Who lives in a house like this?

There’s a real treat for local residents with two tours of our most prominent tourist attraction – Powis Castle – being conducted by the Earl himself!

The 8th Earl of Powis will open the doors to his ancestral home for personal tours on September 9 and 23 with tickets on sale now. The tours start at 10.30am.

Ruth Scutter, Assistant Visitor Services Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer visitors the chance to visit Powis Castle for such an exclusive tour. It’s a very special treat for anyone interested in history or who loves to hear stories about one of the most fascinating families in Great Britain.

“Imagine how it would feel to have ancestors who lived at the beautiful Powis Castle & Gardens from as early as 1587? If you came from a long history of Barons, Viscounts, Marquesses and Lords, how many stories would you have to tell? All these questions and many more will be answered during the 8th Earl of Powis’ very exclusive, public tour of the castle.”

To book your ticket (priced £16 per person or £10.00 to National Trust members) contact Visitor Services on 01938 551 929 (option 2) or email ruth.scutter@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Powis Facts:

· 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.