Three case studies where,

Bodeiwyddan Castle, Ciwyd, formerly known as Lowther College, is a large, mainly Victorian castellated country house set in 200 acres of parkiand on the A55 Expressway opposite Bodeiwyddan’s famous Marble Church and close to the holiday resorts of Rhyl, Abergele and Coiwyn Bay. It was the venue for the ACO’s Welsh Conference in October 1988.

It occupies one of the most beautiful sites in North Wales, with commanding views towards the sea and the Vale of Clywd; little wonder then that a house has existed on the site since the 15th century.

In 1982 the Castle was acquired by Ciwyd County Council when it ceased to function as a boarding school for girls. The scene which greeted the county’s officers was one of some dereliction, and the immense task of survey and restoration was immediately commenced utilising the

extensive professional expertise within the Department of Architecture, Planning and Estates and specialist consultants.

A Grade 11* listed building, the country house consists of a range of buildings surrounded by an impressive stone curtain wall, turretted and embattled, and pierced by four arched gateways complete with portcullis type gates. The family accommodation, including the Williams Hall (Sir William Williams was Speaker during the reign of Charles II and acquired the estate in the 17th century), is set in the most prominent part of the Castle enjoying the finest views. The various ranges of buildings are linked by courtyards forming extremely attractive and interesting series of spaces.

In 1919 the contents of the house were sold at auction and a sale catalogue was produced which gave ample indication of

the life-style of the Williams family. It is the re-creation of that style which has stimulated the restoration and furnishing of the staterooms, which now constitute an out-station of the National Portrait Gallery with a superb collection of Victorian portraits and sculpture by John Gibson RA, a native of North Wales.

The Castle was opened to the public in 1988 and has since won a Civic Trust Award and the prestigious Museum of the Year Award. It has facilities for courses and conferences, and the Technical, Vocational Education Initiative Centre (TVEI) which opened in 1985 in one of its converted ranges of buildings, provides hi-tee and computer training for 14-16 year olds with residential accommodation for up to 40 people.

The grounds and walled garden have been restored and are now the home of the National Dahlia Collection, a tremendous summer spectacle. Woodland walks, a newly planted maze and an adventure course add to the exterior attractions.

But much more needs to be done; there are other ranges of buildings awaiting rehabilitation. Sadly, it is becoming ever more difficult to fund restoration and running costs, despite continued assistance from CADW and the EEC and Officers of Ciwyd County Council must now court the private sector to make Bodeiwyddan Castle financially viable. Its future is not yet assured.

A more detailed history of the Castle and its development is soon to be included in a County Planning Officers’ Society publication Caring for our Built Heritage by Tony Haskell, published by E & FN Spon.

achieved against the odds.

(1) CASTLES IN THE AIR

CONTEXT 31

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