REGIONAL RUNNER-UP: Pembrey Court, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire

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• 1. Background
• 2. Regional Information
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Background

• Listing: Grade 2
• Date of building: 16th–17th century
• Pembrey Court Gallery
• Pembrey Court Virtual Tour

The site of the house may have been settled as early as 1361, though much of what remains is Tudor in origin. The only Elizabethan manor left in Carmarthenshire, it has seven distinctive rubble stone chimneystacks which would once upon a time have proved a valuable navigation tool for ships negotiating the treacherous Burry Estuary, but are now shrouded in rampant ivy. Nearby is a barn with a castellated frontage.

The house would have been the most important property within the local parish and legend has it that Oliver Cromwell once stayed there. In the early 1700s, however, the house underwent drastic alterations to convert the single dwelling to a dwelling for two separate families. Substantial remodelling of the interiors led to walls windows and doors being removed, and further openings and divisions being introduced. The two homes were leased to a succession of different owners.

It is hoped that a restored and revitalised Pembrey Court could provide the local community with a valuable resource that would fulfil any one of a variety of roles. Suggestions considered so far include developing the property as an arts centre and Elizabethan interpretive centre for schools and other visitors to the area.

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