National Trust Penrhyn Short Guidebook Hot

The façade of Penrhyn Castle hides more than its internal red-brick construction. Built in the early 19th century, its fantastical architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection in part owe their creation to fortunes made from human suffering and exploitation. As well as the building of a castle, the Pennants’ fortune was used to develop industries in North Wales and transform the environment – at times creating employment, at others mass unemployment. Penrhyn’s is a complex history, but what it can teach us about our past is invaluable.