Gwaenynog

Gwaenynog (also spelled Gwaynynog) is an estate about 1 km (0.62 mi) to the south-west of the town of Denbigh, Wales. Its origins are mediaeval when it was built as a house for the Myddelton family. The Myddeltons claimed descent from Rhirid Flaidd, of the House of Cunedda, hereditary Kings of Gwynedd. Anglicising themselves and their name after the conquest of Wales, they thrived as prominent local landowners and politicians. Basing themselves ultimately at Chirk Castle, they served as receivers of Denbigh, governors of its castle and as members of parliament for Denbighshire and Denbigh Boroughs. Originally the principal family house, Gwaenynog descended to a cadet branch after the purchase of Chirk. This first building was a timber-framed hall-house dating to the middle of the 16th century. Extended in the 18th century, in 1774 the then owner, Colonel John Myddleton, hosted his relative Hester Thrale and her close friend, the lexicographer Samuel Johnson, a visit Myddleton commemorated by the erection of a monument in the grounds. In the 19th century, the house passed out of Myddleton ownership and came into the possession of Frederick Burton, whose wife was an aunt of Beatrix Potter. Potter stayed at the house on many occasions between 1895-1912 and the walled kitchen garden was the inspiration for The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies. Mr Macgregor's potting shed still stands. The house, which remains privately owned, is a Grade II* listed building and its gardens and landscaped park are listed at Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.