Royal Watch News

Catherine Zeta-Jones buys lost palace

Jan 3, 2013, 12:01 GMT

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones has helped to buy the site of a 'lost palace' of ancient Welsh princes.

The Oscar-winning actress - who has often spoken of her pride about her Welsh roots - made a 'substantial' donation to a trust bidding to buy up farmland thought to be the site of the palace of the Llywelyn princes.

Trustee Paul Martin Remfry said: 'The home of the Welsh princes of Wales has been ignored for far too long. The trustees are delighted that Catherine Zeta-Jones is taking a personal interest in the work of the trust.

'Her involvement will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of this Welsh project internationally.

'The historical and archaeological evidence is overwhelming and we want to ensure its guaranteed preservation for the benefit of present and future generations.'

According to legend, the ancient palace is now the site where an old mansion called Pen-y-Bryn now stands and it dates back to 1624.

Mansion occupier Kathryn Gibson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: 'The locals have always called the house Llewelyn's Tower and it seems this local lore has been handed down over the centuries. It's great that Catherine Zeta-Jones is showing an interest.'