Times Past
Margam Park is a remarkably diverse and varied landscape within
which there is evidence of over 4,000
years of continuous habitation and use by man and as such
represents a rare and valuable learning resource and a heritage
attraction of considerable distinction. It is of exceptional
historic and scenic value and has some of the country’s finest
architectural treasures in its magnificent setting
The 850 acre country estate situated two miles east of Port
Talbot on the narrow coastal plain, set on the southern slopes of
Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to a height of
349m AOD, is one of the major ancient settlements of Glamorgan.
It’s history can be traced back to pre-historic times, Bronze and
Iron Age relics abound the area, and evidence exists of Roman and
extensive Celtic occupation, the deer herd probably introduced by
the Romans.
It has been a place of particular religious importance
throughout it’s history. The Norman Abbey, founded in the mid 12th
Century was, until its dissolution at the hands of Henry VIII, a
religious centre of major importance in South Wales. The remains of
the Abbey are extensive, the ruined Chapter House being of
exceptional architectural quality.
Following the Dissolution, successive owners built and rebuilt
their houses on the Abbey site. The surviving buildings form a
unique record of its historical and architectural development. In
the late 18th century considerable redevelopment took place, the
area was laid out on classical lines as parkland and the famous
Orangery built which remains one of the
largest and most outstanding buildings of its kind in the
country.
In the early 19th century the park was further enhanced and
extended and the present Margam Castle
was built. This Tudor ‘style’ Mansion remained in use until the end
of the second world war, and the ensuing quarter of a century of
neglect took its toll and the building was in a badly deteriorated
condition when acquired by the present owners.
The Park was officially opened to the public in 1977 since which
some four million people have visited to enjoy the countryside,
gardens and heritage; for environmental education and to use the
facilities socially.