MENTION Hafodunos Hall to anyone from the area and in most cases it inevitably leads to a discussion about the terrible fire which hit the historic building in October last year. The arson attack made the national papers and even resulted in ITV's Wales This Week programme making a documentary about the blaze, which was screened on February 10 this year. All were intrigued as to who had set light to the Llangernyw landmark, which has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. On February 4 Christopher Szabo, 22, from Eglwysbach, was jailed for three years for the crime, while 20-year-old Adam Kaluzny, of Llandudno, was sent to a young offenders institute. Only weeks prior to the fateful fire, villagers were up in arms about a proposed development to turn the building into a hotel and to erect holiday chalets in the grounds. The fight that ensued between the owner and the villagers made interesting copy for local and regional newspapers, but Mark Baker of Prestatyn is concerned Hafodunos Hall has become famous for all the wrong reasons. Mark, who is most well-known for the campaign he has led over the years to save Gwrych Castle in Abergele, is currently mid-way through writing a book about the history of the once magnificent hall, whose future is uncertain at present. The book entitled Hafodunos Hall is to be published in August to coincide with the annual exhibition on Gwrych which Mark holds at Abergele Library. In the introduction to the book he writes: "Few had heard of Hafodunos Hall until that fateful night in October 2004 when its sorrowful fate was splashed across the national press." Mark is keen for Hafodunos Hall to be known for all the right reasons and in his book will give countless accounts of the significance of the hall, making readers fully aware of the reasons why the fire was so devastating. "In this publication I will be exploring the history and significance of Hafodunos Hall which up until now has been mostly unpublished or unknown," he said. "Most of the material which does exist in the public domain refers only to the Victorian mansion; virtually nothing has been said on its earlier incarnations. This is also true of its later and more recent history, following the sale by the Sandbach family. "Hafodunos is one of the most important sites in Wales; despite the devastating fire which has gutted the interior of the main block, much of its Estates and grounds have remained remarkably intact and untouched. "The house itself was recognised by CADW as being the most important example of Gilbert Scott's domestic architecture in Wales and was upgraded to Grade 1." Mark is keen for anyone with any information or old photographs relating to the Hafodunos to get in touch. He claims an earlier appeal in the Visitor resulted in a very positive response, providing him with much unique material. "I have got photos of the interior of the house from when families lived there," he said. "A lot of things came to light which I wasn't aware of. "I also have a unique photograph of the back stair case which existed as far back as the 1650s; the rest of the house was built in the 1860s. I have also found a series of old pictures of the old house which was there prior to it. I've also been given an old booklet from members of Llangernyw WI. "I believe the site was originally a small monastery or hermitage back in the early medieval period. "I am half way through the Hafodunos book now and I know there is still quite a lot out there still to be uncovered," he said. "I would be keen to hear from anyone who has got any memories, photographs, maps/plans or anything else to do with the historical side." Mark is particularly eager to get his hands on the very early plans for the building. "It was such a vast house I haven't been able to ascertain what some of the rooms were used for, especially in the service wing," he added. Mark's book on Hafodunos, like his previous ones on Gwrych, promises to be an extremely interesting read largely due to the extensive research carried out by the author. Like many others in the area who are aware of Hafodunos Hall's existence but know nothing about it, Mark had very little knowledge about the building up until starting to research his book this year, despite his strong interest in historical buildings. "It has been really interesting doing this book, as unlike Gwrych the research has been very intense," he said. "It is such an important building yet my interest in it did not really emerge until I became involved with the Georgian Group who would often talk about it; I just became intrigued from that." The book will delve into the early history of the building and follow its journey to the present day. The content will include chapters on the following: Early History 1530-1830 - The Lloyds and Cloughs 1830-1859 - The Gift of Gibson 1860-1934 - Venetian-Inspired Gothic 1934-1992 - After the Sandbachs 1993-2004 - Wind, Rain and Dry Rot The Fire Interior as it was Exterior in its prime Gardens and Estate Conclusions Maps and Plans Most people who purchase a copy of Mark's book will undoubtedly be keen to read the chapter on conclusions to find out what, with his extensive knowledge of buildings of this kind, Mark thinks the future holds for Hafodunos Hall. He told the Visitor that while the owner has withdrawn plans for a hotel at the site, he has not yet decided exactly what he will now do with the building. A report was recently carried out by a building surveyor at the request of the Victorian Group, which concluded that a temporary roof needs to be put on the building to protect it from further ruin. As well as writing this book Mark is also putting together another on Gwrych and one entitled Buildings and Gardens at Risk in Wales which will be out at the end of the year. In between writing, research and studying for a degree at Bangor University, he is also doing talks on Hafodunos Hall for local groups and societies. Any group interested in listening to a talk by Mark should contact him on 07950 894727. | 
