CHRISTINE Williams has a passion for saving one of Britain’s most endangered buildings for a very good reason — she used to live there.

Hendrefoilan House in Swansea is close to her heart and also that of the Victorian Society, which has placed it in its top 10 in that category in Wales and England.

And there are others which concern the society, which campaigns for the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

In addition to Hendrefoilan House, it has unveiled a list of eight at-risk venues in Wales — and six of them are in Swansea.

“I am a concerned individual, as many others are, about the fate of listed buildings,” says Christine. “The house and its neglected state speaks for itself, really. I am writing a book about some of its history. At one time in my life I lived there.”

She feels so strongly that she has formed her own Friends of Hendrefoilan House campaign group.

“Along the way I have been fortunate to have had much interest, encouragement and tremendous support from so many individuals and historical organisations in Swansea and beyond who would all like to see a future purpose for the house,” says Christine.

She welcomes talks between Swansea University, which owns it, and the National Trust.

A university spokeswoman says: “We have restored and refurbished the stable block of Hendrefoilan House and it now houses the South Wales Miners’ Library, supporting university activities and the community across South Wales and beyond.

“The house was in regular use up until a few years ago, when the decision was taken to close it as it needed work to preserve and protect it. The university is fully aware of the importance of Hendrefoilan House as a Grade II-listed building and is working towards finding a sustainable future for the house.

“We have been in discussion with various parties, including the National Trust, to consider options for the house and its gardens. We have contacted the Victorian Society and would be happy to hear their ideas of how Hendrefoilan House can be safeguarded.”

The publication of the society’s top 10 followed an appeal to the public to find the nation’s best and most at-risk buildings.

And Hendrefoilan House, built in 1853 by Welsh industrialist and MP Lewis Llewelyn Dillwyn, made it in. Owned by the university since the 1960s and formerly used for accommodation and teaching, the building, says the society, suffers from water flooding down the outside walls, leading to damp on the inside. And lead thefts indicate that criminals are aware of it.

Chris Costelloe, the society’s director, says: “Better security is necessary and basic repairs are required to keep water out. These would go a long way to solving its problems.’

“Even if Swansea University has no current use for it, it has to keep it safe until its future is certain. An institution devoted to learning should have more respect for a building symbolic of Wales’s industrial history and culture.”

The society’s at risk list includes:

Libanus Chapel in Cwmbwrla, destroyed by fire last January, prompting some to label the demise of the 19th century listed building as a tragic loss of local heritage. It opened in 1867 but had not been used as a chapel for 10 years.

The part destroyed dated back to 1906, one of many built in that year because of the Evan Roberts religious revival. Before that, council environmental health officers had received complaints about the deteriorating state of the building.

Singleton Park’s Swiss Cottage, wrecked in a suspected arson attack in September 2010. Now the council has unveiled plans to reinstate the listed building to its former glory, although approval is still awaited. It dates back to 1826, and was commissioned by local coppermaster John Vivian when Singleton was his private estate. It was designed by Peter Frederick Robinson, who had visited Switzerland in 1816 and had been impressed by the country’s houses.

The slip bridge, which disappeared from Oystermouth Road near St Helen’s seven years ago when the cost of repair was given as £350,000. It was relocated half a mile away on the seafront promenade, although the stone abutments remain on the original site.

Earlier this year city-based architects Hyde and Hyde, in collaboration with students from the University of Bath and the Welsh School of Architecture, came up with an innovative plan which centred on a cantilevered structure resting on the existing beachside plinth for use for anything from a public meeting place to an art or music venue.

The Elysium Cinema in High Street, which opened in 1914 and seated 900 in the circle and stalls, with a stage for variety acts. The building was also home to the Swansea Dock Workers Hall, a workingmen’s club, and later Swansea Labour Party.

The cinema closed in 1960 and became an independent bingo club, which had closed by 1994. The Labour club survived there for the following four years, but it has been boarded up ever since. It is privately owned, and there has been no word on any future plans.

The Palace Theatre, a grade II-listed building in High Street which began in 1888 as a traditional music hall, although its original name was The Pavilion. In the early years of the 20th century stars like Charlie Chaplin, Lilly Langtry, Marie Lloyd and Dan Leno filled the venue. It was also the first place in Wales to show a silent picture and was also a bingo hall. One of just two purpose-built music halls left standing in the whole of the UK, it closed in 2003 as a nightclub/music venue. It is privately owned and there is no word on any future plans.

The Albert Hall in Craddock Street, which started its life in 1864 as reading rooms and a music hall, before becoming a cinema for more than half a century until 1977. Then it was converted into a Top Rank bingo club, and later Mecca Bingo. It closed in 2007.

Earlier this year Hertfordshire-based developers Caverwood revealed a tenant was due on board to run it as a leisure venue.

A council spokesman says: “We recognise the importance of preserving historic buildings that are part of Swansea’s rich heritage and we are looking at innovative ways to make sure council-owned listed buildings are preserved and brought back into use.

“We are also actively discussing plans with the owners of privately-owned listed buildings such as Hendrefoilan House and the Palace Theatre about the immediate maintenance issues and the longer-term plans for the buildings.”