Powis Castle And Garden — Best Walks - Beyond Downton Abbey: A Guide to 25 Great Houses - page 40

houses were also significant landholders. What's truly amazing — especially to Americ-
ans — is just how much land has been successfully preserved in this relatively small
country. To provide some reference point, more than 630,000 acres is in the care of the
National Trust alone, and the Trust offers more than 700 recommended walking routes.
So how to choose? Defer to the locals. During the National Trust's Walking Festival,
Powis Castle was named the nation's favorite National Trust property walk.
Perched high on a rocky ridge and surrounded by mountains, the warm, welcoming colors
of Powis Castle are a delight for visitors. Whether strolling through the Castle's terraced
gardens, exploring the woodland wilderness, walking by its lovely lake, climbing stiles,
venturing down the field path or rambling alongside the Montgomery Canal, walkers can
appreciate nature in all its forms. Sweeping views encompass the Severn Valley and the
Breidden Hills. Look for the estate's Welsh Black Cattle, herds of deer and sheep grazing
around the stunning red Welsh castle. In any season, the Powis landscape provides inspir-
ation and beauty no matter which path you take.
Who built it…who owns it
The castle was the medieval fortress for the Welsh princes of Powys, who were defeated
by English King Edward I in 1266. The original castle was built in the 1200s and was the
home of Baron de la Pole. Both the castle and the lordship title were sold to Sir Edward
Herbert in 1587.
The 1 st Marquess of Powis lived in the castle from the 1660s until he was forced into ex-
ile in 1688 because of his loyalty to James I. In 1784 the marriage of Lady Henrietta Her-
bert and Edward Clive united the Powis and Clive estates. In 1952, the 4 th Earl of Powis
gave the Castle to the National Trust.
Occupied and altered over more than 700 years, the structural history of the castle is diffi-
cult to discern. In the 17 th century, the 1 st Marquess of Powis extensively remodeled the
interior, creating the Grand Staircase and magnificent suite of Baroque rooms. In the early
20 th century, the 4 th Earl of Powis redecorated much of the castle in Jacobean style.
Style notes
Medieval fortress; Baroque castle