GARDENS OLD AND NEW. 



is a most picturesque feature of the grounds in its framing of 

 glorious greenery. 



The gardens at Margam have mucli tlint entitles them 

 to attention. The garden architecture, in the first place, is 

 extremely good and varied. The old classic summer-house, 

 with its Corinthian columns and arched niches, each 

 having its statue, is an extremely fine example of English 

 Renaissance architecture, belonging to two centuries or more 

 ago, and would not discredit the hand of Inigo Jones. It 

 was probably designed by one of his successors and imitators. 

 The carved balustrades, terrace \\alls, and basins, with the 

 enrichment of sculptured urns, statuary groups, and fountains, 

 are of most excellent character. A picture of one particularly 

 fine urn on the orangery terrace forms the frontispiece to this 

 volume. The orangery, standing adjacent to the ruin of the 

 Abbe)-, is perhaps the most interesting feature of the gardens, 

 and is celebrated for its fine orange trees, many of which are 

 2oft. high. They are said to have been sent from Portugal by 

 a Dutch merchant as a present for Queen Mary, consort of 

 William 111., but the vessel in which they were shipped was 



above the higher stairway is associated with the new structure 

 raised by the late Mr. Talbot 



The district surrounding the mansion is in many ways 

 interesting. "1 he remains of a Roman camp may yet be traced 

 on a lofty spur behind the Abbey known as Pen-y-Castell. It 

 lies in a lovely situation, with a deep-wooded glen below, and 

 commands a great outlook over the beautiful country. In the 

 woods are remains of a small oratory or chapel, which belonged 

 to the Abbey, and other chapels are in the neighbourhood, as 

 well as monumental stones. The most remarkable of these 

 last is Maen-y-Dythyrog, or "lettered stone," which is about 

 I4tt. high, and stands on a bare hill-top two miles from 

 the house. It has a Latin inscription to one Bodvucus 

 who lies there, and there is a singular superstition among 

 the country people that he who reads the lines will die within 

 the year. 



The Taibach Copper Works are in the district, and not 

 far away is the busy manufacturing region of Cwm Afon. 

 Port Talbot is the seaward outlet of the activity of the region, 

 and is a rising district, with harbour works and docks. It 



THE PRINChLY WALK. 



driven on the sands neighbouring Margam, the owner of 

 which, by viitue of his rights as Lord of the Manor, 

 claimed the valuable cargo. When he learned their intended 

 destination, however, he promptly offered to despatch them, 

 but the King requested him to retain them as a free gift; 

 and thus to the present day they continue to be a delight 

 at Margam. 



Trees and shrubs flourish amazingly at this beautiful 

 place, and see.u to attain quite unusual vigour. The climate 

 of the Vale of Glamorgan being mild, myrtle and arbutus 

 tlower in the open. One huge bay tree has attained a height 

 of Soft., and is greatly admired The richness and variety of 

 the foliage generally will be observed in our pictures, and 

 betrays the judicious hands of successive owners of the place, 

 rite lower stairway to the westward, at the foot of an avenue, 

 opens a delightful vista, through which the lofty tower of the 

 house is disclosed, but this is only one among many beautiful 

 points of view. It will be noticed that the garden architecture 

 is of various dates. Evidently the classic features, which are 

 so beautiful, belong to an earlier time, while the Gothic work 



was formerly called Taibach, but afterwards Abermouth, or 

 Aberavon Port, but under an Act of Parliament passed in 1835 

 it took the name of Port Talbot. It lies in the parish of 

 Margam, and Miss Talbot is the sole landowner. Her benefi- 

 cence is well known there. In 1895-97 the Church of St. 

 Theodore, which cost .20,000, was erected at her charge. It 

 is in the Early English style, and is ap.adnirable structure, 

 designed by the late Mr. J. L. Pearson, R.A. Miss Talbot 

 had already erected a c ttage hospital in 1893. It will be seen 

 that this part of South Wales, like many others, is possessed 

 of great natural beauties, and, at the same time, of considerable 

 riches, and that it has an active and inte.ligent population. 

 The owners of Margam Abbey have done no little to develop 

 the region, and in many ways it owes much to them. It may 

 be said, indeed, that the house is a centre of light and 

 leading, and we, therefore, look with greater interest upon its 

 architectural beauties and its lovely gardens and woods. Let 

 i be added that the mansion is richly stored with works of art, 

 antique statues, ancient furniture, and possesses some fine 

 pictures by famous masters. 



