There will be a buzz in Aberconwy House in the walled town of Conwy over the next six months. The aim is to increase the use of this special building for the local community. There is already a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
Aberconwy House was built in the 14th century and is the only surviving medieval merchant’s house in Conwy. According to sources, it is the oldest secular building in Wales. It consists of two lower stone floors supporting another timber-framed floor that juts out over the street.
Little is known about the early history of the house, but it came under the care of the National Trust in 1934. Previously, it had been purchased by Alexander Campbell Blair, who saved it from being dismantled and transported to the United States.
This project is a partnership between the National Trust, Fun Palaces Cymru, and Menter Iaith Conwy. It is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Two members of the Menter Iaith Conwy team, Meirion Davies and Eryl Jones, will be working on the scheme. They will build on previous work as part of the partnership between the National Trust and Fun Palaces. They will also build on community work that Menter Iaith has been doing with its local volunteer group, the Aberconwy Committee.
“I’m looking forward to working more with the team that has been so successful in organizing Welsh-language events in the town. But it will also be an opportunity to get to know the wider community.”
Eryl Jones, Menter Iaith Conwy
“We are looking forward to working together with Menter Iaith Conwy and Fun Palaces Cymru to develop opportunities for using Aberconwy House with the local community and to bring new vibrancy to this special location in the heart of Conwy town.”
Ceri Williams, National Trust
Fun Palaces Cymru supports local people in co-creating their own cultural and community events across the UK and internationally, sharing and celebrating the creativity and talents within everyone.
“So, we encourage people to come together here at Aberconwy House to share their skills, interests, and passions,” said Meirion Davies.
Open Days
The public is welcome to get in touch to discuss further collaboration and ideas for the use of the building. If you would like an in-person conversation, they will be at the building every Thursday to develop the plan further, and you are welcome to drop in between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
There are two open days at Aberconwy House on Saturday the 24th and Thursday the 29th of May from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing the public to visit and share ideas for new uses of the historic house.
Contact Meirion for more information or phone 07824 808238.
