Llanelly House opened their doors to the public during 2 weekends in September. The event provided the visitors with the opportunity to view the inside of Llanelly House prior to the contractors starting the restoration process. The Community Team of Lisa Bancroft, Development Manager and Estelle Evans, Community Development Officer provided bygone stories of not only the fabric of Llanelly House but also of those who have lived and worked there through the ages.
Many stories were told by Lisa including; 'The last Stepney to use the Llanelly House as a home was Sir Thomas Stepney (the 7th Baronet). He inherited the House in 1748 when he was only 23.
It was Sir Thomas Stepney who encourage John Wesley to Llanelli to deliver sermons. John Wesley called Sir Thomas Stepney, 'the Father of the poor'. It is noted that John Wesley was invited to Llanelly House – the kitchen area – by Sir Thomas Stepney's butler, Wilfred Colley. However, when Sir Thomas Stepney died and there was a change in the domestic household staff and the butler Wilfred Colley was asked to leave. The property was advertised to be sold, due to an unusual and complicated Will, the Stepney estate passed from the Stepney family to the Chambers family in 1827. The Chambers family moved into Llanelly House and completely renovated it.'
Other stories Lisa told was that of the connection of Llanelly House was that of John Wesley. including how Catherine Meriel Stepney to Sir Edward Stafford Howard. Lisa added, 'that the bride to be and her mother spend the eve of the wedding in the House. Later there was a lavish celebration in Llanelly House for invited guests and in the Drill Hall, Murray Street, Llanelli for approx 500 tenants of the Stepney estate celebrated'.
What do you remember?
The Community team of Llanelly House are waiting in anticipation for you memories and stories of Llanelly House and of the Llanelli area.
What are we looking for?
Estelle explained that, 'we are seeking artefacts, photographs, documents, personalities, other buildings and even school memories. We would also love suggestions of local heroes/personalities of the Llanelli area that can be used as characters in Llanelly House. These characters can be from any era in history, up to and including present day. Any suggestions would be great, as this would give the Community team time to undertake research into these people.
Why are we searching for information/artefacts?
The reason for searching for information of local characters is that this will form the basis for the interpretation of Llanelly House. When you enter into Llanelly House you will be able to become one of many characters and experience the House through that character. That would make experience to Llanelly House a rather unique visit each time.
Don't worry, we won't take your artefacts etc away, but we would like to log them and maybe photograph them, if we may. They will be used to build up an on-line resource for the local community. If you'd like to share your memories and knowledge with us, contact myself, Estelle Evans on 01554 772857 or email: estelle.evans@chrt.org.uk
Research archives and personal treasures to collate an interesting and informative view of Llanelli and its inhabitants over the past century.
Oral history workshops will enable local residents to look back and tell their stories of how life in Llanelli has changed.
Information will be collated and added to the in-house exhibitions/interpretation and as a research tool on the website.
The town is undergoing redevelopment and the revival of Llanelly House has acted as a stimulus for gathering memorabilia from its colourful past. Many inhabitants have memories of the town as a lively and exciting venue from their youth.
