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HistoryMargam Castle & Estate (built 1830-1840) |
Background
This impressive mansion house was built by
Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803-1890). He had always been attracted to romantic
Margam
and wanted to build a suitable country residence which would compliment Margam's illustrious history.
The castle, in the shade of the green slope of Mynydd y Castell is only a short distance from the ruins of the
chapterhouse and
orangery pleasure
gardens. The young squire was determined that his new house would be the envy of the country and suited to his lineage, rank and fortune.
The Architect
Thomas Hopper 1776-1856
Thomas Hopper
was chosen as the architect with the style of the building to be Tudor Gothic. Encouraged by Talbot, he let
his imagination run riot which resulted in a sea of towers, turrets, pinnacles, cupolas, battlements and gables. Margam Castle
was as romantic as any gothic enthusiast could wish.
Margam Castle
Sir Christopher Rice Manel Talbot (1803-1890)
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Built at a cost well over £50,000.00 the equivalent today of several millions of pounds, the house is centred around 3 courtyards
and was built using local sandstone. Harder stone was used inside for the staircase and hall. Oak and pine were used for rafters and
floorings and cast iron railway lines support and strengthen the stone landings of the staircases.
The guttering and water pipes were of lead with the Talbot crest on each drip box above the down pipes. The roof was on so many
levels an army of men was needed to sweep the gutters.
The owner's pride in his family history is shown in the stonework by the great number of shields and coats of arms of the branches
of the Mansel family. Most of the work was completed by 1836 with the interior decoration beginning with the gothic style being
continued in the entrance and staircase halls.
The staircase hall was flagged and fitted with fleur-de-lys and ribband carpet in pink on a rich brown. Later, gothic
seats were installed around the edge of the staircase hall each carved with monograms of CRM Talbot. The library, drawing and dining
rooms were sumptuously decorated.
Gold leaf, carved marble, fine furniture, French rococo panelling, crystal chandeliers, Chinese lacquer porcelain vases,
paintings by Rubens and screens, Canaletto all completed the opulent furnishing of the rooms.
Miss Emily Charlotte Talbot (1840-1918)
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CRM Talbot died in 1890; his daughter and heiress,
Miss Emily Charlotte Talbot made various changes to the house.
New bathrooms and plumbling were installed and the central heating improved. The billiard room was added, being built
over the small inner courtyard.
Jacobean in style it became the popular haunt of gentleman guests invited to her large house parties in the late 19th century
and early 20th centuries. A large skylight of plain coloured glass lit the room.
Captain Andrew Mansel Talbot Fletcher (1881-1951)
The estate was inherited by Captain Andrew Mansel Talbot Fletcher following the death of Miss Talbot in 1918.
He and his family frequently stayed here during the summer holidays. He often opened the grounds to the public, hosting
fates and celebrations. He altered the castle little although he did convert the old stable block into a squash court and garage in 1930.
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Margam Castle during World War II
During World War II both British and American troops were posted at Margam Caslte. The American General
Dwight Eisenhower visited
shortly before D-Day to prepare the soldiers for war. US Forces in Margam Park
Margam Estate Auctioned after WWII
Following the outbreak of the second World War the trustees of the Margam Estate decided to sell the house and contents along with a large
portion of land. The 4-day auction organised by Christies of London took place between 27th & 30th October 1941.
David Evans Bevan, Neath
In 1942 the Margam Estate was purchased by
David Evans Bevan of Neath. He never lived in the building and it gradually fell
into decline. In 1973 he decided to sell, encouraged by
Lord Heycock and Glamorgan County Council purchased the estate for
£400,000.00 - gradually a programme of restoration and improvement was undertaken.
This work has contined with the present owners
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
Source: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Inside Margam Castle - Interactive Photo Section
Mouse over images for brief desciption
Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Stained Glass in doorway in Entrance Hall to Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Interior of Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Fireplace in Entrance Hall to Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Stained Glass window in Entrance Hall to Octagonal Tower - Margam Castle
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Part of fire surround in display cabinet from the Billiard Room dated 1892. The left-hand panel was carved with the letters E.C.T.,
the initials of Emily Charlotte Talbot, the last of the Talbots of Margam (1840-1918).
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Images Courtesy: ODPDS Professional Photography - www.odpds.co.uk
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