The Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle (1999):
Back Cover:
Who of the Castle's several ghosts haunts the marble halls of Gwrych Castle? Who was the Countess of the Dundonald, now buried in Llanddulas Churchyard, who did she marry and why? Randolph Turpin, Bruce Woodcock, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and 200 Jewish children evacuated from Europe in Operation Kindertransport all found solace within her walls.
Whatever happened to these Jewish children? What are their memories of Wartime Gwrych? The answers to these questions and many other interesting facts about Gwrych Castle and Estate can be found inside this highly researched and interesting book!
Contents:
Introduction
The Dream
Park, Gardens and Gatehouses
The Dundonalds
Interior Tour (How it was)
Miscellaneous Ventures
As I Am
Exterior In It’s Prime – Walking Guide – As it was
Contact Organisations
Acknowledgements
Book Review:
The Castle Crusader who aims to make
his mark with new book
A teenager who has launched a personal crusade to save a Victorian castle
from further ruin has gone into print. Mark Baker of Prestatyn has sent
copies of his book titled “The Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle” to several
luminaries including the Prince of Wales, William Hague and several MP’s,
all of whom have taken an interest in his campaign.
One thousand copies of the 88 page volume have been printed and within days
hundreds have been sold.
Mark, a pupil at Rydal Penrhos school, was instrumental in founding ASFOG,
A Society for the Friends of Gwrych, in 1997, by which time he had gathered
much of the background history of the castle.
The magnificent Gwrych Castle was built early in the 19th century for Lloyd
Hesketh Bamford Hesketh and served a variety of purposes including a private
home and tourist attraction.
In 1990 it was bought by American businessman Nick Tavaglione who announced
plans to develop it as an opera centre, but as a legal wrangle over ownership
dragged on the building fell into severe disrepair.
In recent years it has been vandalised, leading to council action to secure
it against further trespass. Mark has enlisted the support of numerous conservation
bodies for his campaign but all have said they cannot offer practical support
until the ownership dispute is settled. Among those who have praised his
enthusiasm and initiative are the Phoenix Trust, set up by Prince Charles
to help restore important old buildings.
Liverpool Daily Post 1999