Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
The Tower in Tan-y-Coed Gardens
Old Colwyn, Conwy, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
- Date of designation
- 19 July 1991
- Locality
- Old Colwyn
- Community
- Old Colwyn
- Unitary authority
- Conwy
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.29097, -3.69822
- Cadw reference
- 276
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 LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesNational Library of Scotland
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
Sitiuated on a grassy mound in the municipal gardens between cliff road and the
stream adjoining Beach Road. Also known as Tan-Y-Coed Folly.
History
Built about 1893-4 for the use of Charles Woodall (of old Trafford), who lived in Tan-Y-Coed mansion on the W side of Beach Road, and is said to have used the folly as a smoke room. The mansion was demolished 1975-6; the Tower remained in the community until recent years.
Exterior
Square single storey building with taller polygonal stair-tower to SW angle. Diagonal buttresses with stepped chimney to NE angle and circular domed turrets corbelled out at other corners. Bull nosed rubble facings, and dressed quoins. Battered plinth, corbelled and crenellated parapets with sloped cappings and centre arrow loops. Stair-tower turns circular above parapet level, with blind cross lopps and blocked stair windows. Main windows and w side doorway (all blocked) have chamfered lintels, dressed sills and steps to door.
Reason for designation
Ornamental structure of considerable local importance as an eyecatcher in Tan-y-Coed gardens.
Nearby in the register
- St John's Church HouseDomesticunder 1 mi
- Church of Saint JohnReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Entrance Gate to Saint John's ChurchyardReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Midland BankCommercialunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.