The Mill at Glynhir - A little bit of History
The grounds of the Mill are full of history. At the end of the 18th Century it was reportedly a miniature industrial centre, based on water power and local coal.
We believe the Mill itself was powered by water and produced flour locally and further afield. It would have been bigger than the existing walls suggest as the water wheel itself was on line with the annexe.
The water ran a course across the present golf fairway where it would spill straight into the river. Pipes were laid to supply the old manor House, these are still embedded under the annexe.
The spill over entered the ground near the five barred gate and then went through a large tunnel leading to the river. If you are careful you can still see the end of this tunnel, please approach with caution.
Sword Factory
The walls remaining by the river were part of a foundry that reputedly made swords for the French revolution. When the Napoleonic War broke out a troop of soldiers guarded the foundry to stop it producing weapons for the French. This suspicion presumably arose from the fact that the Glynhir Estate had been bought by a family with French origins (the Dubuisson's) in 1790 even though by then they had been settled in Britain for a century!
Near the foundry was a bakery from which cakes were taken to Swansea by horse and cart.
Large Pond
There was also a large pond or small lake near the river and the remains of a retaining wall can be seen looking to the right from the mill, in the centre of this wall there is an archway which may have been an overflow from the lake.
Old School
The short approach to the Mill is called 'Banc-y-fellis' or Mill Bank. In XVIX Century Caroline Dubuisson, established a school for the children of the workers in one of the four cottages adjacent to the Mill, the schoolmaster occupied another.
Glynhir Mansion - pigeon house
At Glynhir Mansion down the lane towards Ammanford there is a pigeon house worth a visit as it is only a few yards from the verge. Local lore states that the Dubuisson's used carrier pigeons after the battle of Waterloo to get news of the victory to Glynhir. Caroline Dubuisson then rode to London and reached there before the official reports had arrived, as a result the Dubuisson's and their bankers, the Rothchilds, reputedly made a large fortune on the London market.
Also worth a visit is the Waterfall within the grounds of the mansion, this is private property but the current owner will usually direct visitors to the fall if you knock (good boots required).
Castle Carreg Cennen
Three miles away from the Mill is the spectacular Castle Carreg Cennen is a must for a visit, it stands 300 feet high and is believed to be unique in having a natural cave under it.
We hope you have enjoyed a little bit of history of 'The Mill at Glynhir'.
