Friday 6 August 2021

I Capture The Castle

It was Lord Jon's 55th birthday yesterday. How did we celebrate? We left the country! But, in these strange Covid times our trip to a foreign land didn't involve passenger location forms, travel insurance, lateral flow or PCR tests, it was simply a matter of getting in the car and arriving in Wales 75 minutes later. Our destination was the magnificent Mediaeval Powis Castle, built in the 13th Century by the Welsh prince, Gruffydd.


In 16th Century Powis Castle was purchased by Edward Herbert, the youngest son of the Earl of Pembroke, said to have been dashingly handsome (as you can see from the painting). The family remained Catholics until the 18th Century and suffered periods of imprisonment and exile but despite these setbacks managed to transform the border fortress into an aristocratic country house and surround it with what was said to be one of the finest English Baroque gardens.

Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury (3 March 1583 - 5 August 1648)

 In 1784 Henrietta Herbert married the eldest son of Clive of India, a match that restored the much-depleted family fortune. In the early 20th Century, George Herbert, the 4th Earl of Powis, redeveloped the castle whilst his wife, Countess Violet, sought to turn the garden into one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful gardens, in England and Wales. Upon the Earl's death in 1952, his wife and sons having predeceased him, the castle was bequeathed to the National Trust. 

Lady Henrietta Herbert in 1777, by Sir Joshua Reynolds


The skies were distinctly ominous on our drive into Wales. After the previous day's heat, the weather had turned distinctly Autumnal with a cool breeze and ink-black skies. The twenty-four forecast was atrocious but if that stopped us Brits from having a day out we'd never go anywhere. Although it was raining when we reached the car park, by the time we'd eaten our lunch it had all but stopped.



We remembered the castle's resident peacocks from the last time we'd visited Powis Castle, back in 2016. This time they formed a welcoming committee and escorted the birthday boy into the grounds. 




What a shock to the system - crowds of people! Although it's great having National Trust places to ourselves it was rather exciting to hear foreign tourists and share their joy at getting back to normal.


The 300-year-old yews are visible from every spot in the garden and are described as melting like clouds into the landscape. 

You know me, I always end up with my outfit matching the surroundings. This time I'm complimenting Colin the peacock (yes, that really is his name!)

 
Notoriously greedy, he soon tired of my conversation and went off to harass a tourist for their cream tea.


The interior of the castle is magnificent and just as grand, over-the-top and opulent as you'd expect. Sadly photos aren't allowed but highlights included a marble sculpture of a cat dating to 100BC and the Twelve Caesars, a set of late 17th century Italianate busts brought to Powis Castle in 1704 and each weighing in at 150kg, causing the hall floor to need reinforcing. 


Our last visit was on my 50th birthday and in the depths of Winter. I'd heard great things about Powis Castle's garden and it didn't disappoint. 

Beneath the castle, blasted out of the bare rock, are the Italianate Terraces which are considered the finest surviving example of a 17th century terraced garden in Britain. From their position high up on the hillside, you can admire breath-taking views across the garden, deer park, Severn Valley and in the distance, the pointed profiles of Long Mountain and the Breidden Hills.





We swooned over spectacular herbaceous borders flowering with a profusion of perennials, dancing lead and stone statues and an Orangery with a spectacular 18th century stone doorway that was once the entrance to the castle.











My photos don't do the gardens justice, they really were gorgeous.






























We managed to complete a circuit around the lake and get back to the car just as the heavens opened and continued for the next twelve hours. 


Lord Jon's birthday celebrations aren't over yet, there's a crate of Mythos beer in the kitchen and a table booked at Walsall's new Greek restaurant. The reviews say it's the best food outside of Athens, we'll let you know!

Yammas!

47 comments:

  1. happy Firday Vix! I seem to have got behind somehow but wow lots to see here! Firstly Happy Birthday to Jon! and of course the celebrations must not last just a day. The castle is lovely and I bet it was nice but weird to be sharing it with so many. You did indeed capture the castle, Jon's & your photography is second to none. I will be asking hubster if that is the castle we went to many many years ago. As a young Aussie tourist it was mindblowing to think you could cross the border and be in another country! I love the indigo dress and will be telling son no 1 he is not the only peacock by that name lol I will digest Wed post and this post more fully now and thanks for your words the other day!Normal positivity has returned what other way is there? Looking forward to the review of your new restarurant. hugs Shazxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Shaz! I'm glad you're feeling a bit brighter and a bit more positive. I was in the charity shp earlier and one of the volunteers was saying that they'd all felt very down this week, which is really unsual as they're such a cheerful bunch. Here's to some summer sunshine brings us some happiness and positivity next week!
      I wonder if Powis was the castle you visited? I've been to a few Welsh castles but this is definitely my favourite especially with the cheeky peacocks.
      Yopur son needs to visit his namesakes!
      Loads of love to you! xxx

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  2. I visited the castle many years ago with my Mum, we were on holiday together but I can’t for the life of me think where we stayed. I do remember the castle being a majestic place and the gardens reminding me of ones we’ve visited in the Italian Lakes.
    Enjoy your beer Jon and have a lovely weekend both of you xxx

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    1. It's a gorgeous place. The nearest town is Welshpool, I wonder if that was where you stayed? There's lots of antique shops and charity shops and a really good chip shop opposite the train station!
      Have a fab weekend, too - hope that horrible rain misses you! xxx

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  3. Those photos were glorious. It is 4.30am here and was just going to turn out the light and WOW what stunning photos. Thank you. Will browse in detail tomorrow but had to let you know what joy they bring. I do so love topiary and beautiful hedges I just loved the one Jon was sitting on a seat under a glorious cut hedge. That blog was such a treat as I am so unwell. Bless you Vix. xxx

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    1. Dear Sally, I'm so sorry you're not very well. I hope you enjoyed the photos. Powis Castle's garden really is stunning. xxx

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  4. Happy Birthday, Jon! What a wonderful place to spend the day and your pictures are fantastic. Your match with the peacock was right on - goodness, what a beautiful blue color to be sporting every day, and you as well. Thanks for sharing your day. I've generated quite a weakness for Wales. Ranee (MN) USA

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    1. Thanks so much, Ranee! Isn't nature wonderful, creating that shade of blue?
      I'm very fond of Wales, too. It's been too long since we last visited and no excuse really as it's so close to us! xxx

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  5. Hello Vix, what a fantastic looking place. I remember seeing Powis on the Antiques Roadshow (yes, being THAT rock n' roll, this is how I occasionally choose to spend my Sunday nights). I just love the picture of the peacock and you in a matching hat. Accessorizing at its best! What was the weird stone igloo type structure? Lulu xXx

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    1. p.s. enjoy the Greek food and beer! x

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    2. Lulu, you're not the only one with rock and roll viewing habits, although I must admit I've not seen the Powis Castle edition!
      That's an icehouse, used to store ice chipped off the pond during the winter. I did suggest Jon built something similar here, perfect for pizzas! xxx

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  6. What a way to celebrate Lord Jon's birthday! Powis Castle, be still my beating heart. I think this is my absolute favourite of the NT gardens. Having visited twice in Summer, I can only confirm that those terraced borders are stunning, and that photographs do not do them justice at all! Lovely to see those naughty peacocks too, and how wonderful that you're matching Colin :-) We did a circuit of the lake too and I remember leaving Jos sitting on a bench while I went to investigate the igloo ice house.
    Foreign tourists! You've got to admire them, as it's still a bit of a logistical nightmare if you want to visit the UK! We keep hoping it'll get easier by next year ... xxx

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    1. The gardens were a revelation after only visiting in the depths of winter before. The angles of the beds make photography almost impossible, don't they? The only thing to do is to keep going back - which you can...very soon!
      It's so lovely to welcome foreign tourists back. We followed a Spanish couple just to hear their squeals of excitement! xxx

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  7. Happy Birthday to Jon. What a splendid way to celbrate double nickles as all my friends have been greeting each other with this past year, as we turned the same 55. I love the castles withthe beutiful grounds-mylistof places I want to see are growing and growing with each of your posts.

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    1. Double nickles! I love that. I'll be in that gang in December.
      Have you visited Wales? It rains a lot but it's a stunning country with masses of castles. xxx

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  8. Happy Birthday Jon!!! your day out looked relaxing - peacock statue was beautiful (and so was your pic with the peacock, Vix) I loved the snap of the hollyhocks too. Have a lovel time at the restaurant. Betty

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    1. Thanks so much, Betty! I thought Jon was only photographing Colin, I loved that he got me in the photo, too! xxx

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  9. What a fun and memorable birthday for Jon! Happy 55th! That is a gorgeous property, and how awesome that it's not that far to drive to Wales (everything in Canada is SO far apart - it takes ages to get anywhere). Your pics are glorious, Vix, from the welcoming peacock (I'm a fan) and your matching blue dress, to the amazing sculpture, statuary and topiary. I'm glad you managed to escape the rain!

    Enjoy the Greek place (in my experience, most Greek places are very similar - we've tons of them here), and the beer! Celebrate and enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thanks, She! We're so lucky with the Uk being so small and most places being within easy travelling distance. It's shocking that we haven't been to Wales for 5 years when it's so close!
      The Greek place was wonderful and lived up to the reviews. I love that all Greek tavernas have the same menu, I can decide what i want in minutes! xxx

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  10. Prince Gruffydd is my husdand's 20th great-grandfather. He wants the house back.

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    1. No way! I bet he wants the house back, it's gorgeous! xxx

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  11. Your hat and bag are gorgeous! Love that photo of you with Colin. There's something about that photo of the tractor that I really like too, it's wonderfully British.

    Funnily enough I am off to Wales tomorrow - I'll take my umbrella.

    Hope you both had a lovely day! It looks like you did.

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    1. Hello Katrina! Thanks very much, the hat and bag were charity shop finds years ago!
      I've been watching Clarkson's Farm and seem to have developed an interest in tractors.
      Have a wonderful trip to Welsh wales, hope the weather plays nice! xxx

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  12. Happy Birthday Jon! What a grand way to spend his birthday! Powis looks brilliant! You definitely capture the Castle chic with your outfits!

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  13. What a wonderful way to celebrate Jon's birthday. You and Colin both wear blue well. I suspect our climates are similar so your comment about the rain not stopping you made me smile. (I'm in the Pacific Northwest corner of the U.S., halfway between Seattle and Portland.). Thank you for posting your visits to such grand destinations. You write so well and with such vivid descriptions that it really does feel as though we're right there with you. I look forward to all your travels!

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    1. Hello StrictlyMystic! A few years ago we had friends from Portland come and stay with us. They said how similar our weather was and how it even smelled the same!
      Thank you so mich for those kind words, I'm so pleased that you enjoy our trips out. Hopefully there will be another this week! xxx

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  14. When I was a teenager, one of our neighbors had pea fowl and we thought they were "Super Bird" The Hollyhock are beautiful and the deer strip mine down to nothing.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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    1. They really are "super birds". Nature is wonderful! xxx

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  15. beautiful beautiful gardens and a stunning castle!
    only topped by you in peacock blue - colin looks a bit puzzled that you steal him his show :-D
    you really had luck with the weather.... can we join you for the greek restaurant???
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Beate! I was hoping Colin would take me under his wing and let me live in his castle but he prefered the lure of the British cream tea! xxx

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  16. What a wonderful day out for John's Birthday. I look forward to hearing about the restaurant.

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    1. Thanks, Jan!! He had a fab day and loved your cartoon! xxx

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  17. Belated Birthday wishes to Jon!
    Your visit to the castle looked wonderful and I'm chuckling at the Peacock getting tired of your conversation. I managed to tire a horse with conversation, this past week :)

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    1. Thanks, Jules! That made me laugh about you tiring a horse. I'm glad I'm not the only one who chats to animals like they're people! xxx

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  18. Happy birthday lord Jon!!! what a wonderful way to spend your day. I love peacocks they are so majestic!! Was Jon inspecting his new home lol. I love places like that. Plenty of places to see and do. I love the gardens. Well done to team GB as well and to the kennys what a power couple! No wonder Connor loves his bikes so much.
    The shops have been selling olympic style food it’s so comical!! But I ended up watching Skye brown she was amazing for only 13. I didn’t realise she was half Japanese like willow and light. Strange world. Keep safe love and huggs

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    1. Thanks, Allie! Peacocks are amazing, aren't they? They are as common as sparrows in some parts of India and I think poeple think we're mad when we stop and chat to them!
      Team GB did us proud! I loved the BMX and skateboarding. I remember Skye being interviewed with her dad a few years ago, an incredible and inspirational young woman, what a role model! xxx

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  19. What a fantastic setting in which to celebrate Lord Jon's Birthday!

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  20. What a great way to celebrate. All the best to Lord Jon! Many happy returns. You look divine in your royal blue styling. Beautiful maxi dress and hat. The estate is quite a sight. The gardens are amazing. I love the photo of a peacock surrounded by greenery.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! It was a lovely day, made even better by the complimentary peacock! xxx

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    2. If you ever come to Split, you should to visit the historical Gripe fortress. They have lots of peacocks there, for some reason they love this place....and inside of the fortress there is an Art & Music Academy and a nautical museum.

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  21. Look at the birthday boy in his sexy shorts! You look lovely and although you matched the peacock you also looked very much like Lady of the Castle.

    Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! We had a fabulous day. xxx

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  22. Those gardens are utterly gorgeous. Very nice of them to erect a statue to Colin too...

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Lots of love, Vix