Historical overview
Plas Gunter Mansion played a central role in some of the most turbulent and divisive periods in British history. This Grade II* listed building owes its existence to the dramatic land transformation begun in 1536 known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It later became a focal point in the religious struggles of the late 17th century following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.
In the religiously turbulent times of the late 1600s, it was discovered that illegal Catholic masses were being said at a chapel in the attic of Plas Gunter Mansion. David Lewis and Phillip Evans, two local priests who were supported by Thomas Gunter and who were actively spreading the Catholic Faith (deemed treason against the King), were arrested, tried and executed.
In 1907, the hidden chapel, boarded up for around two hundred years was discovered during alterations. The painted altarpiece featuring the Adoration of the Magi, and one of the original doors, were taken to Abergavenny Museum while the ground floor was divided into retail units and multi-occupation.
The fine ornate plaster ceiling on the first floor was remarked upon in the descriptions of the building that appeared in the press at the time.
During the 20th century, the building was home to several small businesses and a residential flat on the first floor. Latterly, it was allowed to deteriorate into a poor state of repair.
In 2017, following a successful appeal, the Welsh Georgian Trust (now Plas Gunter Mansion Trust) bought the building with the aim of bringing it back to life.
Today, the renovation is underway after the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funders awarded the project over £4 million. Plas Gunter is due to open to the public in March 2028.
