Welshpool and Surrounding Castles
Welshpool is a market town, on the border of Powys and Shropshire. The Welsh name for Welshpool is Y Trallwng. Welshpool is situated on the banks of the River Severn. Welshpool has a narrow gauge steam train that runs from the town to the small town of Llanfair Caereinion .
Powis Castle
This local castle is situated in Welshpool itself, and is located just off the town centre. It’s a 13th century sandstone castle that overlooks the Severn Valley. The castle is an impressive sight as you look at it, the red walls and the gardens make for a lovely afternoon walk. The castle also holds a museum that has the treasures that Clive of India brought back from India. Powis Castle is owned by the National Trust. It was remodelled over the centuries to become the home of the Herbert Family before being handed over to the national trust. The gardens at Powis Castle include 17th century Italianate terraces with gigantic clipped yews and an Edwardian style formal garden. A Castle worth spending some time looking around all the different areas and including taking time to enjoy a bite to eat in the courtyard cafe.
Montgomery Castle
Montgomery castle is a stone built castle overlooking the village of Montgomery. It is owned by the Welsh tourist company CADW and is free to visit during its opening times. It is a few miles out from the town of Welshpool. This is one of many Norman castles that were built on the border between Wales and England. The stone castle here replaces a nearby wooden fort which was known as Hen Domen. The castle faced many attacks including attacks by Llywelyn the Great in 1228 and again a few years later in 1231. In 1649 the castle was finally destroyed leaving just the crumbling towers and walls that remain in place to this day.
Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is owned and maintained by the national trust. It is free to enter for national trust members and a fee for non-members wishing to visit.
This castle was built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk. It was built to guard the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley. Chirk castle is still inhabited today and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the Adam tower with its two-level dungeons, medieval garderobes(toilets) and the murder holes. Chirk Castle has a 5.5acre garden which is home to various plants and shrubs. Along with the castle and gardens the site has various walks amongst the 480 acre parklands which is full of ancient trees, wildflowers and home to many birds and insects.
Clun Castle
Clun castle is an English heritage site and is free entry to everyone and is open during daylight hours. Clun castle is over the border and is in the small picturesque town on Clun. The castle sits above the town on a high rocky mound. This castle even though it is a ruin you can still see the rectangular keep and the baileys. It originally started as a Norman motte and bailey castle in 1140.
Whittington Castle
This is a Marcher Norman Castle and gatehouse based on a 12 acre site. It is in a village north of Welshpool. There are walks in the grounds and along the adjoining meadows, the moats and the local village. This is another of the local castles that are free to visit and is dog friendly, although car parking charges do apply here.
So all in all the area around Welshpool is steeped in history and magic. The castles are a fairytale dream to the young and old. Imagination can run wild as you take a walk through the grounds of these once maginificant ruins. Take a moment as you stroll round the buildings and enjoy the rooms and artwork as you go. Please don’t forget to look at the ceilings as you walk through some of the amazing rooms on display at Powis castle.
