The "Ladies of Llangollen" as Sketched by Many Hands; with Notices of Other Objects of Interest in "That Sweetest of Vales"

"The Ladies of Llangollen" by John Hicklin is a historical narrative from 1847 that tells the story of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, two noblewomen who captivated society by choosing a solitary life together in the lovely Vale of Llangollen in North Wales. The book explores the themes of companionship, commitment, and oddity by describing how these women rebelled against societal norms to pursue freedom and mutual devotion. The account explains how the pair ran away to Llangollen in the late 1700s in order to build Plas Newydd, a lovely cottage known for its beautiful gardens. Their reputation grew as a result of their unusual lifestyle, which included communicating with numerous literary personalities and sporting masculine attire. The story wraps up by considering their long-lasting impact, including their legacy on their local community and the enduring memory of their remarkable friendship.