A HISTORIC table has 'returned home' to a famous Tudor house after an absence of a century, thanks to the five-figure generosity of an American who is proud of her Welsh heritage.

The table was sold in 1921 in a sale from Gwydir Castle near Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley, at which in a separate and unconnected purchase ancient panelling from a room there was bought for newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst and shipped to the US.

Last week, husband-and-wife Judy Corbett and Peter Welford, who have owned and restored Gwydir since 1994 posted on Facebook: "Some amazing (and positive) news in these troubling times.

"The famous Gwydir table is finally returning to Gwydir - almost 100 years after it was sold from the house.

"The table was made for Sir John Wynn in about 1590 and is one of the most important pieces of Welsh furniture to survive from that date.

"It's covered in the heraldry of the Wynn family: the eagle of Owain Gwynedd, the lion of Gruffydd ap Cynan and the fleur-de-lis of Colwyn ap Tangno. It's an incredibly rare piece of furniture and was sold from the house at the sale in 1921.

“Most amazingly the purchase has been made possible by a significant donation from an American donor of Welsh origin who has a great love for Wales and Welsh history. She tells us she has ‘loved doing this for Gwydir and for Wales.'

"We must also thank Mr Richard Bebb for releasing the table on to the market.

“So, Gwydir has worked its magic again. The force of this ancient place is indeed a powerful thing. We say a huge thank you/diolch o galon on behalf of Gwydir and Wales to our American donor (who wishes to remain anonymous) and who has shown such faith in us."

The couple said they will 'make absolutely sure' the table never leaves Gwydir again.

Judy Corbett explained that the American had bought the table from Mr Bebb, an antique dealer of South Wales, who had owned it for a number of years, and she donated it to Gwydir.

“It was for a significant amount, certainly five figures,” she revealed.

“The donor is of Welsh origin and very passionate about Wales and Welsh history. History endures and this is a touchstone, something solid and unwavering. The heraldry is fascinating. It’s one of the most important pieces of Welsh furniture that there is.”

For years the owners have fought a battle against the overflowing River Conwy.

They’ve built a flood wall to hold back the water from the magnificent grounds and were relieved this week when the banks of the Conwy were not breached. “But there’s a long winter ahead,” declared Judy Corbett.