The early history of Powis Castle is somewhat chequered, with the self proclaimed Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd of Gwynedd, destroying Powis Castle, forcing Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, (his arch enemy), into exile.
However, within three years Llywelyn’s principality had crumbled leaving Gruffudd of Powys able to regain his lordship and rebuild the castle. The castle and estate were eventually sold to Sir Edward Herbert in 1587 and remained in their care until 1952.
George Herbert had inherited the title of 4th Earl of Powis, and in 1902, together with his wife, Violet, focussed on remodelling the castle and garden.
During the Edwardian period the estate was at its height, with important guests arrived every weekend throughout the winter season including, in November 1909, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
However, with George suffering three family tragedies, this golden era was not to last.
In 1916 his elder son, Percy, was fatally wounded on the Somme; in 1929 Violet died after a car accident and in 1942, his younger son, Mervyn was killed in an aeroplane crash during active service.
With no direct heir to the castle, on his death bed in 1952, George bequeathed Powis to the nation, in the care of the National Trust.
