Powis Castle is the seat of the Earl of Powis, and is known for its extensive, attractive formal gardens, terraces, parkland, deer park and landscaped estate. The property is under the care of the National Trust.
Powis Castle was the scene of a ghost story from 1780, when an elderly lady arrived at the castle looking for work by spinning hemp and flax. As the Earl was in London, the steward and servants granted the old woman employment and allowed her to stay in a bedroom. However, their intentions were to have some fun at the expense of the poor lady, as the room they put her in was supposedly haunted. What they did not expect was the inginuity and resilience of the woman, who challenged the spectre as to its purpose, followed it and recovered contents of value to the Earl. The Earl was so pleased with the old woman, that he ensured she was comfortably provided for from then on.
According to Evans, recent phenomena at the castle include sightings of a woman in a mob-cap, a lady in black, a third female phantom and "fleeting figures"; audible effects of a "large dog" and piano music; touches from invisible hands; and the movement of the piano in the Ballroom.
Pictured left is Powis Castle from the courtyard courtesy of John Firth.
Powis Castle,
Welshpool,
Powys,
SY21 8RF.
For further information, please read Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland by Richard Jones Ghosts: Mysterious Tales from the National Trust by Sian Evans and Britain's Haunted Heritage by J A Brooks.