AN ARCHITECTURAL historian has released his latest book – just two months after receiving the keys to Gwrych Castle.

Dr Mark Baker, 33, along with the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, secured the Abergele castle in June.

From the age of 12, Dr Baker dreamt of saving the castle – which had fallen into a state of neglect.

Now more than 20 years later, the Conwy County Borough Council member has published Gwyrch Castle: An Official Guide.

Dr Baker said he has worked on this book for the past two decades, saying: “It is about the history of the castle set in it 3,000-acre estate – nearly 200 years until the present day.

“It goes through everything that a visitor can expect. It is all documented.”

“I’ve been working on this for 20 years and 21 years later - it acts a benchmark.

“It addresses all those stories and Chinese whispers, it gets the truth out,” he added.

The book includes the history of Gwrych Castle and the family who built it. It details the Lloyds of Gwrych through to Winifred, Countess of Dundonald.

The architectural importance of the castle is explained and the book looks at how the location influenced the design of the buildings.

The trust was was able to purchase the castle earlier this year after the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) stepped in; NHMF gave a grant of £600,000.

This was addition to a grant from the Richard Broad Charitable Trust.

All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the castle.

The book can be purchased via www.gwrychtrust.co.uk