Nant y Bai Mill

History

Nantybai Mill

A rural haven and much more.
David Gethin is an author who has known Nantybai and the surrounding area for more than twenty-five years. He has used West Wales as a location for several books.

I first happened upon Nantybai more than 25 years ago when I was researching a thriller which had its finale set at the nearby Llyn Brianne dam. I  have re-visited and stayed regularly ever since. Who wouldn’t, just for its location, apart from everything else it has to offer?

The upper Towy valley has often been described as the Switzerland of Wales and anyone who has visited Switzerland will see why. The mountains, the valley, the dawn mists and the entire landscape are magically similar. The valley has the total quality of life of an unspoilt rural area: clean air, tranquility, friendly neighbours and much more.

Nantybai is steeped in documented history. Its origins were medieval, as a grange to Strata Florida Abbey in 1202. A mill existed there in 1512. After Henry the Eighth dissolved the monasteries- the biggest land grab since the Norman Conquest - the site and adjoining land was granted to the Duke of Northumberland in 1553. Then the de facto ruler of England and Wales,.he was the man who proclaimed Lady Jane Grey Queen of England. She lasted nine days, Northumberland not much longer, and Mary became Queen, but not before Northumberland had granted the land to “ Rice Williams of Nanntbay.”

For the next 300 years of documented history-leases, grants, disputes, crime and even civil war. Nantybai continued, as part of the Cawdor estate from 1796 to 1972.  It appears on the 1841 Tythe Map and was occupied by William Williams. Rent payable to lord Cawdor was 2 shillings eleven pence and to the vicar 2 pence which shows the rate of inflation over the years!! Nantybai is still with us, remaining a working corn mill until 1939 when the water source dried up owing to a collapsed culvert.

 Anthea Jones bought it in 1979. Since then she has run it as a highly successful business venture incorporating, livestock, liveries, riding instruction, trail rides, bed & breakfast, lunches, teas and evening meals.

I go back there for many reasons: for the history, the tranquility, the panoramic views, the sight of red kites soaring, the hospitality and not least the food which you will not better anywhere.