Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Gatepiers and Forecourt Walls at Rhydonen
Llanynys, Denbighshire, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
- Date of designation
- 18 August 1999
- Locality
- Llanychan
- Community
- Llanynys
- Unitary authority
- Denbighshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.15883, -3.32661
- Cadw reference
- 22149
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
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
Located immediately in front of Rhydonen and enclosing a raised, rectangular garden/forecourt.
History
Revetted and walled forecourt with panelled gatepiers, built c1700. Large-field panelling in the former parlour at Rhydonen is contemporary and relates to a phase of cosmetic remodelling carried out at that time which also included the infilling in brick of much of the house's primary timber-framing. It is probable that a large yew tree within the garden/forecourt is also contemporary.
Exterior
Forecourt or garden walls, with associated gatepiers. The walls are of red brick with early C20 rendering, on a tall limestone rubble plinth; original sandstone copings. They enclose a raised rectangular platform in front of the house, and serve as both revetments and low walls. Within the enclosure the walls rise to a maximum height of 0.5m at the front and E (L) sides, and 2m on the R (W) side. At the SE (front L) corner the wall has a maximum external height of 1.8m, whilst at the corresponding SW corner the sloping ground level reuses the height to approximately 0.5m. The unrendered western stretch of the wall slopes up from the low front section at right-angles, whilst the latter continues for a further 4m before terminating at the hedge-lined road. The former terminates at the house in a modern segmental brick arch with iron gate. There is evidence to suggest that there were originally iron railings surmounting the front wall sections, flanking the gate piers.
The gatepiers are of sandstone and are approximately 2.8m high; they are approached by 5 modern concrete steps. Each has a square profile and sits on a chamfered plinth; 2 fielded panels to each face, with a wide moulded cornice. Surmounting each is a panelled obelisk finial with metal attachment at the apex, probably originally carrying a ball. The piers retain their original iron gate hinges; modern iron half gates.
Reason for designation
Listed for its special interest as a good pair of late C17 or early C18 decorative gatepiers with associated forecourt walls.
Group value with Rhydonen.
Nearby in the register
- RhydonenDomesticunder 1 mi
- Pont PerfaTransportunder 1 mi
- Cerrigllwydion HallDomesticunder 1 mi
- Church of St HychanReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.