Powis Castle on the outskirts of Welshpool will be opening its doors to visitors for half price to celebrate Museums at Night on Friday, October 30.
Visitors will be able to see the castle’s spectacular rooms sparkling in the evening light with atmospheric candles to light your way. The castle will be open from 6-9pm, with the last entry at 8.30pm.
Staff will be on hand throughout the evening to give information about the fascinating secrets of the castle’s past. Would you like to know which object was gifted from the Pope? Are you curious how the famous 1st Century BC carving of a cat catching a snake was acquired? This is your chance to find out the answers to those questions and much more.
“This will be a very special treat for anyone visiting Powis Castle,” said Ruth Scutter, spokesperson for the National Trust. “The castle’s interiors were designed to impress the Herbert family’s prominent guests who visited for parties and evening meals, so the rooms are full of décor, exquisite chandeliers and furniture that glisten by candlelight.
“This evening is a unique opportunity for visitors to see the rooms as they were intended to be seen and they really are breathtaking.”
Booking is not required. Entry for adults is £3.60, children £1.80 and free for National Trust members. For further details visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle
ends
· Powis Castle began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh princes of Powys, who held onto their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and England.
· In 1587, Powis was sold to Sir Edward Herbert who created the romantic long gallery which is richly decorated with the coats of arms of his ancestors.
· The first Marquess of Powis was forced into exile in 1668 due to his loyalty to the deposed King James II.
· In 1784, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert and Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, combined the Powis and Clive estates.
· In the early 20th Century, the 4th Earl of Powis and his wife, Lady Violet, redecorated much of the castle and brought the garden back to life, introducing new varieties from all over the world.
Notes to Editors
The National Trust was founded in 1895 to care for places of historic interest or natural beauty. In Wales it cares for over 45,000 hectares of countryside, 140 miles of coastline as well as some of the finest castles and gardens. The Trust is the largest conservation organisation in Europe, supported by 4 million members, 100,000 of whom live in Wales. As a charity it relies on membership subscriptions, gifts and other voluntary support to meet its £148 m annual conservation and maintenance costs. The Trust’s properties have unique legal protection “inalienability” – they cannot ever be sold or mortgaged without permission of Parliament.
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