 |
 |
In 1656, after the Civil War, Jeremy Taylor, Eminent Divine, Royal
Priest and chaplain to the Earl of Carbery sought peace and sanctuary
at the small country estate of Mandinam.
• Jeremy Taylor
|
Edmund Gosse, writing about the life of Jeremy Taylor, described Mandinam
as "A small country house, romantically situated on a hill above
the south side of the Bran river, just where the stream narrows its
gorge before spreading into the Vale of Towy. It commands a fine view
south to the Rhiwe Hills and the Black Mountain".
Reginald Askew, in his recently published book "Muskets and Alters"
continues the eulogy: "Hidden Mandinam! It is exactly right:
Hospitable, much loved today and undisturbed by 350 years. The spirit
of contentment found Jeremy perched on a steep Welsh hill under Heaven".
That is how it continues to be. Surrounded by its own fields and woods,
sheltered by a grassy knoll to the east from which you can look for
miles whichever way you turn. The present owners have not changed
it in any way for thirty years, except for a small lake to the south
which can be seen beyond the rolling lawns and then up and far away
to the Iron age fort of Carn Goch and the hills beyond.
The meaning of the name Mandinam has two origins: The meaning derived
from ancient Welsh is "Place of a small stone fort", but
the meaning it would have held in 1650 and which is generally understood
today is far more fitting. It means "place without blemish, untouched
holy place".
This is a hidden estate, quiet, unspoilt with a uniquely rugged elegance.
It is a secret and magical place with three Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the farm.
- Aerial photos have recently shown evidence of an Iron age fort at Mandinam. We are still waiting for more info on this but it is very exciting.
- There is a long house on the farm in completely unspoiled state, of great interest to historians as it is one of very few left in this country complete with scarfed crucks and old stencilling
- Built on the side of an outcrop of sedimentary rock, Mandinam's site is of extreme geological interest.
|
|
