Mansion House, Swansea

The Mansion House, located on Ffynone Road in Swansea, is a significant historic building that has served as the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Swansea since 1922. Originally commissioned by local builder Evan Mathew Richards as a private residence, the house, known then as "Brooklands," was completed in 1863. Richards, who later became Mayor of Swansea and a member of parliament for Cardiganshire, chose a prominent site in the Ffynone area to build this Gothic Revival-style home.

The Mansion House showcases a distinct asymmetrical design, characterized by a six-bay main frontage. A notable feature is the octagonal tower in the first bay, topped with a spire and accented by bi-partite windows. The third bay is distinguished by castellated bay windows on both the ground and first floors, crowned by a gable with a pointed window. Other bays feature a variety of window styles, including lancet and segmental-headed bi-partite or tri-partite windows, all enhancing the building's Gothic aesthetic.

After Richards died in 1880, the house was acquired by James Jones and used as judges' lodgings. It later passed to his niece, who continued to rent it to visiting judges. In 1922, the County Borough of Swansea purchased the property, renaming it the Mansion House and outfitting it with furnishings and paintings from the Vivian Collection. Two cannons from the Royal Arsenal, which played a role in defending Swansea Harbour during the Napoleonic Wars, were added to the terrace, further emphasizing the house's historical significance. Today, the Mansion House remains a notable landmark, reflecting both the architectural and civic history of Swansea.