Powysland Club to open new lecture season in Welshpool

The Powysland Club will launch its 2025-26 lecture season in Welshpool next month with a talk exploring the heraldry and history of Montgomeryshire’s gentry.

The lecture will be given by Thomas Lloyd, Wales Herald Extraordinary, at Welshpool Town Hall on Saturday, 11 October, at 3pm. His talk, Hatchments, Heraldry and the Arms of the Montgomeryshire Gentry, will focus on the county’s unique collection of hatchments cared for by the club.

Hatchments are diamond-shaped painted panels once displayed following the death of a member of the gentry or aristocracy. The Powysland Club holds a significant number connected to Montgomeryshire families, mounted permanently in the Court Room of the Town Hall.

The collection is regarded as one of the most important in Wales, representing around 10% of the total known across the country.

Visitors will be able to view the hatchments and other historic rooms, including the Council Chamber, from 1pm on the day. The lecture will then take place in the Assembly Room. Admission is free.

Further details are available from Programme Secretary Dr Mary Oldham on 07713 111583 or by email at momilford@hotmail.com.