THE history of Llanerchaeron – the 18th century mansion near Aberaeron - is for the first time being told from the perspective of the women who helped protect the estate and guide it to a bright future.

Their stories include being a single parent and the gender pay issue, managing an estate, allowing ballot leave, filing for separation and custody of children and achieving independent wealth in times when women had less legal recognition.

The experience has been created as part of the National Trust’s Women and Power programme marking the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act, which first gave some women the vote.

Until 7 October, the National Trust in Wales will delve deep into the stories and struggles of the inspirational women that worked in or owned some of its places

As part of the celebration National Trust Wales are asking visitors to Llanerchaeron to share the names of powerful women in their lives which will be hand-embroidered onto a specially commissioned petticoat on display.

A Ladies Day was held on Bank Holiday Monday to open the Petticoats of Power experience when all women were granted free access to Llanerchaeron.

Rachael Hedge, house steward at Llanerchaeron, said: “Petticoats of Power has been created not to compare men and women, but to highlight the powers harnessed by our women who worked alone or with their partners to look after Llanerchaeron over generations.

“Despite not owning the land in their own right, without these women and the strength they possessed, it is likely Llanerchaeron wouldn’t be what it is today.”

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