This handsome mansion (about two miles from Holyhead) is embosomed in the
wood, and is the residence of the Hon. Wm. Owen Stanley, M.P. for the
city of Chester. The principal entrance faces the sea, of which it
commands a very extensive view. About a quarter of a mile east of
Penrhos is Penrhyn, a cliff projecting into the sea, which has been the
residence of the family of Owen for many centuries, who were descended
from one of the five sons of Hwfa ap Cynddelw, Lord of Llifon in 1157,
now represented by Lord Edisbury and the Hon. W. O. Stanley, sons of the
late Lord Stanley, of Alderley. Hwfa was contemporary with Owen Gwynedd,
one of the most celebrated princes of North Wales, who on more than one
occasion gave battle and completely routed the English army, under the
personal command of Henry II. Hwfa founded one of the fifteen royal
tribes of Wales; and his five sons inherited his princely property,
extending from Aberffraw to Holyhead, and including a great part of the
Island of Anglesey.