Gnoll Estate Country Park

The estate was the property of the Mackworth family during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are few traces remaining of the house, once considered "one of the finest residences in the principality". Historically, the estate was part of the Norman-owned territory of Neath and Afan, which also comprised Neath Abbey and Neath Castle. Sir Herbert's daughter and sole surviving heir, Mary, married Humphrey Mackworth (later Sir Humphrey) in 1686 and on her death ten years later, Mackworth became owner of the estate. Through the widow of Sir Herbert's brother Robert Mackworth (died 1795), the estate passed to Capel Hanbury Leigh, Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire, and it was later bought by Henry…