National Trust Powis Castle Guidebook Sale

Once the stark medieval fortress of Welsh princes, Powis Castle was transformed over centuries into a grand home for the Herbert family, reflecting their wealth and status. It houses world-class 17th-century interiors, artworks, furniture, tapestries and Indian artefacts that can’t fail to impress. Besides many outstanding pictures, the castle contains the varied collection assembled by Clive of India, who was a relative.

The garden, dating back over 300 years, is one of Britain’s finest. As new fashions made their mark, previous developments survived to create contrasting yet complementary styles. Nowhere else will you experience such a theatrical mix of Italianate terraces, fantastical topiary and superb views.

The guidebook also describes the fluctuating fortunes of the Herbert family, which included a period of exile in France because of their Jacobite sympathies and periods of financial embarrassment through rash speculations.