Clyne Castle

We have several Castles at the bottom of our garden, (see Castlehunting passim) including one that isn't really a castle; Clyne. (Perhaps Clun in Welsh?)

This one was built with coppers (excuse the attempt at humour) from the time when Abertawe was otherwise called 'Copperopolis' and has a fascinating history. Linked with the exploitation of South Wales and its people, a fine example of flaunted wealth.

Owners of Clyne Castle & Gardens – Clyne Gardens

Richard Phillips started the building, some other rich bastards, then 3 of the Vivian clan.

It's an interesting story of how the rich would play in the 1800's.

For example (from the above website):-

Over the more than forty years as owner of the estate now known as Clyne Castle, Vivian increased his landowning from around 100 acres to more than 1500 acres spread around Blackpill, Mumbles and parts of Gower. Being childless and unmarried, he made detailed plans to keep this estate within the family. On his death in 1912, he arranged for his unmarried sister to be the next owner and for the inheritance to pass, after her days, to his nephew, Algernon. The estate was valued at the time at £1 million “as far as can be at present ascertained”, so said the Index of Wills & Administration.

I love the name Algernon, and if you want to know what Algy did next, see here