Castell Malgwyn Hotel

A Brief History

Castell Malgwyn Mansion was built by Sir Benjamin Hammet as his private residence, and dates back to 1795. He loved the location in the wooded Teifi Valley so much, that he gave up the honour of the Lord Mayorship of London to remain at his beloved mansion house and was fined £1,000 for avoiding his duties. Benjamin Hammet managed, from the Castell Malgwyn until his death, his iron and tin works.

The River Teifi which runs beside the hotel was used as the means of communication for delivering fuel and carrying away products. A short canal was dug to by-pass the flat stones at Llechryd bridge. The house was later sold by his widow to the Gower family, who had another estate near Cilgerran.

The Gower family owned the house and extensive farm land until 1948, sharing their time between the two homes. There are many pictures of the family at leisure in the grounds. Lily Gower was croquet champion of England for several years around 1900 - an early indication of the family's sporting prowess, as shown later by David Gower, English Cricket Captain. The house was used for rest and recuperation in both World Wars.

After a profligate owner used up the finances, the house was sold in 1948 and converted into apartments. In 1960 it was made into a hotel and has been upgraded and modernized regularly since that date. One of the challenges guests enjoy is trying to work out the original floor plan and room arrangements using ceiling covings, door ways, window frames and corridors.

Building & Surrounds
History of Castell Malgwyn Download as PDF Document