Originally built in 1618 for the Bulkeley family (one of Anglesey's most powerful families), Baron Hill was remodelled into the Neo-Palladian style in 1776 by the architect Samuel Wyatt.
It remained the Bulkeley family home until sometime in the 1920s, when a combination of Death Duties and the increasing cost of maintenance meant they moved to more modest accommodation and the mansion was then used for storage.
When World War II broke out, the Government requisitioned it and it was used as a billet for Polish soldiers. The Polish soldiers were unhappy with the large, cold rooms and decided to start a small fire, so that they would be rehoused in more comfortable accommodation. The resulting blaze destroyed a large part of the main building's interior. The soldiers were rehoused - but into portable huts in the mansion's grounds.
The mansion has been abandoned ever since the war ended and has gradually decayed further. It is still owned by Lord Bulkeley and a Planning Application was recently submitted to restore the building as 43 apartments.
I visited it several times last year, in order to document it all before any renovation work started, all of the photos can be viewed here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157624673167040/Here a couple:
Main Rear Facade of the Mansion - would once have had views right across to Llandudno:
The Return by
davidrobertsphotography, on Flickr
This door survives intact hanging about 20 foot up - the floors have long since gone:
Hanging Around by
davidrobertsphotography, on Flickr
Remains of the Ovens in one of the Kitchens:
Baron Hill by
davidrobertsphotography, on Flickr
The mystery man in action on the Grand Staircase...but who took the photo?
Guess Who? by
davidrobertsphotography, on Flickr