Self guided room by room tour (page3) (Instructions in red)
Although unconfirmed, it is said that Edward VII visited Craig-y-Nos when still the Prince of Wales. One story relates to a time when his train was delayed and the party arrived late at night. The servants awoke to the sound of unknown visitors and Madam Patti shooed them back to bed before receiving her guests personally. On the following day, the staff saw the Prince and realised why their Lady was not abed on the previous night.
For twenty five years she sang for Queen Victoria by private invitation and would surely have known many members of the Royal family. Many honours were bestowed upon the Diva and the Tzar Alexander II awarded her the Russian Order of Merit in 1870
Other sovereigns of state, including Franz Josef of Austria and Emperor Maximillian of Mexico, showed their appreciation in a similar manner.
The alterations to Craig-y-Nos continued and the red sandstone highlighted the new extensions.
As you look up at the front of the building you will observe the different coloured stone.
Compare the gray stone of the original building (see first picture above) with the red stone of the extensions built by Adelina Patti. Patti built from the left of the flagpole in the picture below. Notice in this early photo the absence of the theatre.
Craig-y-Nos, newly extended by Madam Patti, from the slopes of Cribarth
Photograph by kind permission of Brecknock Museum
The theatre is now situated to the left of the clock tower. You can enter the theatre by the glass double doors now. (If the doors are closed, please ask Reception to open them for you so you may continue
with your tour).
Enter the theatre via the glass double doors.