This is the manor home (pronounced “plass NEW-eth”) of two 18th-century women who ran off together and lived here as a couple for 50 years. Known as the “Ladies of Llangollen,” Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby escaped from their families and settled here in 1778, causing a sensation in Georgian society.
The rich and famous – inspired by the way the ladies’ relationship epitomized the Romantic Age – beat a path to their door, including the Duke of Wellington, Josiah Wedgwood, William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott.
They were avid collectors of fine woodwork, which they incorporated into both the exterior and interior of their “cottage.” These ornate wood carvings seemingly cover every surface of the many cozy rooms – living room, library, bedroom, guest room – which also display some of their personal belongings.
Out front is the well-tended topiary garden. As our patron Saint Rick Steves says in his summary of this place… while there are plenty of old British manor houses to tour, this one is uniquely fascinating. It is a short uphill walk out of the main center. We were not scheduled to stop in Lloangollen… but we are certainly glad we did… it is an interesting little town, with interesting character.. and some beautifully moody scenery in the neighborhood.
