Hafod Uchtryd

Hafod ( Estate ), also Hafod Uchtryd, was a gentleman seat 26 kilometers southeast of Aberystwyth (Wales). The property has been reforested end of the 18th century by Thomas Johnes extensively and provided with footpaths. The dramatic landscape corresponded to the contemporary ideal of Picturesque Beauty ( " scenic beauty "). After the death of Johnes ' decayed buildings and alleys. Since the beginning of the 21st century due to the exceptional natural beauty of its area for hikers is available again.

History

Hafod is situated in the valley of the river Ystwyth. Thomas Johnes joined his father's legacy in the year 1780 ( Kerkham 1991, 207). Impressed by the beauty and drama of the Welsh landscape, he decided in 1783 to make Hafod his permanent residence. He developed a plan to open up the area between the Devil 's Bridge in the north and the Ystwyth Valley for nature interested guests.

Johnes also planned, the landscape still "improve " to increase its notions of a wild, romantic natural appearance yet. In the period 1795-1801 he therefore had extensive reforestation of his lands to make; there were 2.065 million trees planted, more than half of larches ( Jacques 2001, 240). At the same time began with the establishment of a first circular route. This Johnes was keen to lead the hiker to points with special views of the valley, mountains or waterfalls. The paths have been created in some daring leadership of rocky precipices along gorges overcome with narrow bridges, so the Ystwyth and the Nant Cau. Also, a longer trail for riders emerged ( Gilpin 1789, 78).

A greenhouse was erected in 1793, just made ​​two flower gardens and a number of (garden ) arbors. To the east of the manor house, a small church was built on a hill surrounded by oak trees built (Account 1799, 18). However, the revenue from the forestry and pastoral farming ( sheep) did not cover long-term expenses for Johnes ' ambitious plans. There were also personal misfortunes: 1807, the mansion was destroyed by fire (Times 1807, 3), it was rebuilt in a similar, slightly altered form. 1811 died his wife, Jane Johnes, 1812, the only daughter, Mariamne.

Johnes fell ill and died in 1816 in financial difficulties (Jacques 2001, 240). 1833 bought by the Duke of Newcastle the property. But Hafod Estate was sold in 1843 along with three other domains; Hafod then comprising an area of ​​5463 acres, mainly pasture, plus 560 hectares of forest (Times 1843, 6). In the following years the building fell into disrepair, the road system did not experience any more care and could be committed nurmehr incomplete for safety reasons because bridges had collapsed. One -way match to Nant Cau Cave slipped ( Kerkham 1991, 212). In 1932 the Church of Hafod, Eglwys Newydd, was hard hit by a fire affected (Times 1932, 16).

The Forestry Commission ( Forestry Commission ) in 1958 caused the explosion of the mansion because the ruins supposed to be a danger to the public posed (Times 1958, 12). 1964 were drawn by building a forest road in affected parts of Mrs. Johnes ' flower garden, figural jewelry from Coade stone disappeared ( Satyr, Nymph, Flora, Triton ). 1990 directed the Forest Service a Consultative Forum ( garden advisory panel), in the episode began limited restoration work ( Kerkham 1991, 207).

Buildings and equipment (selection)

• Seat of Johnes Esq., A mansion in neo-Gothic style
• Church Eglws Newydd, according to the plan of James Wyatt (1803 )
• Group of sculptures commemorating Johnes ' daughter of Francis Leggatt Chantrey ( 1812, erected 1833)
• Mrs Johnes 's Flower Garden ( 1786)
• Mariamne 's Garden, created by James Anderson as alpinum (1795-1796, 1803 modified)
• Greenhouse, by John Nash (1793)
• Bedford Obelisk (1805 )
• Cast iron chain suspension bridge over the Ystwych (1805 )

The circular paths ( walks )

The two most popular trails were given their name by William Gilpin. He called them according to their different length ( Gilpin 1789, 78):

• Lady 's Walk: ( about five kilometers) The path on the north shore of Ystwych on Flower Garden of Mrs. Johnes ( " flower garden of Mrs. Johnes " ), then in the vicinity of the Peiran waterfall. The way back goes through Eglwys Newydd to the mansion.
• Gentleman's Walk: ( ten kilometers ), the more demanding trail in the area south of Ystwych, which is crossed at the beginning on the Bwlch Gwalter Bridge. Continue to Tyloge Bridge, then along the creek Naunt Cau to the Cavern Cascade. The return is back on the south bank of the Ystwych, then through a beech forest ( Pant Melyn ) by Allt Dihanog and over a bridge. There is a small shortcut opportunity.

Sources and Literature

• William Gilpin: Observations on the River Wye, and several parts of South Wales. 2nd edition. Blamire, London 1789, pp. 78-81.
• George Cumberland: An attempt to describe Hafod. Egerton, London, 1796.
• A descriptive account of the Devil 's Bridge, Hafod, Strata Florida Abbey, and other scenery in did district of Card Inga Shire. 4th edition. Walker, Hereford, 1799.
• David Jacques: Hafod. In: Oxford companion to gardens. Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York 2001, ISBN 0-19-860440-8, pp. 239-240.
• The Times, No. 6999 (19 March 1807), p 3; No. 18407 (September 21, 1843), p 6; No. 46116 (April 25, 1932), p 16; No. 46117 (April 26, 1932), p 22; No. 54246 (September 3, 1958), p 12