The Ladies of Llangollen
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John Hicklin >> The Ladies of Llangollen
THE "LADIES OF LLANGOLLEN,"
AS SKETCHED BY MANY HANDS;
WITH NOTICES OF
OTHER OBJECTS OF INTEREST
IN
"THAT SWEETEST OF VALES."
BY JOHN HICKLIN,
EDITOR OF THE "CHESTER COURANT," AUTHOR OF THE "HISTORY OF CHESTER
CATHEDRAL," ETC. ETC.
CHESTER:
THOMAS CATHERALL, EASTGATE ROW;
LONDON: WHITTAKER & CO.; ACKERMANN & CO., STRAND;
DUBLIN: T. CRANFIELD.
MDCCCXLVII.
TO
MISS LOLLY AND MISS ANDREW,
THE
PROPRIETORS AND OCCUPIERS OF PLAS NEWYDD.
THE FAMED RETREAT OF
"The Ladies of Llangollen,"
THE FOLLOWING PAGES
ARE MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY
THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT,
THE PUBLISHER.
THE LADIES OF LLANGOLLEN.
From the early age of Cambrian history, when the peerless beauty of the
high-born Myfanwy Fechan awoke the passion and the poesy of her admiring
bard, Howel ap Einion Llygliw, down to the modern days of the more
humble, but not less renowned maiden, "Sweet Jenny Jones;" Llangollen,
"that sweetest of vales," seems to have been associated with
recollections of tender and romantic interest. Our narrative, however,
albeit it relates to the Ladies of Llangollen, refers not to whispered
vows and moonlight serenades between gallant chiefs and damsels of noble
birth; nor to sentimental tales of love in a cottage; but it is rather
devoted to the records of a friendship, whose incidents and
eccentricities have engaged the attention of many eminent _literati_ and
tourists. Most persons who take any interest in the scenery or
topography of North Wales, have either seen or read of that singular
residence, Plas Newydd, at Llangollen, for so many years the home of Lady
Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby.
About the year 1778, these ladies, impelled by a desire to lead a
secluded life of celibacy, forsook the gay and fashionable circles in
which they had moved; and in their search for a fitting spot, on which to
pass their days together in devoted friendship to each other, and in acts
of benevolence and charity to their neighbours, they visited Llangollen.
Rambling along this charming locality one balmy evening, when the
tranquil beauty of the lovely valley was lighted up by the mild splendour
of the moon, their eyes rested upon a cottage that stood on a gentle
eminence near the village; and there they resolved to fix their abode.
They accordingly purchased the estate; built a new cottage on the site of
the old one, in a remarkably unique and somewhat grotesque style of
architecture; and laid out gardens, pleasure grounds, and rural walks
with grottoes, temples, conservatories, rustic bridges, and other
accessories for enjoying, in the undisturbed quiet of their own domain,
the natural charms of their picturesque retreat. Their mode of life
being singular, and their costume still more so (for they assumed a style
of head-dress resembling that of men, and always wore long cloth coats,
rather like ladies' riding habits), they soon attracted the attention of
the many travellers who passed through North Wales; and as they kept up
an extensive and active correspondence with several eminent authors and
persons of distinction, the "Ladies of Llangollen," for so they were
always designated, made a much greater sensation in their seclusion, than
many less remarkable persons who are constantly living in the business
and bustle of society. Hence many literary pilgrimages were made to the
recluses of Plas Newydd; and the "even tenor" of their way was often
diversified by the calls of the illustrious, the learned, and the
curious; from whom they were as willing to learn what was passing in
politics, literature, and general gossip, as were their visitors desirous
of having a peep within the charmed circle of this mountain solitude.
Their motive for adopting this romantic seclusion is thus stated in
"Steward's Collections and Recollections:"--
"Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby were young ladies of beauty
and rank, who loved each other with so true an affection, that they
could never bear the afflicting idea of a separation, which the
marriage of either might occasion. They therefore resolved on lives
of celibacy, and refusing many handsome offers, and remaining deaf to
the persuasions of their friends, they retired to the beautiful Yale
of Llangollen, to enjoy the happiness of each other's company, that
as their friendship began in infancy, it might be perpetuated through
life. The traveller, in passing by the celebrated abode of these
interesting women, must contemplate with a sigh that excessive
friendship which could tear from the bosom of society two of its
brightest ornaments, to bury them in the depths of seclusion:--
'Full many a gem, of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear;
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.'
"It is on this subject Miss Seward employs her poetical talents, in
her well-known poem of 'Llangollen Vale.'--The following is an
account of these celebrated ladies, extracted from a periodical work
published in the year 1796. 'Miss Butler and Miss Ponsonby are now
retired from the society of men into the wilds (!) of Llangollen in
Wales, where they have resided seventeen years. Miss Butler is of
the Ormond family, and had five offers of marriage, all of which she
rejected. As Miss Ponsonby, her particular friend and companion, was
supposed to have been the bar to her matrimonial union, it was
thought proper to separate them, and Miss Butler was confined. The
two ladies, however, found means to elope together, but being soon
overtaken, were brought back to their respective relations. Many
attempts were again made to draw Miss Butler into marriage, though in
vain; not many weeks after, the ladies eloped again, each having a
small sum with her. The place of their retreat was confided to a
female servant of the house. Here they lived many years, unknown to
any of the neighbouring villagers, otherwise than by the appellation
of the 'Ladies of the Vale.' No persuasions could ever get them from
this retreat. A lady from Ireland told the collector of these
articles the following anecdote relative to these female friends:--An
Irish nobleman (Lord Fingal) happening to be travelling in the
neighbourhood of Llangollen Vale, and having heard much of Lady E.
Butler and Miss Ponsonby, felt a desire to see and converse with
them. But how he could obtain this pleasure (as the ladies seldom or
never saw company, and were fond of a recluse life) was the question.
At length he bethought himself of a method the most likely to answer
the purpose, without the appearance of forwardness or indelicacy. He
sent his servant with the following verbal message:--'Lord Fingal,
travelling in this neighbourhood, sends his respectful compliments to
Miss Butler and Miss Ponsonby, and informs them that he sets out
to-morrow morning for Ireland, and would be happy to be the bearer of
any commands of theirs to that country.' This message had the effect
which his lordship desired. He received, in return, a kind and
friendly invitation to take tea with the ladies, which he, of course,
accepted with much pleasure.--Lord Fingal (the collector's informant
added) was peculiarly charmed with the amiable behaviour of these
interesting enthusiasts of friendship. He found not in them the
gravity, formality, and demureness of virgin recluses, but the ease
of liveliness, and animated conversation of happy, cultivated, and
polished minds."
On June 2, 1829, death severed the faithful friendship which had existed
for so many years between the eccentric residents at Plas Newydd, by
removing from this earthly scene Lady Eleanor Butler, who had attained
the advanced age of 90; and in December 9, 1831, Miss Ponsonby, who was
seldom seen (except by her domestics) after the decease of her attached
companion, was called to her "long home." They are both buried in the
church-yard of Llangollen, where a stone monument is erected to their
memory. On this record of mortality are inserted the following
memorials:--
Sacred to the Memory of
_The Right Honourable_
LADY ELEANOR CHARLOTTE BUTLER,
Late of Plas Newydd in this Parish.
_Deceased_ 2_nd June_, 1829,
Aged 90 Years.
_Daughter of the Sixteenth_, _Sister of the Seventeenth_
_EARLS OF ORMONDE AND OSSORY_.
Aunt to the late, and to the present
MARQUESS OF ORMONDE.
_Endeared to her friends by an almost unequalled excellence of
heart_, _and by manners worthy of her illustrious birth_, _the
admiration and delight of a very numerous acquaintance from a
brilliant vivacity of mind undiminished to the latest period of a
prolonged existence_. _Her amiable condescension & benevolence
secured the grateful attachment of those by whom they had been so
long and so extensively experienced_. _Her various perfections
crowned by the most pious and cheerful submission to the Divine
Will_, _can only be appreciated_, _where it is humbly believed_,
_they are_ now _enjoying their Eternal Reward_, _and by her of whom
for more than fifty years_, _they constituted that happiness_, _which
through our Blessed Redeemer_, _she trusts will be renewed_ when THIS
TOMB _shall have closed over its latest tenant_.
"Sorrow not as others who have no hope."
1 _Thess._ _Chap._ 4. _v._ 13.
SARAH PONSONBY
departed this Life
on the 9th December, 1831, Aged 76.
_She did not long survive her beloved Companion LADY ELEANOR BUTLER_,
_with whom she had lived in this valley for more than half a century
of uninterrupted friendship_. "_But they shall no more return to
their House_, _neither shall their place know them any more_."
_Job_, _Chap._ 7. _v._ 10.
_Reader pause for a moment and reflect not on the uncertainty of
human life but upon the certainty of its termination_, _and take
comfort from the assurance that_ "_As it is appointed unto men once
to die_, _but after this the judgment_: _so Christ was once offered
to bear the sins of many_; _and unto them that look for Him_, _shall
He appear the second time without sin unto salvation_." _Heb._
_Chap._ 9. _v._ 27, 28.
On the same tombstone is also the following inscription, to the memory of
a faithful servant, who accompanied "the Ladies" from Ireland, the
country of their nativity.
In Memory of
MRS. MARY CARRYL,
_Deceased 22 November_, 1809.
This Monument is erected by Eleanor Butler and Sarah
Ponsonby of Plas Newydd in this Parish.
_Released from Earth and all its transient woes_,
_She whose remains beneath this Stone repose_,
_Steadfast in faith resigned her parting breath_,
_Looked up with Christian joy and smiled in death_.
_Patient_, _Industrious_, _Faithful_, _Generous_, _Kind_,
_Her Conduct left the proudest far behind_;_
Her Virtues dignified her humble birth_,
_And raised her mind above this sordid earth_.
_Attachment_ (_Sacred bond of grateful breasts_)_
Extinguished but with life_, _this Tomb attests_,
_Reared by Two Friends who will her loss bemoan_,
_Till with her ashes_--_Here shall rest their own_.
In 1832, the home of "the Ladies of Llangollen" was sold by auction, by
the late renowned "knight of the hammer," Mr. George Robins, who put
forth the following advertisement, in his characteristic style of
decorative description.
"IN NORTH WALES.
* * * * *
Particulars and Conditions of Sale
OF THE
LADY ELEANOR BUTLER AND MISS
PONSONBY'S
LITTLE PARADISE
AT LLANGOLLEN,
Of which a more enlarged description will appear
on the other side.
IT IS ALL FREEHOLD,
And it need hardly be remarked that it is in the
most favoured Spot in
NORTH WALES;
Which will be Sold by Auction
BY
* * * * *
MR. GEORGE ROBINS,
* * * * *
AT THE AUCTION MART, LONDON,
On THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1832, at Twelve o'Clock,
IN ONE LOT,
BY DIRECTION OF THE EXECUTORS.
May be viewed only with Tickets, and Particulars had Twenty-one Days
prior to the Sale at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury; the Inns at Llangollen,
and Corwen; the Great Hotel, Bangor; Waterloo, Liverpool; York House,
Bath; and at Mr. GEORGE ROBINS's Offices, London.
N.B. The appropriate Furniture, Service of Plate, Elegancies of the
Chateau, extensive Library of Books, and all the valuable Appendages,
will be submitted to Public Competition the latter End of the Month of
July, by Direction of the Executors.
PARTICULARS, &c.
Mr. ROBINS is not a little proud that it hath been his good fortune to be
selected by the Executors of the Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby to
direct the sale of their far-famed Domicile. He feels that an apology
will be due to all those who are familiar with its beauties and
peculiarities, for the very imperfect recital which follows, while those
who are yet to be gratified with the sight of it, may imagine he has
drawn some little upon "Fancy's sketch." There is nothing of pretension
in its outward form, it indicates but moderately the comfort that
presides within, inasmuch as will be found congregated all the _agremens_
pertaining to more consequential habitations. Considerable tact is
conspicuous everywhere; but none more unequivocally displayed than in the
lightsome little Dining Room, contrasted with the gloomy, yet superior
grace of the Library, into which it opens. This room is fitted up in the
Gothic style, the Windows are of ancient painted glass "_shedding their
dim religious light_."
THE SALOON OF THE MINERVAS
Is the repository of the choice Library. The auxiliary Offices are very
commensurate, the grounds are disposed in such good order as is the
natural consequence of pure taste, the Kitchen Garden is neatness itself,
and the Fruit trees are of the rarest and finest sort, and luxuriant in
their produce. Many and shaded
GRAVEL WALKS ENCIRCLE THIS ELYSIUM,
Which is adorned with curious and rare Shrubs and Flowers. It is nothing
in extent but
EVERYTHING IN GRACE AND BEAUTY,
United with a great variety of foliage. Upon the Freehold is a
considerable quantity of valuable Timber which overhangs
A DEEP AND HOLLOW GLEN;
In its entangled bottom, a frothing brook leaps and clamours o'er the
rough stones in its channel towards
THE VALE OF LLANGOLLEN.
To speak of the latter would be quite superfluous, few, if any, are
unacquainted with the wildness and surpassing beauty of the most admired
spot in North Wales. Its contiguity to the little romantic village,
giving the opportunity either to indulge in the gaiety of this place, or
recreate in retirement, (as shall seem best suited to varied
inclination), there are fortunately both auxiliaries to this scene (it
had almost been said of enchantment). The verdant Lawns, dotted with
rare plants, the scenic beauties, and the woodland scenery combined,
plead in extenuation of this lofty tone. The whole is encompassed by
rich meadows, wearing a park-like appearance; held with the freehold,
which is limited to less than Five Acres. A truly beautiful Portico of
carved Oak leads to this
DOMICILE OF COMFORT.
The whole lower Story of which, on the outside, is covered with the
richest carved Oak, and within which will be found a Dining Room 15 feet
by 15, with handsome Chimney Piece, and carved Oak Doors and Wainscoting.
A Library, 13 feet by 14 feet 6 inches, with Three Gothic Windows of
carved Oak and splendid stained Glass, exhibiting old Armorial Bearings,
and forming a Bow Window, handsome Chimney Piece of yellow and white
marble, and Recesses fitted up with Gothic Book Cases, and the Doors and
Architrave of old carved Oak.
An admirably constructed Kitchen, carved Oak Doors and Window Facia, a
very handsome carved Oak Screen and Seat, Grate Ovens, Hearths, Stew
Holes, &c.
A Housekeeper's Room, beautifully fitted up with carved Oak Presses, Oak
Doors and Window Frames.
A large Larder with fixed Tables, Hooks, &c. together with an ample
Cellar, both so situated as to be perfectly cool in the hottest weather.
Wash-house, Scullery, Coal-house, &c., a Staircase of carved Oak, Walls
and Ceilings of the same beautifully ornamented Gothic Architecture.
This is one of the most beautiful things that can be conceived.
FIRST FLOOR.
An excellent Bed Room, fixed Book Shelves and carved Oak Door, Chimney
Piece and Window Facia, an excellent best Bed Room, Oak Doors, fancy
Cornice, and cross Ceiling Beams of carved Oak, a very handsome Chimney
Piece of the same.
A light Dressing Room and Closet, Gothic carved Oak Doors, &c. fitted up
with Book Shelves. Over the Staircase a commodious Pantry, Shelves and
Presses for China and Plate, Oak Doors of carved open work. The Sashes
of the Windows are all Metal.
ATTIC STORY.
Two good Servants' Rooms, and a Store Room. The Premises consist of
FOUR GARDENS
In the best order, and well stocked with all kinds of Fruit Trees,
Vegetables, and Flowers.
FIVE PASTURE FIELDS
Of the richest Land, well timbered, Rustic Bridges, Summer Houses of
richly carved Oak, and Rustic Seats, Cow and Calf-house, Garden-house,
Yard, Store-house, &c. An excellent Engine Pump.
This celebrated Place was the Property, and for more than half a Century
the Residence of the late LADY ELEANOR BUTLER AND MISS PONSONBY. It is
situated upon a Piece of rich Table Land, just above the Port and
Market-town of Llangollen, and commands a View of the Valley of the Dee,
both up and down, is close to Valle Crucis, Dinas Bran, and many of the
most beautiful Scenes in Wales. The Taxes are very light.
CONTENTS OF THE FREEHOLD PART OF THE ESTATE.
A. R. P.
House, Offices, 0 3 14
and Shrubbery
Flower Garden 0 0 27
Garden House, 0 0 12
Court and
Poultry ditto
Part of Lawn 0 3 8
Nursery 0 0 20
Field 2 0 12
Total 4 0 13
THE LANDS CONTIGUOUS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1A. 1R. 20P. part of Lawn; and 3R. 26P. of Gardens and Shrubbery, held
from year to year, from Ousley Gore, Esq., at a rent of pounds
3R. 13P. part of Lawn and Flower Garden, held in same manner from Hon. F.
West, at a rent of pounds
4A. 1R. 30P. being two Fields, the Glen, and a Kitchen Garden, from Hon.
Mr. Mostyn, yearly at a rent of pounds
1A. 2R. 16P. a Field from J. Dicken, Esq. at a yearly rent of pounds
TOTAL QUANTITY, 13 ACRES 38 PERCHES."
* * * * *
The exaggerated style of this ornate announcement will, doubtless, excite
a smile, and we suspect that some of our readers, who know the locality,
will laugh outright at the very fanciful stretch of imagination, which
led the worthy auctioneer to speak of the "_Port_ of Llangollen."
The purchasers of the property were Miss Lolly and Miss Andrew, the
present owners and occupiers of Plas Newydd, between whom and the late
"Ladies of Llangollen," an intimate friendship existed.
In August 1832, Mr. Robins offered by public auction the furniture and
fittings of this unique villa; the following is a copy of the
advertisement, and the catalogue of the sale extended over seventy quarto
pages.
* * * * *
"LLANGOLLEN, NORTH WALES.
MR. GEORGE ROBINS
Has the pleasure most respectfully to announce to the Nobility, Lovers of
the Fine Arts, and those who delight in objects of interest, and indeed
to the Public generally, that having sold "PLAS NEWYDD," he is instructed
by the Executors of
THE LADY ELEANOR BUTLER
AND
MISS PONSONBY,
To offer for UNRESERVED COMPETITION, at the Domicile so long hallowed as
the abode of friendship,
On MONDAY, the 13th day of AUGUST, 1832,
And many succeeding Days, at Eleven for Twelve
o'clock precisely, on each day,
THE FOLLOWING
INTERESTING AND VALUABLE PROPERTY,
APPERTAINING TO THE RESIDENCE,
And which for extent, variety and novelty, forms a most brilliant
Assemblage, certainly unexampled in the Annals of Auctions; it having
been congregated by those highly talented Ladies, the fair "MISTRESSES OF
PLAS NEWYDD," during a series of 50 years, aided by their joint taste,
and at considerable expense, including the appropriate
FURNITURE OF THE CHATEAU,
Comprising a Drawing Room suite in curtains, glasses, centre, card, and
occasional tables; ottomans, sofas, couches, chairs of various
descriptions, yet in unison, whatnots, cheffioneers; the dining room is
very complete; there are excellent dining tables, chairs, sideboard,
writing tables and library chairs.
A RANGE OF BOOKCASES & MANY OBJECTS,
ELABORATELY CARVED IN OAK;
A STRONG BOX OF GREAT ANTIQUITY, AND
CARVED,
It was once the Property of his late Royal Highness
THE DUKE OF YORK.
The Furniture of the Bed Chambers and Offices is of a corresponding
character;
EXCELLENT TABLE AND BED LINEN,
The equipments of the Garden are of a very superior description;
A VARIETY OF SEATS, CURIOUS ETRUSCAN FLOWER VASES, GARDEN IMPLEMENTS,
ETC.
A GREEN HOUSE OF GREAT BEAUTY,
ORNAMENTED WITH PAINTED AND STAINED GLASS;
An extensive Collection of Plants, Dairy and Brewing Utensils;
SERVICES OF CHINA AND GLASS,
In complete sets, for the Table, the Dejeune, the Dessert, &c. &c.
SIDEBOARD OF PLATE,
Comprising many rare chased and antique items; dishes and covers,
salvers, waiters, tea and coffee equipages, candlesticks, liquor and
cruet frames, spoons and forks;
AND A VARIETY OF USEFUL ARTICLES FOR THE SIDEBOARD AND TABLE.
JEWELLERY AND ELEGANCIES,
Presenting many pleasing and valuable Ornaments for the person, in
necklaces, car-rings, crosses and brooches, most of them inclosing the
hair of the donors, particularly one of great interest, possessing
A LOCK OF "MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS" HAIR.
INTERESTING MISCELLANIES, CURIOSITIES AND RELICS, VIZ.
Very fine missals, beautifully illuminated; autographs of numerous
renowned personages, particularly a letter by "Charles the First" to Lady
Fisher, from Whitehall, during his confinement; presentation snuff boxes,
many of value, and most with lines of dedication; relics of great
antiquity, and many of modern date, presented by travellers, forming
altogether a Museum of great interest and amusement.
SEVERAL REMARKABLY FINE CAMEOS AND INTAGLIOS.
A MODEL OF THE WARWICK VASE, IN SILVER,
Richly Chased, most exquisite in Workmanship and perfectly Unique.