Powis Castle - Sue Harris

A wealth of treasures awaits you at Powis Castle, including exceptional art, statues and furniture collected from Europe, India and the Orient. Outside, the 26-acre garden, with its famously dramatic 17th-century terraces, luxuriant planting and panoramic views is a delight to behold.Home to the Herbert family for over 400 years, Powis has a richly decorated Elizabethan Long Gallery and a lavish State Apartment influenced by the French court at Versailles. The Herberts were granted honours by Catholic kings in recognition of their loyalty - the 1st Marquess and his family accompanied James II into exile in France - but hardships followed when the family was bankrupted by financial speculation.Later, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert to Edward Clive, son of Clive of India, provided financial security. Today, visitors are dazzled by the 18th-century Indian treasures displayed in the Clive Museum: the largest private collection of Indian artefacts in the UK. In the early 20th century, the 4th Earl and Countess together restored the Castle and gardens.Over 700 years of history unfold as this guide tells how Powis began as a medieval stronghold for Welsh princes and evolved into an imposing residence for generations of noblemen. Family highlights reveal the honours and hardships experienced by the Herbert family, while a lively tour of the house showcases the outstanding collection. Lavishly illustrated throughout, the guide also includes a family tree, floorplans and the key pieces that no visitor should miss!