Hidden away behind a substantial gatehouse in the centre of Conwy is Plas Mawr a fine Elizabethan townhouse. The gatehouse in the High Street sits alongside many independent shops and it isn't until you step inside into the courtyard you begin to discover this amazing house.
The house was built by Robert Wynn who amassed his fortune through many business dealing throughout Europe in Tudor times. He purchased the land in 1570 and commissioned specialist plasterers to produce the heraldic emblems of his and his wife Dorothy's families.
Sadly Dorothy died in 1586, Robert remarried, his second wife also being called Dorothy, they had seven children.
Plas Mawr is a Cadw property and has been extensively restored with the rooms furnished as they would have been in the mid 1660s. The audio guide provided on admission was superb with Robert Wynn narrating and his wife adding her thoughts and opinions, it certainly bought the building to life.
The kitchen played a very important part in the Elizabethan household with grand meals. Plas Mawr's owner enjoyed entertaining in the style of high Society and court, as such the house would have had as many as twenty servants.
Robert certainly put his mark on the house with many dated plasterwork in the rooms, particularly above fireplaces.
The attic rooms had quite low ceilings as originally the floor below was designed to ha e high ceilings to the roof, displaying the well structured roof beams. A second floor was fitted and so only these attic rooms show the timbers with their original pegs. In subsequent years these rooms were let to tenants as after Robert's death in 1665 his daughter Elin marries and no longer lives in the house.
The history of the house, it's owner Robert Wynn, his family and the story of the house since the 1600s is amazing. It is such a surprise nestling in the middle of a bustling town. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit especially with the audio guide.
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