Wales is full of grand houses and historic castles – and it is thanks in great part to the National Trust that so many of these architectural treasures are still standing and available for visitors to enjoy.

A new series on S4C – Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau (Treasures of Wales: Land, Houses and Secrets) – looks into the stories hidden within the walls of six of Wales’s most historic houses which are under the stewardship of the National Trust and asks some important questions about their past – the good and the bad.

Leading us around these amazing places will be the comedian and presenter Tudur Owen – a self-confessed history geek – and Elinor Gray Williams, an architectural conservator in Caernarfon obsessed by history and old buildings.

“There are stories of the eccentric and controversial characters who set out to build these ostentatious houses as a symbol of their grandeur and status,” said Elinor. “Despite their uncomfortable pasts, these buildings are a part of our history and tell an important story about our culture, our communities and our architecture. Without the work of the National Trust, it is possible that they would not still be standing today.”

During the series, Elinor and Tudur visit Penrhyn Castle near Bangor and Powis Castle in Welshpool. The third programme sees Tudur and Elinor travel to South Wales to Tredegar House near Newport.

The two then head back up to the north to find out more about Chirk Castle and Plas Newydd on Anglesey. The series comes to an end with a visit to Erddig near Wrecsam.

“During Lockdown, these incredible buildings have had to close their doors with no-one able to visit until now. The National Trust has given special permission for us to access the buildings while they are empty,” said Elinor.

“And we get to look into every nook and cranny so we can discover and be amazed by some of the secrets they hold. This is a chance to discover their history as well as some of the treasures which lie within their walls.”

In the first programme in the series Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau (Tuesday, 8 September, 9.00) we learn more about the dark history of Penrhyn Castle and the links of its early owners with the slave trade and the slate industry.

We also hear about the National Trust’s efforts to be more open about Penrhyn Castle’s troubled past and its efforts to face and re-interpret the castle’s history by commissioning artists in residence and exhibitions.
In the second episode on Tuesday, 15 September, Tudur and Elinor will be visiting Powis Castle – an ancient building which had been in the possession of the powerful Herbert family for hundreds of years. We learn about the treasures which have been collected there and several dark family secrets.

Rebecca Williams, the National Trust’s Assistant Director of Conservation, said: “Although our gardens and parklands have been open throughout the summer, lockdown gave us an excellent opportunity to allow Tudur, Elinor and the film crew special access to take a look behind the scenes and learn more about some of our sites in Wales.

“We look after a number of important buildings and collections, all with very varied histories. Some of our houses and castles are now preparing to re-open and we are very excited to welcome visitors back very soon. Visit our website for more information and opening times.”

Trysorau Cymru: Tir, Tai a Chyfrinachau
Every Tuesday at 9.00pm, S4C
English subtitles available
On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms
An Orchard production for S4C