THE OLD Manor House, at World’s End, Llangollen, was built about 1563, and since then, a west wing has been added. The upper storey consists of massive timbers. Over one of the doorways there is a coat of arms with three fleur-de-lys and three lions passant. Over another doorway is a lion rampant. In 1911, the owner of the Manor House was Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, of Ruabon.
The inside walls are oak panelled with oak stairs, old furniture and carved bedsteads. The windows, which are rather deep, let in only a dim light. In the house, many relics can be seen relating to the Roundhead period, including a portrait of Oliver Cromwell. Above the main south doorway is the motto, “Ovner Na Ovno Angau (Fear him that fears not death)”.
Another inscription is “Eglwyseg Manor inherited by the Princes and Lords of Powys from Bleddyn ab Cynvyn King of North Wales and Powys, slain 1073 in battle. AD 903 Son of Roderic the great King of all Wales slain in battle AD 844, Son of Nest daughter of Cadell ab Brochwel ab Eliseg King of Powis who died AD 808”.
On the south frontage of the west wing is the inscription MDLX 111, Elizabeth Regina.
At one time, the Manor was the property of Col. John Jones of Harlech. He was a noted Parliamentarian and was one of the regicides. On his marriage to Margaret Edwards of Stansty, he became the owner of the house.
Col Jones married again in 1656 to Catherine, sister to Oliver Cromwell.
Following the restoration in 1660, Col Jones took refuge in the Manor, but at a later date, he fled to Kilhendre the home of his niece, but he was later captured and executed in London on October 17, 1660.
The property then passed into the possession of a Miss Baldwin Lloyd, of Ruthin. Sometime later, she sold it to the Jones family of Llanerchrugog Hall.
When Cadwgan Prince of Powys held the predecessor of the present Tudor House as he termed his `Hafod‘, an incident took place of some importance.
At Christmas 1108, there was an Eisteddfod at Cardigan, attended by Nest the daughter of Rhys ap Tudor King of Deheubarth.
When she was a girl, Nest was a ward of the court of Henry I, who gave her in marriage to Gerald de Windsor, Earl of Pembroke. Owen Cadwgan’s son was then living at the Manor at World’s End.
On hearing of the beauty of Nest, he got around him a band of bad and evil youths, they went to Pembroke and by night raided the castle.
Gerald escaped through a drain but Nest and her two children were abducted by Owain and brought by mountain pathways to Plas Uchaf.
Later, Owain fled to Ireland and Cadwgan lost both his hands. This was on account of Henry I and Gerald of Pembroke who raged against the Welsh.
Eventually Nest was restored to her husband and Owain was slain by Gerald. Since the events of those far off times, the Manor has passed into many hands.
Source: Original research by H C Diggory; photographs Graham Lloyd & Leader.
