Powys Castle in Welshpool

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Welspool is a small Welsh town located nearby English border in Powys county. Town is quite similar to the other Welsh towns, not so exciting but more interesting than small towns in England. At the beginning I went into small Powysland Museum located at the main street Severn Road. I saw there bilingual inscriptions as anywhere else in Wales, I heard Welsh as well while I was walking around town centre.

Main reason why I travelled overthere was Powys Castle. It is piece of cake to get there from town - visitor will spot the arrows with directions how to get to castle that is main touristic attraction in Welshpool. All of visitors must walk thought nice park or just drive from the other direction.

This castle was build by last prince of Powys - Owain ap Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn and in 13 century this forstress had a different purpose than the other medieval castles or fortresses in Wales at that time. Powys castle was purposed to hold off English detachments to Welsh lands. Different castle constructed in thet century (13th) were used to keep control the Welsh land and to prevent rebellious Welshmen attacks over ports and towns.

For next several centuries castle many times changed its owners and really nothing interesting happened overthere, it was just a petty castle at the rural provincy. The big turning point came when daughter of lord Powys - Henrietta Herbert got married Edward Clive, the oldest son of Robert Clive. Robert had achieved a plenty of victories and gained fame in India. He fought and won the campaign against French and bengali armies and finally he enabled East India Company to spread their influence in India. In fact it means English domination over India and neighbourhood countries for next 200 years. Edward and Henrietta used their marriage (both of them had come from rich and noble families) and started to renovate the castle, naglected park was also renovated.

Castle exhibition consists two different divisions. First one calls State Bedroom and all of items derive from 18th century. This one in general let us know how looked life of nobles in 18th century. Very interesting. Second collection are items brought by Robert Clive from india - also recommended to have look.

Taking pictures is banned and I understand why. I obeyed that rule.

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Photos

Powys Castle
Dining room - I took only one picture inside...

Powys Castle
Front side of castle

Powys Castle
Castle from distance

Powys Castle
Statue at the courtyard

Powys Castle
Park aside castle

Powys Castle
Park aside castle