Shell Grotto, Pontypool
| Shell Grotto | |
|---|---|
| Welsh: Groto Cregyn | |
The Shell Grotto in Pontypool Park
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| Alternative names | Shell Hermitage |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Grotto |
| Architectural style | Stone with slate roof |
| Location | Pontypool Park, Torfaen, South Wales |
| Town or city | Pontypool |
| Country | Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°42′11″N 3°01′22″W / 51.7031°N 3.0227°W |
| Elevation | 700 ft (213 m) above sea level |
| Completed | 1784 |
| Renovated | 1993 to 1994 |
| Client | John Hanbury |
| Owner | Torfaen County Borough Council |
| Height | 29 ft (9 m) |
The Shell Grotto - (Welsh: Groto Cregyn) - (sometimes called the Shell Hermitage) is a Grade II* listed (as of 7 February, 1962) late-18th-century stone built, slate roofed shell grotto decorated with shells and animal bones on the interior. It stands on a prominent ridge 700 ft (213 m) above sea level, within the boundary of Pontypool Park, Torfaen in South Wales. It is considered to be the best surviving grotto in Wales. It is an important local landmark commanding views south towards the Severn Estuary. A little further along the same ridge can be found the Folly Tower.
The grotto was commissioned by John Hanbury as a hunting lodge/summerhouse in the late 18th century. During the early 19th century, Capel Hanbury Leigh (6 Oct 1776 - 28 Sep 1861) undertook renovations of the family house and park's grounds and it is thought that his wife Molly Ann (married 14 Apr 1797, she was the widow of Sir Robert Humphrey Mackworth (died 1794)) was responsible for the interior shell decoration.
Although there is no direct evidence that the shell interior was Molly’s invention, it is known that she was an avid collector of shells (and built another shell grotto near her home at Gnoll). The shell decoration within grottoes was common during the 19th century and it follows that Molly may have followed the trend and begun the work to place the shells in the grotto.
The Hanbury family used the grotto for picnics during nearby shoots throughout the 19th century. During 1882 the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), is said to have picnicked at the grotto during a shoot.
The grotto is constructed of local red Pennant sandstone and conical stone tiled with a fan vaulted roof (with six fans rising from six pillars) and the interior is covered with thousands of shells interspersed with minerals and real stalactites. The floor incorporates animal bones and teeth forming circles, stars and diamonds.
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Wikipedia