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Margam Castle

The 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion

This 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion was designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
The house was built in 1830 – 40 at a cost of £50,000 using sandstone from nearby Pyle quarry. Listed Grade I as a mansion of exceptional quality, the Castle has some spectacular features such as the vast staircase hall and octagonal tower.

One frequent visitor to Margam was Talbot’s cousin, Henry Fox Talbot of Lacock. A pioneer photographer, he succeeded in taking one of the earliest photographic views which clearly shows the corner of the south west façade.

Until 1942, the Castle and estate remained in the ownership of the Talbot family when it was acquired by a local landowner, Sir David Evans Bevan, and in 1974 by the County Council, the present owners, when it was of ruinous state.

A disastrous fire in 1977 gutted the interior. An ambitious restoration programme was embarked upon, much has been achieved and the programme continues.

The outbuildings house the Visitor Centre including the Shop, cafe and outlets.

The Main Park Office and reception are in the main castle building.

The Entrance Hallway and Staircase Hall is open to the public (although with limited views of the main staircase as ongoing repair works are taking place).

The Library, Dining Room and Drawing Room are now used for a variety of events.

More details of the building listed building status can be found here.

 

© Margam Country Park