A RECENT dip into the archives delivered these delightful images from a Leader feature on Erddig Hall, near Wrexham, from 1980.

This article from local history enthusiast, PHIL PHILLIPS gives some background into how the building and grounds became part of the National Trust family, and the man that made it happen...

ON a visit to Erddig Hall and grounds I found myself reflecting on on how the fortunes of this much-loved house have fluctuated over the years.

The house, which dates back to the 17th century, came into the hands of Philip Yorke in 1966 following the death of his brother Simon.

Simon had been responsible for the house since the death of his father and the place had slowly fallen into disrepair, The Yorke family had struggled to hang on to their home in the face of mounting difficulties and they were forced to close down various operating sections of the estate and house.

The doors were shut on the laundry, the blacksmith's, and the joiner's shop for instance, but they were left complete with all the fittings and tools inside, just as they were when the last craftsmen and artisans left.

Today, as a National Trust property, you can see how both halves lived when the house was in its heyday – the master surrounded by his ornate furniture, probably the best collection of 18th century furniture in the country, and the servants in their simply furnished rooms.

Philip came to the house with no background of running an estate or looking after this house.

But from 1966 to 1973 he was there all the time. He held it all together with no security and no maintenance staff – just him and a few helpers.

It must have been a nightmare but his dedication saved the building.

When the National Trust was approached over 40 years ago, the initial reaction was that it would not be possible to take on the building because there was no guarantee that it would not fall down.

This assertion was based on the fact that several years earlier a shaft from the nearby coal mine, Bersham Colliery, had collapsed under the house, causing subsidence of five feet, which seriously affected the structural integrity of the house to the extent that, without suitable underpinning, it would have become a ruin.

The mining had split the roof open causing wet rot, rising damp and dry rot. In addition the house had no electricity, no running water and no phone.

In the end the National Trust was only able to take Erddig on once the Coal Board agreed to stop mining close to the house and paid compensation. Along with selling 63 acres of land for housing, over £1m provided a capital endowment which supported the maintenance of the house.

So the house was saved thanks to a man who gave everything he owned, the house, its contents and 2,000 acres of land away.

Philip Yorke was a colourful character who could often be seen riding his penny farthing around the town. He had been a schoolmaster, had been in the army and was an actor who had his own little repertory company.

In the 1950s he became a travel courier and escorted people on tours of Spain long before package holidays and budget flights.

He had a broken down old charabanc which he slept in and nobody seemed to know where they were going. As someone once said "If you can imagine a tour company run by Basil Fawlty, this was it."

Nonetheless, Philip lived to see the restoration work being carried out, and he was there to welcome Prince Charles to the estate for the official opening of Erddig in 1977.

He delighted in taking visitors round and was a very popular guide.

A condition of handing over the house and estate to the National Trust was that nothing was to be removed from the house. Philip is quoted as saying: "My only interest for many years has been that this unique establishment for which my family have foregone many luxuries and comforts over seven generations should now be dedicated to the enjoyment of all those who may come here and see a part of our national heritage preserved for all foreseeable time."

The timelessness of the house and all the artifacts and everyday things that have been treasured, nay hoarded, is what has endeared Erddig to its millions of visitors.

Just 12 months after the house was opened, Philip went to church one morning and died in his pew. So ended the rich life of a man who gave away everything he had to save the house he loved.

• Phil Phillips ran historical tours of Wrexham every Tuesday and Sunday at noon from Queen's Square, and hopes to resume when covid restrictions allow. For more details visit www.wrexhamtowntrails.co.uk