Powis Castle

History

Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn's son Owain was raised to the peerage as Owen de la Pole after the ancient Kingdom of Powys was abolished by the Parliament of Shrewsbury in 1283. On his death the lordship passed to his daughter, Hawys Gadarn, known as the Lady of Powis. The Herbert family later held the earldom of Powis and the castle for generations before its transfer into public care.

Architecture

The castle keeps its medieval core beneath later Tudor and Jacobean alterations, and its walls of local red sandstone set it apart from most Welsh castles.

Worth knowing

The Clive Museum houses items brought back from India by the family of Robert Clive, known as Clive of India, after his son married into the Herbert family who held the earldom of Powis.

Gardens & grounds

The castle's Italianate terraced garden, laid out in the late 17th century, is ranked among the most important in Britain and keeps its ancient clipped yews.