Powis Castle

Today’s the day ................... to pay a visit

We’ve never visited Powis Castle before – although we’ve passed very near many times.

It looked magnificent today, its red sandstone glowing in the sunshine.  It was built in the mid-13th century by a Welsh prince – Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, Lord of Powys.  He wanted to establish his independence from the aggressive princes of Gwynedd who were traditional enemies. 

Over the next 700 years it gradually changed into an impressive residence lived in by generations of the Herbert family.  They had a tendency to side with the wrong camp when it came to things like the Civil War but their connection with the castle continued until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl, George Herbert. 

This is a view of the medieval drum towers with the statue of Fame by Andries Carpentiere, c1705 in the foreground.  It's well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area ...................