Powis Castle

Powis Castle was a medieval stronghold, bought in 1587 by Sir Edward Herbert, whose son William was created Lord Powis by Charles I. This tall, compact, structure, with turrets and castellation, was captured by Parliamentary troops in 1644 and not returned to the family until the Restoration. Fine alterations were carried out in c.1685 including a grand staircase with a ceiling by Antonio Verrio, and walls painted by Verrio’s pupil Gerard Lanscroon. In the early 19th century, Powis came through marriage to the grandson of Clive of India. Further alterations were made by G.F. Bodley in a Jacobethan style in 1902-4. Inside there is an Elizabethan long gallery with elaborate plasterwork and early 17th-century painted wainscot. It has a rare 1660s state bedroom. The landscape contains a spectacular 25-acre garden with terraces and an orangery attributed to William Winde (c.1642–1722).

Powis Castle, Powys

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Powis Castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress. It has been remodelled and embellished for over 400 years and reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family. From defensive structure to party house, the major phases of remodelling in the 16th, 18th and 20th centuries are still apparent today. Each generation has added to the magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries. The internationally renowned collection shows the wealth and influence of the Herbert family. In 1784 Henrietta Herbert’s marriage to Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, also brought the superb collection of treasures from India to Powis Castle which are displayed in the Clive Museum.

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