Andrew Hesketh

Escape to Gwrych Castle: A Jewish refugee story Andrew Hesketh

In 1939, a number of German Jewish refugee children, brought over on the Kindertransport, found themselves in Abergele, North Wales. Their temporary new home? Gwrych Castle, where a Hachshara was being set up: a residential 'training centre' aimed at preparing the Jewish children for life on a kibbutz in Israel, where they hoped to be reunited with their families. In this fascinating debut, Andrew Hesketh explores the lesser-told history of the children who lived in this North Wales castle, bringing together their personal memories and experiences to create a unique picture of their experiences.

He also explores the history of the building itself, from its origins in the 19th century up to its use in I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! In 2020.