Edward Ap Lewis

• General Notes
  • Edward ap Lewis settled at the Van in Caerphilly in the early 16th century. He and his descendants acquired extensive lands in the Taff & Rhymney Valleys and in the Vale of Glamorgan, particularly in Llanishen, Whitchurch, Radyr, St.Fagans & Penmark, plus property in Wiltshire and Buckinghamshire. In 1616 Sir Edward Lewis of Van purchased St.Fagans Castle and its surrounding lands from Sir William Herbert and set about improving the castle (really a fortified manor house rather than a true castle).
    St.Fagans Castle now called the National Museum of Wales - Museum of Rural Life. The castle itself is a museum and in the grounds have been built many buildings transferred from all over Wales to show what life was like in days past.