An historic Welsh mansion perched on the banks of the River Severn, owned by enigmatic billionaires, is now feared to be deteriorating beyond repair. The once majestic Piercefield House holds a contentious spot in Welsh history, having been designed by one of 18th century Britain's most creative architects. It served as an inspiration for literary figures such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge but was funded by the proceeds of slavery.
The Grade II* listed building is a stone's throw from the charming town of Chepstow and currently finds itself in a perilous condition, hidden behind security fences. Dr Victoria Perry, a historian, architect and practice director at Donald Insall Associates, highlighted that the grandeur of Piercefield House was financed through the profits of sugar plantations in Antigua, which relied on slave labour. In its heyday during the 18th century, it was a celebrated tourist spot, capturing the public's imagination much like the Lake District.
During a lecture organised by Save Britain's Heritage, Dr Perry remarked: "Visitors ...
would go to Piercefield to experience the dramatic views of the river Wye, from the rolling parkland and cliffside walks [then] visitors would stay the night at local inns, travel to see the nearby Ironworks and the ruins of Tintern Abbey." "But the constructions, walks and park and follies at Piercefield, even the roads that allowed tourists to visit had been funded by the profits of Antiguan sugar plantatio.