Work is moving on apace on exciting new improvements to the visitor experience of life in the 17th century at Llancaiach Fawr Manor.
Now that the scaffolding has been constructed to gain access to the top of the chimneys, the old roof, laid in the 1980s, and now failing, is being removed and the 16th century roof structure is clearly visible for the first time in well over 30 years.
An important aspect of the whole project is to keep the manor open to the public during the works. Taliesin Conservation Ltd are the contractors tasked with undertaking the delicate conservation works and they are running ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours with members of the public on the first Saturday of every month until the end of the building works this autumn. The working areas are made safe for the tour groups to enter under careful supervision and the traditional skills and issues involved on working on a Grade 1 listed building are being explained in situ. The theme will change monthly to reflect the different works being carried out.
The next tours will run at 10am and 11am on Saturday 5th April when the roof structure, the timber repairs and new roof will be covered. The £3 per person fee is going to the Friends of Llancaiach Fawr Manor who are fundraising separately to provide the furniture and equipment that will enable the attics to be interpreted as the servants’ quarters once all the work is finished.
Places are very limited due to the nature of the building works and must be pre-booked by contacting reception at the manor on 01443 412248. There are only 12 places on each tour- hard hats and high visibility jackets will be provided but visitors must wear stout, flat shoes or boots.
