On Friday 21st May, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, made a socially distanced visit to see some new projects in the Dell at Plas Newydd – the historic house and gardens once owned by the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby.
In Napoleonic times, a visit to Plas Newydd was considered a must on any tour of North Wales. And famous visitors have included the Duke of Wellington, Wedgwood, Shelley and Byron.
During the visit, Mr Baynes met Paul Evans (Manager of Plas Newydd), David Shiel (AONB Area Manager) and Howard Sutcliffe (AONB Officer, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley), where they toured the grounds to view some new, engraved seating made from 200-year-old Elm trees that had to be felled.
Howard Sutcliffe said:
“On a very wet Friday afternoon Simon was shown round new projects in the Dell at Plas Newydd. We visited the new elm benches constructed from elm trees in the Dell that had succumbed to disease. We also saw new chestnut fencing, stone revetment and the newly discovered pump building. Much of this work was funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Our Picturesque Landscape’ that is based in the Dee Valley.
Commenting after his visit, Mr Baynes, said:
“It was a great pleasure to be given a tour of Plas Newydd and to see all the improvements that are being made, particularly in the Dell. The commitment of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the AONB and the team at Plas Newydd is very impressive. It is a much loved place with an amazing history which plays an important part in the community of Llangollen. Long may it flourish!”