Unknown to Wrexham Football Club, its owners or the people of Wrexham there lies a bleak, old house beyond the eastern fringes of the new city.

Erlas House, empty, derelict, ivy clad, steel shuttered and silent. It has been reduced to this state by our council - the owner.

While not even two decades ago they themselves write 'This stately mansion blends itself into the quiet, idyllic nature of its surroundings.'

Today, condemned, it sadly lingers on, four years after it should have been demolished.

One hundred and twenty years ago this was a proud new house, and the new homes of its finest tenant and builder Frederick William Soames.

Yes, Bryn Estyn Hall as it was then called. Designed by Victorian architect Edward Ould, who had earlier designed Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton, with which it shares many striking similarities, only Wightwick Manor is in the care of the National Trust and thronged with visitors while Bryn Estyn Hall fell into the hands of Wrexham Council. They were given it by the home office.

Soames was an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a pioneering supporter of the NSPCC.

He bought the Racecourse Ground for Wrexham FC and was a lifetime president for the club.

At the end of the season the club's players and officials would be invited to Bryn Estyn Hall by Soames to be entertained in grand style within its brightly lit panelled rooms where roaring open fires cheered the party, glasses clinked, trophies glinted in cabinets and all felt the glow of youth, health, triumphant sport, civic pride and hope for the future.

Walk down Bryn Estyn Road today, look at the old hall and drink deep the shame and the waste. Hard to believe it has all come to this.

I have referenced some of this letter from the research of Nigel Whitby.

Chris Booth

Rhosnesi Lane

Wrexham