Located in the northwest section of Chester County, West Nantmeal Township is a small, rural community with an interesting history. The area was originally populated by settlers from Radnorshire, Wales between 1700 and 1710. The settlers named the area Nantmell, or Natmel, meaning “sweet water” or “land of the sweet stream” in Welsh. In 1739, the area was divided into East and West Nantmeal. Yet again, in 1789, West Nantmeal was once more divided, with Welsh settlers remaining in West Nantmeal and Scotch-Irish community in the area that became Honey Brook Township. One final division of the township occurred in 1852 when Wallace Township was divided form West Nantmeal.

The West Nantmeal Historical Commission was founded in 1988 by local residents who wanted a way to preserve the township's past. The mission of the Historical Commission is to gather and maintain historical records for the township; identify historical structures and encourage their preservation and restoration; and promote community awareness and appreciation for the historic nature of West Nantmeal. Over the years, the Commission has undertaken several projects to document the history of township structures and properties, as well as historic events in the township.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, West Nantmeal was home to farms, mills and forges, including the Isabella Furnace, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. In addition to Isabella Furnace, there are multiple historic properties found in West Nantmeal Township many of which have transitioned from their original purpose. These include “Langoma” and Rose Cottage, both connected to the Potts Family.

^{A pen and ink sketch of Langoma by Suzy Roy.}

“Langoma” was the mansion of the Potts family, completed in 1894. The mansion eventually passed from the Potts family and became a first home for special children and then a retirement center run by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence.

^{An pen and ink sketch of Rose Cottage by Suzy Roy.} 

 Rose Cottage was home to a summer school founded by Mabel Potts in 1900 that operated for almost twenty years. Originally, the cottage was housing for employees of Isabella Furnace, but was abandoned before Mrs. Potts acquired it for the school and painted it pink. Today, the cottage is a private residence.

^{The old Central High School was converted to township offices in 1968.}

Another historic property in West Nantmeal that has been repurposed is the old Central School. The School, built in 1879, was the elementary and high school for area children. The school closed in 1966. The building was purchased from the School District in 1968 and converted to township offices, which include storage for the West Nantmeal Historical Commission. The West Nantmeal Historical Commission’s collection includes school records from Central School, as well as another, unidentified area school. 

If you're interested in learning more about the history of West Nantmeal Township, take a trip to their location in Elverson, PA. And while you're there, check out some of buildings!