Introduction
The Gnoll is a largely 18th-centruy landscape park of very great historic interest, in its original rural setting above Neath. It lies on the flank of the Vale of Neath, long famed for its picturesque beauty.
The Gnoll is a largely 18th-century landscape park of great historic interest, in its original rural setting above Neath. It lies on the flank of the Vale of Neath, long famed for its picturesque beauty.
The landscape of The Gnoll is exceptional for its combination of industrial and ornamental functions and for its strong visual relationship with the surrounding countryside.- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01443 336000Website
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/Access contact details
The Gnoll estate is open for general public use, with free entry and car parking. http://www.gnollestatecountrypark.co.uk/Default.aspx?page=7954
Owners
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Port Talbot Civic Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PJ
- History
The 18th-century landscaping is of several phases, including a particularly interesting early transitional layout. This was designed by Thomas Greening, in the style of Stephen Switzer. There are formal and informal elements, including a (restored) formal cascade.
The following phases include an outstanding informal cascade of the 1740s. There are also later 18th-century follies of a rock-hewn grotto and the Ivy Tower, which forms a prominent landmark in the Neath valley.
Although the park's historic character has been somewhat diluted through the loss of the house and planting, most of its structural elements remain intact or have been restored or rebuilt. The site was later used as Victorian pleasure grounds. Conversion for public use followed in the 20th century.
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Gm)50(NEP)
- Grade: II*
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: former gate and lodges to Gnoll House
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Ivy Tower
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: War Memorial Gates, Gnoll Avenue
- Grade: II
Features
- Gate
- Description: War Memorial Gates.
- Drive
- Cascade
- Description: Formal cascade.
- Cascade
- Description: Informal cascade.
- Pond
- Folly
- Lake
- Grotto
- Gazebo
- Tower
- Description: Ivy Tower.
- Kitchen Garden
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Recreational
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Neath
- References
References
- CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan} (Cardiff: CADW, 2000) 114 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan
- Newman, J., {The Buildings of Wales} (London: Penguin, 1995) 462-3 The Buildings of Wales: Glamorgan
- Wyndham, H.P., {A Tour Through Monmouthshire and Wales} (Salisbury, 1781) 39 A Tour Through Monmouthshire and Wales
- O'Donovan, S., {The Gnoll Estate} (1985) The Gnoll Estate
- Related Documents
-
CLS 1/335/1
Conservation and Development Plan - Digital Copy
Land Use Consultants - 1992
-
CLS 1/335/1