The history of Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a medieval castle, fortress and grand country house near Welshpool, in Powys, Wales. It was built in the mid-13th century by Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, a Welsh prince, as his dynastic seat. The castle was later rebuilt and expanded by the Herbert family, who have owned it since the late 16th century.
Important events
Powis Castle is a fascinating place with a rich history. It has been the site of many important events, including the marriage of Henrietta Herbert to Edward Clive, eldest son of Robert Clive, in 1784. The marriage brought the Herbert family a large fortune, which they used to further improve the castle and its gardens.
In the early 20th century, George Herbert, 4th Earl of Powis, redeveloped the castle with the assistance of the architect George Frederick Bodley. Herbert’s wife, Violet, undertook work of equal importance in the garden, seeking to turn it into “one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, in England and Wales”.
The National Trust
On the 4th earl’s death in 1952, his wife and his sons having predeceased him, the castle passed into the care of the National Trust. The castle and its gardens are now open to the public and are a popular tourist destination.
Key events
Here are some of the key events in the history of Powis Castle:
- 1200s: The castle is built by Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, a Welsh prince.
- 1274: The castle is destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales.
- 1282: The castle is rebuilt by Gruffudd’s son, Owain ap Gruffudd.
- 1578: The castle is purchased by Edward Herbert, a younger son of the earl of Pembroke.
- 1644: The castle is attacked and captured by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War.
- 1668: The castle is restored by William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis.
- 1784: Henrietta Herbert marries Edward Clive, eldest son of Robert Clive, in the castle.
- 1822: The castle is remodelled by Robert Smirke.
- 1900-1907: The castle is further remodelled by George Frederick Bodley.
- 1952: The castle is inherited by the National Trust.
Powis Castle is a beautiful and historic place that is well worth a visit. It is a reminder of the turbulent history of Wales, and of the power and wealth of the Herbert family. The castle and its gardens are a delight to explore, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.