Shell Hermitage, Pontypool Park

"Shell Hermitage, Pontypool Park The shell hermitage in Pontypool Park is probably the best preserved grotto in Wales. It was built in the 18th century for John Hanbury, although the shell decoration was probably added later by Molly Hanbury Leigh (John's daughter-in-law). There are, however, other stories regarding the origins of the grotto. One suggests that the grotto was created as an early job creation scheme to alleviate unemployment in the area in the 1820s. The shell grotto was restored in the early 1990s."

http://www.gtj.org.uk/this-and-that/curiosities/pontypool-shell-grotto/