On our doorstep – Oxwich Castle
Sometimes we take for granted what’s right on our doorstep at Bayview Oxwich. It’s only when we – and our guests– look right, do we see the past very much in the present. Such is the case with Oxwich Castle, just a short walk from Bayview Oxwich.
Built by Sir Rice Mansel as his ‘dream home’ in the 16th Century, it is a grand Tudor house, built in courtyard style. He certainly chose a good spot to build, on a wooded headland high above Oxwich Bay, with spectacular views, and inspired by an earlier family home on the same site in the 13th/14th Century.
Sir Mansel gave his manor a mock-military gateway complete with the family’s coat of arms, proudly cut out of stone. His son, Edward, went on to build on this design to create a much-grander multi-storey range of buildings, including an elegant long gallery – a fashionable Elizabethan feature – which was added high up, taking full advantage of the panoramic sea views.
The Mansels, who seem to be the movers and shakers of times past, liked to keep up with the latest building fashions and it was only a few decades before they upped-sticks and moved out of Oxwich to take up residence in up-and-coming Margam Abbey.
The once-grand building fell into disrepair and ended up being saved from demolition and placed in a state of care. Fortunately, during the late 20th Century it was restored, and a little-known fact is that Wales’ rugby star, local boy, Leigh Halfpenny’s father worked on the stone masonry repairs and it remains a favourite location for Leigh.
It is great that this important part of Gower’s heritage is now in safe hands and looked after by CADW www.cadw.gov.wales. It’s an historic site for you to enjoy and step back in time when you’re staying with us at Bayview Oxwich.
To find out more about our luxury holiday rental properties, and which is the best fit for you and your family and friends, please contact Wanda and the Team who’ll be happy to talk you through.
Imagery: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales