a district long celebrated in prose and verse for its varied beauties, is bounded on each side by lofty mountains of imposing grandeur. It is certainly a charming and romantic spot; and though not so grandly impressive, or so surpassingly beautiful as some of the other Welsh valleys, its lovely features become more attractive on a familiar acquaintance. A remarkable range of lime-stone hills, called the Eglwyseg Rocks, adds a singular variety to the landscape. It is almost needless to observe that “Llangollen, that sweetest of vales,” is the scene of the home of “Jenny Jones,” whose charms are sung in Charles Matthews’ popular ballad.—In this vale, and within a quarter of a mile from the town, stands
Plas Newydd,
the famed retreat of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby, better known, probably, as the two recluses of Llangollen Vale. These two females, delighted with the scenery around Llangollen, when it was little known to the rest of the world, sought here, about the year 1778, a philosophical retirement from the frivolities of fashionable life, and selected and improved a dwelling that commands a fine mountain prospect, which obtained the name of Plâs Newydd. This elegant little cottage is situated on a small knoll, and surrounded by very tasteful grounds.
The peculiar style in which these ladies decorated their retreat has been much discussed. A palisade, ornamented with antique and grotesque figures carved in oak, enclosed the front; and the doors and windows were decorated with carving of the same material. The rooms were tastefully adorned with drawings. A carriage drive, open to strangers, crosses the lawn immediately in front of the cottage. Lady Eleanor Butler died June 2, 1829, at the advanced age of 90, and Miss Ponsonby, Dec. 9, 1831, aged 76: both were interred in the churchyard of Llangollen. To their memory is erected a monument of unique and elegant structure. It has three sides, on each of which there is an appropriate epitaph; one for Lady Eleanor Butler, another for Miss Ponsonby, and the other for their youthful servant, Mary Carrol, who had accompanied them from Ireland, the country of their birth, to this delightful retirement.
The whole property was consigned to the hammer in 1832, and was purchased by two other maiden ladies, viz. Miss Lolly and Miss Andrew, who seemed inclined to emulate the retirement of its former possessors.
There are many other genteel villas and country residences, within a convenient distance of the town, deserving of notice.
Castell Dinas Bran
is situated on a high and somewhat conical hill, about a mile from Llangollen. The building has been about a hundred yards long, and fifty in breadth; and it formerly occupied the whole crown of the mountain. From its extremely elevated situation (being about 910 feet above the surface of the Dee at Llangollen bridge), it must have been a place of vast strength. On the side which is most accessible, it was defended by trenches cut through the solid rock. The present remains consist of nothing more than a few shattered walls. There is a well of pure water on the top of the hill.
The views hence on every side are very grand. Towards the east stretches the whole vale of Llangollen, through which the Dee foams over its rocky bed; and beyond the vale is seen all the flat and highly cultivated country that extends for many miles. Just beneath lies the town of Llangollen, and towards the west is the vale of Crucis, with its back-ground of lofty mountains, whose dark sides are agreeably varied with wood and meadow. This fortress, from the style of its architecture, is evidently the work of the Britons; but by whom built, or when demolished, is a matter of mystery. Old Churchyard, who visited it in the sixteenth century, calls it “an old ruynous thing.”