Been reading the official guidebook to Chirk today, while sitting out in the warm sun watching the bustle and buzz of the place. I found myself drawn more to discussions of the history of the farm, the landscaping and the estate than the particularities of the castle, (eg the fact that the farm buildings were remodelled by Pugin, who also came to do some work on the castle in the late 19th century). I had to go out and look for the remains of a Victorian gas works at the back of the farm - only found pig sties so far, so more investigations needed!
Being involved in the place I'm starting to get a feel for the recent changes, the near history of the place as well as the established NT 'History' which is Chirk's selling point. This recent history, as things that used to be fade from memory (''that door used to be open, and people could go out and visit the pigs, or pet the horses as they came in to the courtyard'') is something that I'm drawn to - these stories from behind the scenes. An alternative guide book?
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