Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Grotto at Maesfron
Trewern, Powys, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II*
- Broad class
- Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
- Date of designation
- 24 January 1995
- Locality
- Trewern
- Community
- Trewern
- Unitary authority
- Powys
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.69573, -3.06506
- Cadw reference
- 15641
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Location
Situated in the landscaped gardens to the south-east of Maesfron house. Built into the steep bank south of the gazebo.
History
Built c1830-50 for Francis Allen as a feature in the grounds associated with his Regency villa.
Exterior
Grotto comprising a quartzite facade wall carried over a narrow opening by a half brick arch, the entrance comprising rebated stone jambs carrying a cut stone ogee arch.
Interior
Circular interior with decorative pebble floor, and quartzite/calcite faced walls carrying a saucer dome faced with cockle, mussel, oyster etc. shells, and glazed pottery. Shallow wall decorative features, including recessed triangle and Maltese cross patterns.
Reason for designation
Graded II* as a scarce example of a C19 grotto that retains its shellwork and as an important element of the landscape garden of Maesfron.
Nearby in the register
- Gazebo at MaesfronGardens, Parks and Urban Spacesunder 1 mi
- MaesfronDomesticunder 1 mi
- Outbuilding at the Olde Post OfficeDomesticunder 1 mi
- Outbuilding at The Olde Post OfficeDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.