The Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle & Winifred Countess of Dundonald - A Biography(2003): CLICK HERE TO BUY!
Back Cover:
This book covers the entire history of Gwrych Castle and Estate from their
founding days to present day. Gwrych, the fairytale castle which nestles
into the wooded hillside that surrounds Abergele has been neglected for
years; its history sadly forgotten and marble halls crumbling. How could
this have been allowed to happen and when will its future be made secure?
Included in the second part of this book is a biography of Winifred, Countess
of Dundonald ~ Last of the Heskeths of Gwrych. If Lady Dundonald was alive
today what would her reaction be to the fall of the house of Gwrych? Does
the life of the Countess provide the answer as to why the Castle was destined
to fall into dereliction? All of these questions are answered within the
pages of this book…
Contents:
Part One – The Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle
Introduction
'The Dream'
Park, Gardens and Gatehouses
The Dundonalds
An Interior Tour
Miscellaneous Ventures
As I Am
An Exterior Tour
Part Two – Winifred, Countess of Dundonald
~ A Biography
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter One – Early Life
Chapter Two – Married Life and Motherhood
Chapter Three – Love and Separation
Chapter Four – Freedom
Chapter Five – A Setting Sun
Chapter Six – A Legacy
Chapter Seven – Conclusion
Appendices
Family Tree
Words of the Countess
Winifred’s Private Apartments
Portrait Analysis
Acknowledgements
Book Review:
Fiendishly Engaging
The Rise and Fall
of Gwrych Castle - Mark Baker
What are most teenagers into these days? Playstation 2? Football?
The latest album by Eminem? Not Mark Baker. His main mission
in life is to save a 19th century castle from collapsing into obscurity.
The North Wales 18 year old is so passionate about Gwrych Castle
he has written a book on it. The Rise and Fall of Gwrych
Castle covers the entire history of the mansion. It
also includes a biography of Winifred, Countess of Dundonald, last of the
Heskeths of Gwrych. Mark has been collecting items on the castle since 1994
and over the years has enjoyed local, regional and national media exposure
about his campaign to save the crumbling building. The
book features in great detail the history of the famous castle including
comprehensive information on the families who lived there. Anyone knowing
little about Gwrych Castle will certainly know plenty more after reading
this book. The publication contains a nice blend of text and pictures sure
to strike a nostalgic chord among history lovers.
One aspect I found difficult to understand was why the profile of the author appears in the middle of the book and not at the start as is the norm. I was also tickled by a printing error in the foreword by Barbara Griffiths, who described herself as having been fiend of Mark for many years. But overall this is an excellent book which can be used as reference material for many years to come. One can only Mark's dream of seeing Gwrych restored to its former glory comes to fruition and that perhaps one day he can write another book entitled something along the lines of The Rebirth of Gwrych Castle.
By Nick Ellis ~ Courtesy of the Abergele Visitor