a new house. Between 1795 and 1805, they replaced the older 17th-century mansion. The new house was designed by Joseph Bromfield and still stands today.

Nannau in the 20th Century

By the middle of the 20th century, the Nannau estate faced some tough times. It was described as 'wrecked'. Many parts of the land were sold off by different owners. Some parts of the 18th-century house were even torn down. There were also attempts to turn the hall into a hotel, but these did not work out.

By 2020, the house was in poor condition. Even the lead from its roof had been stolen. Nannau is recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historic building that needs to be protected.

Images for kids

  • Corffddelw - effigy of Meurig ap Ynyr Fychan, Nannau 09

    A stone statue of Meurig ap Ynyr Fychan, found at St. Mary's church in Dolgellau.

  • Oak Tree at Tyn Y Llwyn near Meifod. The property of Sir Robert Williames Vaughan-Bart (1132774)

    The Nannau Oak tree.

  • Bronze Age Palstave, Palstave (FindID 777732)

    A Palstave, which is a type of axe head from the Middle Bronze Age (around 1500-1400 BC). This one was part of a collection of old items found in Arthog.

  • The Nannau Gatehouse at Coed y Moch - geograph.org.uk - 502185

    The gates leading to Nannau.

  • Nannau House Llanfachreth Wales 2010

    A view of the back of Nannau House in Llanfachreth, Wales.

  • Ceubren Yr Ellyll

    Ceubren Yr Ellyll, which means 'The Oak of the Devils'. Legend says a person named Hywel Sele was buried inside this tree.

  • DV 27 No.30.Nannau

    Nannau as painted by the artist Moses Griffith (artist) around 1808.

  • DV 27 No.31.Old Nannau

    A sketch of the old Nannau house by Moses Griffith from 1797. This older house was built around 1697.

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