The Myths and Legends of the Gwrych Castle Estate (2006): CLICK HERE TO BUY!
An archaeology, oral history and art historical approach. Tales of suspense
and mystery concerning the last two hundred years of the Gwrych Castle Estate!
Back Cover:
For centuries the Gwrych Castle Estate has been a source of tales and mysterious
happenings. In this booklet a multi-disciplined approach has been used to
retell the stories of this once illustrious North Wales Estate. However,
a discerning eye has been prevalent throughout the research by evaluating
fact from fiction. The anecdotes and stories vary greatly from fairy princesses
who dwell within cathedral-like caverns to excavations at the Parish Church
which have uncovered puzzling structures…
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Preface
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Public and State Apartments
Private and Family Apartments
Servants Quarters and Cellars
Outbuildings
The Gardens
The Park
Gatelodges
The Estate
Wells and Springs
Select Bibliography
Book Review:
Tales of unexpected revealed in
book
Mysterious happenings in countess’ bedroom…
For centuries the Gwrych Castle estate has been the source of tales and
mysterious happenings and these can now be read about in the latest book
to be published by a young man whose interest in the monument started at
the tender age of 14.
As a schoolboy, Mark Baker, of Prestatyn, would pass the spectacular Abergele
landmark on his way to school.
He was saddened by the fact it had been left to deteriorate and decided
to take action to try and preserve it. Since that time he has worked tirelessly
for the cause and in 2001 added strength to the fight by forming the Gwrych
Castle Preservation Trust.
His hopes were raised earlier this year when it was thought a sale for the
building had been agreed. This was not the case and the future of Gwrych
remains, as it has for a number of years, up in the air.
“The vendors are in discussions with possible purchasers but nothing
has been agreed”, said Mark, whose numerous other publications on
Gwrych, and other historical landmarks in the area have always proved popular.
He admits his latest, entitled Myths and Legends of the Gwrych Castle
Estate, proved something of a challenge to write.
“This collection of short stories about the myths and legends of the
Gwrych Castle estate has come about after many years if research into the
history of Gwrych and the Dundonald family”, he said.
“In this book I have tried to mix the tales with real historical fact,
so that the stories would hang off an actual context.
“It has involved a multi disciplined approach which has proven most
interesting. I have tried to weave archaeology, history and oral history
together with a touch of art history to create a fuller vision of the past.”
The book includes a site and ground floor plan of the castle and each chapter
recounts tales relating to the various parts of the estate – public
and state apartments, servants quarters and cellars, outbuildings, the gardens,
the park, gatelodges, the estate and wells and springs.
It is an easy to read publication, and while only 60 pages long it contains
a lot of detail and is a must for anyone interested in local history –
and the unknown,
There are many tales of unexplained happenings at the castle over the years.
One tale about the Countess’ bedroom and dressing room reads: “After
her ladyship’s untimely death in 1924, this suite of rooms ceased
to be used until the 1920’s when it was rented off as a flat to let.
“However, this did not last long as disturbances were felt and it
became too uncomfortable for people to stay there.
“Noises were heard, as well as objects being moved and the heavy scent
of violets, the favourite scent of the Countess hung in the air. The room
was then closed off and not used again!”.
Mark has managed to include numerous photographs; these include one of St
Michaels Church in Abergele, which was the traditional burial site of the
Lloyd and Hesketh families of Gwrych up until the early part of the 19th
Century.
“The locations of the Gwrych burials have never been exactly located
at St Michael’s” writes Mark.
For residents of Abergele keen to find out about their town, the book is
a must.
As well as the countless accounts of the goings on in the castle and its
grounds, there is a detailed section on the history of Abergele itself.
It reads, “Antiquarians once disputed that Abergele was even called
such, referring to an ancient tablet embedded in the walls of St Michael’s
which refers to the town as Llanvihangel or Llanvihangel y Morva.
“However, this must be tempered with the fact that only a copy of
the original tablet has survived.
“John Lloyd, the eight year old son of William and Margaret Lloyd
of Gwrych, was buried there in 1733 and this is the earliest reference in
tablet form.
“John Hicklin, in 1849, described the origin of the name Abergele
as thus – from Aber, rivulet, and Gele, woody or secluded.
“This is a name still very characteristic of the town, as the river
running through it issues out of deep wooded ravines above Abergele.”
From the Rhyl and Prestatyn Visitor, August 30th 2006