Welsh language U-turn after ‘disrespectful’ rebranding of manor house

Concerns over the rebranding of a Welsh manor house has seemingly prompted a U-turn by the holiday firm advertising the property.

Plas Bodegroes, an 18th Century manor house near Pwllheli in Gwynedd had been marketed by travel company Big House Experience as Bromfield Hall.

The property had only ever been known as by its Welsh name, prompting a fierce response locally with the move described by the area’s councillor as “disrespectful”.

As of Thursday morning, the original Welsh language name had been restored on online marketing materials, with the properly relisted as Plas Bodegroes.

Big House Experience has been approached to comment.

Plas Bodegroes, was built in the 1780s, and for a period was Wales’ only Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was turned into a self-catering holiday let in 2021.

It is thought to have been designed by Joseph Bromfield, a Shrewsbury-based architect.

Having noticed the apparent name change over recent days, local councillor Anwen Davies said she had received several calls from concerned residents.

Within her Efailnewydd a Buan ward, 72.5% of residents are Welsh speakers.

Councillor Davies added that such incidents must be called out “to avoid opening the floodgates”.

“I’m not happy at all, although it is some relief if they’ve changed it back,” she said.

“While I understand the actual name of the house remained as Plas Bodegroes, I think it’s disrespectful to try and change a historic name in any way.

“It just shows a lack of respect towards the Welsh language, I don’t like it at all.

She added that many people locally were talking about it and “weren’t happy”.

“But if its known as Plas Bodegroes once again then that’s a good thing at least.”