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Llanyrafon Manor
Llanfrechfa Way, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 8HT, WalesAbout
One of Cwmbran’s most historic buildings will officially opened as a Rural Heritage Centre on June 9 2012 Construction work on Llanyrafon Manor has seen the Grade-II listed building transformed, thanks to £1.6million of funding from the Rural Development Plan, the Welsh Government, CADW, the Department for Economy Transportation, the Cwmbran Operations Group and Torfaen council. The impressive building, which has been restored according to CADW guidelines, is one of the oldest, non-religious buildings in Torfaen. Visitors to the centre will be able to learn about the history of the manor, enjoy refreshments in the cafe´ and even observe bats that have set up home in the grounds. Llanyrafon Manor Community Group has been extremely active throughout this project, working closely with the contractors and will take a lead when it comes to showing visitors the impressive history of the manor. It will also help to plant and maintain the quality of the grounds that it also helped to design. Llanyrafon Manor, called Llanyrafon Farm by some, has hugged the banks of the Afon Llywd since the mid 1550's - yet many residents of Cwmbran have no idea that there is such an important building with a diverse heritage right in the middle of their community. Brief History Walter Griffiths is recorded as purchasing the estate in 1616 - and the Griffiths family continued to own the house until 1886 when Florence, the last family member died. Walter lived at the farm and when he died in 1629 he left £10 to be distributed amongst the poor of the parish of Llanfrechfa. Descendents of Walter worked the land as well as undertaking prestigious roles such as Steward of the Edlogan Manor. There were agreements and disputes with other important families - such as the Morgan's of Tredegar - and even bitter family feuds. The House and Farm was later owned by Alfred Pilliner and his wife - after living there for just 6 months they built Llanyrafon House which became the Stirrup Cup Club, and later The Commodore Hotel. The farm continued as a busy agricultural concern and there are stories of love and hard work on the land, especially during the 2nd World War when land girls helped out
