Powis castle and gardens

Monday
Today we drove into Wales to Powis castle and gardens, now in the care of the National Trust. Roger's sister Janet came with us. Since it was raining when we first arrived we thought we would see the house first and do the gardens later, but unfortunately we discovered the house doesn't open until 1pm. So we had a coffee and then set off to explore the magnificent gardens. Fortunately, by this time it had stopped raining, and the weather did improve slightly as we made our way down the terraces. The castle was built in the late 12th century out of the stone on which it stands, a red gritstone. Over the years it was besieged by both English and Welsh, but eventually wars ceased, and the ensuing peace turned Powis from a fortress into a stately family home. The 1680's saw the conception of the famous baroque gardens on the terraces below the castle for the first Marquis of Powis, but the real work was done at the beginning of the 18th century, echoing the fabulous state gardens of France and Italy of the late 17th century, that the Marquis saw much of during his years in exile. Lady Violet, wife of the 4th Earl brought the gardens back to life in the early 20th century. Having explored the gardens, we had lunch in the cafe, then explored the interior of the house. The interior reflects the changes brought about during 400 years of aristocratic occupation by the Herbert family. The first Marquis was responsible for its palatial remodelling from the 1660s onwards. The marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert to Edward Clive in 1784 brought renewed wealth and treasures to Powis from India. Powis was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1952.

Best viewed in large.