History of Plas Newydd

The East front of Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Wales, viewed across the Menai Strait from Glan Faenol | © National Trust Images/Nick Meers

Plas Newydd House and Garden has many a story to tell. Discover the early history of William Paget, Secretary of State to Henry VIII, and the bravery of the first Marquess of Anglesey who famously lost a leg in the Battle of Waterloo. Learn about the 5th Marquess and the extravagant lifestyle that led to the 40-day sale and the 6th Marquess’s family making Plas Newydd their family home.

Early history and the Battle of Waterloo

William Paget, 1st Baron of Beaudesert

Plas Newydd's family story begins with William Paget. Born around 1505, he was employed by King Henry VIII as Secretary of State. He built the main family home, Beaudesert, near Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and was given the title of 1st Baron of Beaudesert.

1st Marquess of Anglesey and the Battle of Waterloo

Henry William Paget, born in 1768, was Henry Bayly Paget’s second child. As eldest son, he inherited the title, 2nd Earl of Uxbridge.

Most famous for leading the cavalry in the Battle of Waterloo 1815, he lost a leg and was awarded the title ‘Marquess of Anglesey’ for his bravery.

Painting of Uxbridge and Wellington after Waterloo by Constantinus Fidelio Coene, in the Cavalry Room at Plas Newydd, Wales — Uxbridge and Wellington after Waterloo by Constantinus Fidelio Coene, at Plas Newydd | © National Trust Images/John Hammond

5th Marquess of Anglesey

Born Henry Cyril Paget, in 1875, the only son of the 4th Marquess, he inherited the title in 1898.

He was a very exuberant fellow, who loved the theatre. He bankrupted the family holding ‘the Great Anglesey Sales’ (40 days of sales with more than 40,000 lots) to recoup some of his debts.

6th Marquess of Anglesey

Charles Alexander Henry Paget, first cousin to the 5th Marquess, inherited the title in 1905.

He sold Beaudesert, the main family home and modernised Plas Newydd. He installed electricity, heating, bathrooms and a telephone system.

Rex Whistler

Rex Whistler, born in 1905, was commissioned to paint a large mural in the Dining Room.

Rex spent much time with the family in the 1930s, becoming a great friend to the 7th Marquess when he was a boy.

Life below stairs

In the 1920s and 1930s Plas Newydd was a busy home with a vast servants' area and bustling kitchens. Changes made in the 1950s mean that those areas look very different today.

Rex Whistler's paints and equipment at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Wales | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

HMS Conway at Plas Newydd

For years, Plas Newydd was home to hundreds of Conway cadets learning about life at sea.

HMS Conway had been moored at Liverpool docks and moved to Bangor to keep her safe during the Second World War. In the late 1940s a local shore base was required. Plas Newydd was chosen as a base for the cadets and the ship.

The popularity of the training in 1949 meant that many cadets moved into the house and took more than half of the rooms.

Changes over the years

Plas Newydd means 'new house'. The home has seen many changes over the years and was originally called Llwyn y Moel. It has been transformed from a Victorian party house'to the comfortable family home that you see today.