Friday, 10 May 2013

Montgomery Miles

We slept in today until 8.30. Unheard of in our trip so far. Must be he Richards influence!

We had a nice, quiet start to the day and did a little bit of shopping in Newtown. After lunch we went with Anthony to have a look at Powys Castle.

It's positioned perfectly to overlook the surrounding area, offering a reminder of the wealth and power of those who inhabited the castle. Owain Cyfeiliog, The Prince of southern Powys started work on the medieval castle around 1170. Although they were Welsh, their loyalties lay with the English and King Henry II. Owain was forced from his home by English armies, despite his ties to the king. This turned his son, Gwenwynwyn, against the English and he tried to rid Wales of them, to no avail. Gwenwynwyn also lost the castle and had to submit to a shameful surrender to King John at Shrewsbury in order to gain back his father’s lands.

After the medieval period the castle was gradually transformed from fortress to country house. It came into the possession of the Catholic Herbert family in the 16th Century and was captured from them by Parliamentarians in a night attack in 1644. After the restoration it was remodelled.

 

There were beautiful gardens and some very photogenic peacocks who loved getting their photos taken.

On the way home we visited Montgomery.

As always, it's all about me!

This is a delightful little town with an old ruined castle which we walked up to. The castle was built by Edward 1st in his fight to subdue the Welsh. There wasn't much left but it must have been impressive in its day. Anthony said it was built in response to the Welsh building Powis castle.

 

Ashley's gloves from Tasmania came in handy as it was bitterly cold here.

From the top of the ruins there were excellent views including roman roads.

Coming back down gave great views of the town.

Tonight we had another lovely meal at Castwell Forwyn. Fleur and Rosemary have helped us planned our next few days of touring.

 

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