History of Miskin Manor
Miskin Manor Country Hotel
Miskin Manor has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 10th century when Wales was divided into cwmwds (sections), one of these cwmwds was Miscin. It is believed that the place name evolved from ‘Maes Cun’ meaning lovely plain.
Around 1100, Nest, a daughter of the prince of Glamorgan, lived at Miskin with her husband and occupied the Lordship and Manor of that name.
In 1857 the estate was sold to David Williams. As a well-known Welsh Bard with the Bardic title of Alaw Coch, David Williams was a philanthropist to whom the National Eisteddfod owes a great deal. Miskin Manor was rebuilt and extended under his ownership and the work was continued by his son Judge Gwylim Williams whose wife, strangely enough, was a descendant of Nest. Judge Gwylim’s statue stands outside the law courts in Cardiff.
The Manor then passed on to Sir Rhys Williams whose wife Juliet was the daughter of the novelist Elinor Glyn under the ownership of Sir Rhys the Manor saw a great deal of society life and even had the honour of entertaining the Prince of Wales (later to become Edward V111) on one of his many trips to Wales in the 1920’s. On Sir Rhys’ death the Manor passed to Sir Brandon Rhys Williams.
The Manor has suffered two major fires during the last Century, both of which have threatened its future. The first in 1922 destroyed all but the external walls. The photographs on the ground floor illustrate the extent of the damage. The second fire occurred in 1952 shortly after the house was transformed from its wartime occupation as a hospital into post-war flats.
The house remained divided into flats until 1985 when the Manor was sold, converted and extended into the Country House it is today.
The current owners, Leah and Colin Rosenberg, purchased the Manor eight years ago and their loving care and attention to detail in the restoration of the building shows itself very clearly in the Minstrel Hall, which, with its gallery is a truly magical place. It has its own atmosphere and ambience and is now an extremely popular wedding venue.
The gardens are a particular outstanding feature and much thought and care has gone into their planting – there is an abundance of colour all year round.
Leah and Colin believe their greatest asset is the staff itself, and this shows in the committed and professional team whose greatest aim is to please. The atmosphere within the hotel is warm and welcoming as befits a true Country Manor.
