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Mark Baker (author)
Encyclopedia
Mark Baker is an author of several books on Welsh
country houses and estates, his first book was published at the age of 14 in 1999 on the Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle
, Abergele
by Gwasg Helygain, making him one of Britain's youngest published authors. He subsequently founded the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust at the age of sixteen in 2001 as well as spearheading a high profile campaign for the building's restoration. This proved fruitful when the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust precipitated the sale of Gwrych Castle by pursuing compulsory purchase action. This earned Baker recognition within the heritage world and he was made the youngest honorary life member of SAVE Britain's Heritage.
Baker was educated at Rydal-Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay and later attended the University of Wales, Bangor from 2003; here he graduated with a BA in history and archaeology in 2006. Baker's MA was taken at Cardiff University, and he is currently working on a PhD, researching the development of Welsh Country Houses. Baker was made a member of the National Trust
Committee for Wales in 2009.
In 2005 Baker published a history of Hafodunos
, Llangernyw - a masterpiece of Victorian gothic architecture, which was followed by a detailed study of Wales' most important Jacobean mansion, Plas Teg
, near Mold in 2006. The first pressing sold out and is now in its second edition.
On 1 September 2008, Forgotten Welsh Houses, co-authored with Michael Tree was published by Hendre House Publishing, sponsored by the Georgian Group and SAVE Britain's Heritage. This publication formed the basis for BBC One's 'Hidden Houses of Wales', broadcast in 2010. A Royal Home in Wales: Llwynywermod, a book detailing the history of the Llwynywermod
estate that is now the Welsh Royal home of The Prince of Wales was published by Accent Press on 10 November 2008. As of September 2007, an official website has been launched detailing all of Baker's work to date. Future publications to be released include histories of Baron Hill, Garthewin and Gwylfa Hiraethog.
Baker, as of November 2011, is working with Linda Lamb
on a collection of songs based on the poems of Margaret Sandbach of Hafodunos
which will be released as an album in 2012. A book, based on Sandbach's life, will be co-authored with Welsh film maker, Dewi Gregory.
’ new home in Wales. Llwynywermod
was purchased by the Duchy of Cornwall
in 2006 and is currently undergoing restoration. Published to coincide with HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday celebrations on 14 November 2008, the book covers the entire history of the Llwynywermod estate from its founding days to being the Welsh residence of Prince Charles.
On Monday 10 November 2008, A Royal Home in Wales was officially released. The official launch was on 21 November at the National Library of Wales
, Aberystwyth
.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
country houses and estates, his first book was published at the age of 14 in 1999 on the Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle
Gwrych Castle
Gwrych Castle is a Grade I listed 19th century country house near Abergele in Conwy county borough, North Wales.-History:Gwrych Castle was erected between 1819 and 1825 at the behest of Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh, grandfather of Winifred Cochrane, Countess of Dundonald. From 1894 until 1924,...
, Abergele
Abergele
Abergele is a community and old Roman trading town, situated on the north coast of Wales between the holiday resorts of Colwyn Bay and Rhyl, in Conwy County Borough. Its northern suburb of Pensarn lies on the Irish Sea coast and is known for its beach, where it is claimed by some that a ghost ship...
by Gwasg Helygain, making him one of Britain's youngest published authors. He subsequently founded the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust at the age of sixteen in 2001 as well as spearheading a high profile campaign for the building's restoration. This proved fruitful when the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust precipitated the sale of Gwrych Castle by pursuing compulsory purchase action. This earned Baker recognition within the heritage world and he was made the youngest honorary life member of SAVE Britain's Heritage.
Baker was educated at Rydal-Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay and later attended the University of Wales, Bangor from 2003; here he graduated with a BA in history and archaeology in 2006. Baker's MA was taken at Cardiff University, and he is currently working on a PhD, researching the development of Welsh Country Houses. Baker was made a member of the National Trust
National Trust
National Trust most commonly refers to an organization dedicated to preserving the cultural or environmental treasures of a particular geographic region. They generally operate as private non-profit organizations, although some receive considerable support from their national government...
Committee for Wales in 2009.
In 2005 Baker published a history of Hafodunos
Hafodunos
Hafodunos Hall is a Gothic revival house located near the village of Llangernyw in Wales. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it was built between 1861 and 1866 for Henry Robertson Sandbach, replacing a house that had been built in 1674....
, Llangernyw - a masterpiece of Victorian gothic architecture, which was followed by a detailed study of Wales' most important Jacobean mansion, Plas Teg
Plas Teg
Plas Teg is a Jacobean house in Wales. Located near the village of Pontblyddyn between Wrexham and Mold, it was built by Sir John Trevor I in about 1610. At the time of construction it was the most advanced house in Wales and few others of this date can truly be compared to its uniqueness...
, near Mold in 2006. The first pressing sold out and is now in its second edition.
On 1 September 2008, Forgotten Welsh Houses, co-authored with Michael Tree was published by Hendre House Publishing, sponsored by the Georgian Group and SAVE Britain's Heritage. This publication formed the basis for BBC One's 'Hidden Houses of Wales', broadcast in 2010. A Royal Home in Wales: Llwynywermod, a book detailing the history of the Llwynywermod
Llwynywermod
Llwynywermod, , also known as Llwynywormwood, is an estate owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.The estate is near the village of Myddfai, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire; the Duchy completed its purchase of the property in March 2007...
estate that is now the Welsh Royal home of The Prince of Wales was published by Accent Press on 10 November 2008. As of September 2007, an official website has been launched detailing all of Baker's work to date. Future publications to be released include histories of Baron Hill, Garthewin and Gwylfa Hiraethog.
Baker, as of November 2011, is working with Linda Lamb
Linda Lamb
Linda Lamb is an American singer and musician of European descent who has worked with Vitalic and Nina Hagen; she is known for her underground hit Hot Room.-Career:...
on a collection of songs based on the poems of Margaret Sandbach of Hafodunos
Hafodunos
Hafodunos Hall is a Gothic revival house located near the village of Llangernyw in Wales. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it was built between 1861 and 1866 for Henry Robertson Sandbach, replacing a house that had been built in 1674....
which will be released as an album in 2012. A book, based on Sandbach's life, will be co-authored with Welsh film maker, Dewi Gregory.
Published works
- 1999. The rise and fall of Gwrych Castle. Prestatyn: Mark Baker.
- 2000. Gwrych Castle, Abergele and Llanddulas – A pictorial history. Prestatyn: Mark Baker.
- 2003. The rise and fall of Gwrych Castle, including Winifred, Countess of Dundonald – a biography. Prestatyn: Mark Baker.
- 2005. Hafodunos Hall, Llangernyw – Triumph of the Martyr. Prestatyn: Mark Baker.
- 2006. The Myths and Legends of the Gwrych Castle Estate. Prestatyn: Brampton House Publishing.
- 2006. Plas Teg – A Jacobean Country House. Hope: Brampton House Publishing. (Revised Second Edition released 2007)
- 2007. Abergele & District – A Pictorial Past. Cardiff: Brampton House Publishing. (With Michael Roberts)
- 2008. The Welsh House Illustrated. London: Georgian Group.
- 2008. Forgotten Welsh Houses. Llanrwst: Hendre House Publishing. (With Michael Tree)
- 2008. A Royal Home in Wales: Llwynywermod. Cardiff: Accent Press.
A Royal Home in Wales: Llwynywermod
A Royal Home in Wales: Llwynywermod is the first book to explore the history of The Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Wales
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...
’ new home in Wales. Llwynywermod
Llwynywermod
Llwynywermod, , also known as Llwynywormwood, is an estate owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.The estate is near the village of Myddfai, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire; the Duchy completed its purchase of the property in March 2007...
was purchased by the Duchy of Cornwall
Duchy of Cornwall
The Duchy of Cornwall is one of two royal duchies in England, the other being the Duchy of Lancaster. The eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits the duchy and title of Duke of Cornwall at the time of his birth, or of his parent's succession to the throne. If the monarch has no son, the...
in 2006 and is currently undergoing restoration. Published to coincide with HRH The Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday celebrations on 14 November 2008, the book covers the entire history of the Llwynywermod estate from its founding days to being the Welsh residence of Prince Charles.
On Monday 10 November 2008, A Royal Home in Wales was officially released. The official launch was on 21 November at the National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales , Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales; one of the Welsh Government sponsored bodies.Welsh is its main medium of communication...
, Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a historic market town, administrative centre and holiday resort within Ceredigion, Wales. Often colloquially known as Aber, it is located at the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol....
.
External links
- Country House Biographies by Mark Baker
- Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust The official Trust website, including latest news, events and photographic tours of Gwrych Castle.
- Plas Teg Website
- Hafodunos Hall A website detailing the history of Hafodunos Hall, Llangernyw.
- The Sunday Times Article
- Country Life Article
- The Sunday Times Article - February 11th 2007
- Western Mail Article - April 23rd 2008
- BBC NEWS: "Royal History of Charles' Estate"
- Sunday Times: "The Windsors Holiday Home in Wales"