Mark Baker (author)

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Mark Baker (b. 16th April 1985) is an author of several books on Welsh country houses and estates, his first book was published at the age of 14 in 1999 on the Rise and Fall of Gwrych Castle, Abergele by Gwasg Helygain, making him one of Britain's youngest published authors. He subsequently founded the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust at the age of sixteen in 2001 as well as spearheading a high profile campaign for the building's restoration. Through many years of determined hard work, this proved fruitful when the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust precipitated the sale of Gwrych Castle by pursuing compulsory purchase action. This earned Mark national recognition within the heritage world and he was made the youngest honorary life member of SAVE Britain's Heritage.

In 2005, Mark Baker published a history of Hafodunos, Llangernyw - a masterpiece of Victorian gothic architecture, which was followed by a detailed study of Wales' most important Jacobean mansion, Plas Teg, near Mold in 2006. This quickly sold out and is now in its second edition. Mark is currently researching for publications on The Forgotten Houses of Wales, written with Michael Tree and published by SAVE Britain's Heritage. This publication surveys the current state of Wales' built heritage, particularly focusing on those buildings which are at risk of being lost. According to Mark Baker's official website future publications to be released include histories of Baron Hill, Garthewin and Gwylfa Hiraethog. A book detailing the history of the Llwynywormwood estate, now the Welsh home of the Prince of Wales is to be released in 2008.

Mark was educated at Rydal-Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay and later attended the University of Wales, Bangor from 2003; here he graduated with a BA in history and archaeology in 2006. He is currently studying for his MA at the Cardiff University, to be followed by a PhD. As of September 2007, an official website has been launched detailing all of Mark's work to date.