The People, Stories and Moments That Shaped Hensol Castle.
Today, Hensol Castle is a much-loved destination for weddings, events, business and memorable occasions. But behind its grand doors lies a story stretching back over 600 years, shaped by the families who lived here and the changes they made along the way.
Early History
Before Hensol Castle became the place we know today, the early chapters of it's history was shaped by the families who lived here and the changes they made over the centuries.
1419 - 1721
The Jenkins family owned Hensol from 1419 to 1721. Among them was Judge David Jenkins, a staunch Royalist who played an active role during the Civil War. Captured by Parliamentarians and sent to the Tower of London, he was later brought before the House of Commons. Refusing to kneel at the bar, he was fined £1,000.
1721
In 1721, Hensol passed to Charles Talbot through his marriage to the Jenkins heiress, Cecil Jenkins. Later made Lord Chancellor and Baron Talbot of Hensol, his family transformed the property. His son, William Talbot, began landscaping the grounds and, in the 1730s, transformed the house into the castellated mansion we know today as Hensol Castle.
1789
In 1789 Samuel Richardson bought the estate. Richardson was a wealthy banker, who later became the Sheriff of Glamorgan. He was known to have been a pioneer in agriculture and farming and was therefore thought to have made many improvements to the Hensol estate, including land drainage.
1815
In 1815, Hensol passed to Benjamin Hall, a prominent MP. His son, also Benjamin Hall, became Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Board of Works and oversaw the later rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament, including the installation of Big Ben, which is said to have been named after him.
1824
In 1824, Hensol passed to the Crawshay family. William Crawshay, known as the “Iron King”, improved the walled garden, deer park, lake and grounds. He later built the impressive Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil.
1838-1877
In 1838, Rowland Fothergill transformed Hensol, adding the courtyard, towers and lake Summer House, while remodelling the castle with Wyatt and Brandon. In 1877, Hensol was passed to Fothergill’s niece and her husband. After the deaths of two of their sons in action, the estate passed to their third son, who later put it up for sale.
1926
In 1926, Glamorgan County Council acquired Hensol and converted it into a hospital for people with learning disabilities. As care increasingly moved into the community in the late 20th century, the number of patients gradually declined.
2004-2015
A New Era for Hensol Castle
The hospital then closed and in 2004 the castle and grounds were bought by local businessman, Gerald Leeke. In 2015 the castle officially opened as a wedding and conference venue.
The Leeke Family
The Leeke family are still the proud owners of Hensol Castle and the Vale Resort. Actively involved in running both today, the family remains at the heart of day-to-day life across the resort, helping to preserve its heritage while shaping its future.
2021
Hensol Castle Distillery
Today, Hensol Castle continues to evolve. Its historic cellars are now home to South Wales’ first full-scale distillery, bringing a new purpose to this historic space. Alongside producing award-winning Welsh spirits, Hensol Castle Distillery is also home to a Gin and Rum school, Visitor Experience and Contract Bottling Facility
