Nov 26 2010
by Sion Morgan, Western Mail
IT HAS been dubbed Llanelli’s “jewel in the crown” – but there are fears Parc Howard Mansion, a gem of classic Italianate architecture, is under threat.
The 19th-century museum – which houses the world’s largest collection of Llanelli Pottery – and its surrounding 32-acre parkland has struggled to step out of the shadow of its more media-savvy neighbour Llanelly House.
The Grade I-listed building has had less luck attracting cash for renovation, and now “persistent” vandals and thieves are adding to its funding woes.
“The attacks are putting it at risk – the roof is always being attacked for lead,” said a spokesman for Carmarthenshire County Council.
“We haven’t got the money to throw at repairs all the time. We are spending £187,000 on the building. But the attacks on the roof are causing water damage.
“It’s threatening its future.”
Parc Howard Mansion, built in 1885 by Llanelli’s brewing family, the Buckleys, was given to the people of Llanelli in 1912 by Sir Stafford and Lady Howard.
But it has rarely caught the wider public’s attention when compared to Llanelly House, the 18th-century Georgian town house. A campaign to save the latter saw the building a finalist in the 2003 BBC Restoration TV series.
Llanelly House’s public profile has remained undiminished and grant funding has since been secured while those working to keep Parc Howard running rely on council funding, public donations, and fundraising events.
Carmarthenshire council is spending £187,000 on repairs and maintenance to Parc Howard, which hosts a gallery and museum detailing Llanelli’s heyday, when it was the tinplate manufacturing centre of the world.
The Rev Eldon Phillips, of the Parc Howard Association, said: “It is encouraging to see the council ploughing money into the mansion but of course in these economic times healthcare and education take precedent over recreation. These old buildings need constant repair and we can only do our best to preserve what we have.
“The Parc Association is a support group not a pressure group. We work hard to work alongside the council and are currently trying to raise £15,000 ourselves to repair the park’s bandstand, but of course it is never easy.”
He added: “It’s sad that the general public could be deprived of something that is a jewel in the crown.
“Parc Howard is a wonderful facility for people of all ages, and we would hope that 99% of people realise that.
“It is one of the most important features in Llanelli, not only because the mansion is a marvellous building but because the park that surrounds it provides huge recreational facilities, from tennis courts to bowling greens to play areas.”
In the early 19th century the property, which was then known as Bryncaerau Park, was the home of businessman RT Howell.
Upon his death, the house passed to the architect James Buckley Wilson, a grandson of the Rev James Buckley. It was Mr Wilson who designed the alterations and extensions which transformed the building into the Italianate mansion of today.
In 1911, he sold it to Sir Stafford Howard, for £7,750. Sir Stafford bought the house and grounds with the intent to gift them to the people of Llanelli to celebrate his marriage the previous September.
In 1915 the mansion was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers, with 40 soldiers occupying five wards. In 1965, the council bought the Stepney estate for £350,000; this included Parc Howard and its parkland.
Ken Jones, of Llanelli Historical Society, said: “As the mansion was a gift it has particular affection with the people of the town.
“We are very concerned that restoration is maintained and finished as soon as possible so the gift can be enjoyed for many more years to come.”