Nantclwyd y Dre

Nantclwyd y Dre is a seven-story timber-framed townhouse in Ruthin with rooms furnished to represent different periods from the 15th century onward. The structure combines stone, wattle, daub, and wood, creating a multi-layered domestic space that reflects changes in building techniques and interior arrangement.

Construction began in 1435 when the town was a major weaving center, with founders Goronwy ap Madog and Suzanna creating the original structure. Subsequent additions and modifications expanded the building vertically and horizontally across later centuries.

The rooms display how people lived across five centuries, with furnishings that show the daily life and social conditions of different households. Each floor presents a different era, revealing how Welsh families adapted their homes and routines over time.

Visitors can explore the house independently or join guided tours for deeper context about each room. It is helpful to start at the lower floors and work upward, as the staircases are narrow and steep throughout the building.

The attic houses a maternity colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats that have established residence for breeding purposes. Visitors can watch these rare bats through specialized camera feeds without disturbing the animals.

Location: Ruthin

Inception: 1435

Elevation above the sea: 75 m

Made from material: stone, wattle and daub, wood

Address: Stryd y Castell

Website: https://denbighshire.gov.uk/en/visitor/places-to-visit/museums-and-historic-houses/nantclwyd-y-dre.aspx

GPS coordinates: 53.11360,-3.31078

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43