The fate of an old Welsh cottage hangs in the balance, but it's not the building itself that's at stake. Instead, it's the hidden treasure within - a wicker hood and chimney that could be the key to preserving this historic structure. This discovery has sparked a race against time to save the 'Old Cottage' and its unique features, which are of significant historical and ecological importance.
The cottage, located in the grounds of Garth, a Victorian residence in Llanbedr, Gwynedd, is in a precarious state. It's described as a property of 'little significance' if considered in isolation, but its hidden gems are what make it truly special. The wicker hood and chimney are rare surviving examples in North Wales, and their discovery has led to a race to repair and preserve the building.
The Eryri National Park Authority is applying for planning permission to carry out significant repair works and install a warm box for bats. This is a crucial step to ensure the survival of the chimney hood and the bat maternity roost it supports. Without intervention, the cottage is at risk of collapse, which would result in the loss of this important historical feature.
Architect Rhys Llwyd Davies highlights the significance of these discoveries. He notes that surviving examples of smoke hoods are very rare in North Wales, and their distribution was once believed to be concentrated in Carmarthenshire and West Wales. However, there is increasing evidence that their use was also widespread in Meirionnydd. The example at Old Cottage is remarkably similar to an illustration from c.1831, further emphasizing its historical value.
The hood has significant evidential value, as it helps inform our understanding of how these structures were constructed. This, in turn, allows us to better deduce if similar features might have been present in other buildings. The masonry recesses with high timber lintels near the roof found in other historic properties suggest the presence of timber hoods, often in abandoned dwellings. The discovery at Old Cottage provides a crucial insight into the wider built heritage in the area.
However, the cottage's fate remains uncertain. The structural condition is precarious, and significant re-building is needed to safeguard the overall fabric. The race is on to save this historic gem and its hidden treasures, but the clock is ticking. The future of the Old Cottage hangs in the balance, and the outcome will determine the fate of a unique piece of Welsh history.
