Porth-y-carn, Porthycarne Street, Usk, Monmouthshire is an early 19th-century Neoclassical villa. Built c. 1834 for Thomas Reece, the agent of the "iron king", Crawshay Bailey, it is a Grade II* listed building.

Porth-y-carn
"a restrained white Grecian villa"[1]
TypeHouse
LocationUsk, Monmouthshire
Coordinates51°42′15″N 2°54′20″W / 51.7042°N 2.9055°W / 51.7042; -2.9055
Built19th century
Architectural style(s)Neoclassical
Governing bodyPrivately owned
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official namePorth-y-carn
Designated1 April 1974
Reference no.2189
Porth-y-carn, Usk is located in Monmouthshire
Porth-y-carn, Usk
Location of Porth-y-carn in Monmouthshire

History

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The architectural historian John Newman suggests a construction date of 1834-5.[1] The client was Thomas Reece, who served as the agent for the industrialist Crawshay Bailey.[2] Reece also served as a Justice of the Peace, in 1845 serving on a committee of justices to enquire into allegations of misconduct against the governor of the Usk House of Correction.[3] Reece died in 1853.[4] In the year before his death, the house had the highest rateable value of any property in Usk.[2] Porth-y-carn remains a private residence.

Architecture and description

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The villa is of two storeys, the doorcase flanked by a Doric columned porch.[1] Cadw suggests that the interior retains some of its 19th century fittings and furnishings.[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Newman 2000, p. 596.
  2. ^ a b c Cadw. "Porth-y-carn, Usk (Grade II*) (2189)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  3. ^ "Parliamentary Papers". H.M. Stationery Office. 4 June 2017 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Archives, The National. "The Discovery Service". discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

References

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