Gwrych Castle
Gwrych Castle is not as old as it might first appear. However, it is shameful that such a grand castle in such a beautiful location should have come to such a disgraceful state of ruin. The building of the castle was commenced in 1819.
This extravagant and grand design, with its cast iron windows, must have looked magnificent upon completion. A marble staircase was added in the 1870s. Winifred Bamford-Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald, inherited the castle and lived here with her children.
During the Second World War, Gwrych was used to house Jewish refugees. The upkeep and expense of maintaining such a large estate after the war caused Gwrych to fall into decline. Inevitably, as with so many large manor houses and estates, it was sold in 1946.
Having changed hands again in 1948 and sold to Leslie Salts, Gwrych was opened to the general public and remained a popular attraction for twenty years. Unfortunately, since 1968 history has not been kind to Gwrych. It has had many owners, most of whom seemed at a loss as to what to do with it. The castle closed in 1985 and has been neglected ever since.
Walking around the ruins and extensive grounds of Gwrych, the observer will no doubt try to imagine what this impressive building once looked like in its former glory. Years of neglect, theft, vandalism, and exposure to the elements have left behind an empty shell.
In June 2006, Clayton Hotels purchased the castle for £850,000 and announced a three-year project to renovate the building and convert it into a five-star hotel. Let us hope that the future is kinder to Gwrych than its recent past.
More details can be found at: https://www.gwrychcastle.co.uk/
For more photographs of Gwrych Castle, click here
You can also view the photos on YouTube
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