In his book 'The Story of Parc Howard' local author and historian Philip Thomas describes the parkland as 'Llanelli's Jewel in the Crown'.
Sitting majestically on one of the three highest features that overlook Carmarthen Bay, Parc Howard's extensive history dates back to the 'Middle Stone Age' or if we think of it in numerical terms, 10,000 years. Early settlers include the Iberians, Brythons, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Normans, and each established settlements at some point on the high ground which was originally called Bryncaerau, the Welsh term for 'Hill of Forts'.
In 1562, Bryncaerau first became a private estate back in 1562 when prominent lawyer Alban Stepney purchased the land while serving as Receiver General of the Diocese of St David. The land was believed to have been used by Alban Stepney for hunting when hosting important guests.
The first residence was constructed in the early 1800s by the Roberts family of Llanelli and named 'Bryncaerau Cottage'. It stood on the site of the present day Llanelli Museum but only survived until 1882. Between 1882 and 1886, the cottage was replaced by the magnificent Italianate building we see today.
Former residents include wealthy industrialists and a prominent Liberal MP whose antecedent, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was executed at Tower Hill for his attempt to overthrow King Henry VIII in 1521.
There is much to discover at Parc Howard and there are two books which offer visitors an insight into the history of this remarkable estate.
They are:
'The First Hundred Years'
'The Story of Parc Howard'
Both can be purchased from Llanelli Museum
Sitting majestically on one of the three highest features that overlook Carmarthen Bay, Parc Howard's extensive history dates back to the 'Middle Stone Age' or if we think of it in numerical terms, 10,000 years. Early settlers include the Iberians, Brythons, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Normans, and each established settlements at some point on the high ground which was originally called Bryncaerau, the Welsh term for 'Hill of Forts'.
In 1562, Bryncaerau first became a private estate back in 1562 when prominent lawyer Alban Stepney purchased the land while serving as Receiver General of the Diocese of St David. The land was believed to have been used by Alban Stepney for hunting when hosting important guests.
The first residence was constructed in the early 1800s by the Roberts family of Llanelli and named 'Bryncaerau Cottage'. It stood on the site of the present day Llanelli Museum but only survived until 1882. Between 1882 and 1886, the cottage was replaced by the magnificent Italianate building we see today.
Former residents include wealthy industrialists and a prominent Liberal MP whose antecedent, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was executed at Tower Hill for his attempt to overthrow King Henry VIII in 1521.
There is much to discover at Parc Howard and there are two books which offer visitors an insight into the history of this remarkable estate.
They are:
'The First Hundred Years'
'The Story of Parc Howard'
Both can be purchased from Llanelli Museum
