The east front entrance to Powis Castle has been closed to the public since the castle was donated to  the National Trust in 1952. In more recent years the stairs had started to crumble and one of the retaining walls in the terrace was in danger of collapse which could have undermined the structural stability of the entire east side of the castle.

In 2015 the National Trust launched a public appeal try and raise funds so that repair work could be undertaken. It hoped that £300,00 of the £500,00 needed for the project would be raised and that grants could be arranged for the remainder of the funding. In the event all the funding that was needed for the project was raised from the appeal. In addition the National Trust applied for additional funding from conservation trusts.

Following the completion of the conservation work, the donors were invited to an opening ceremony that took place today. Inviting donors was a first and Powis Castle was pleased to be able to do so.

Guests assembled at the top of the east front stairs where the property manager, Emma Thompson, explained about the project and pointed out key members of the restoration project team who were present for the opening ceremony. Following her address the ribbon was cut by one of the donors allowing members of the public to walk on the steps and stand on the terrace for the first time in more than 50 years.

The east front entrance has seen King George V, Queen Mary and Queen Victoria (as Princess Victoria) walk up the grand staircase and stand on the high terrace to enjoy the magnificent view over the Breidden hills.

After the opening ceremony, afternoon tea was served inside the castle. We were treated to daintily portioned cakes and scones with jam and cream, topped with strawberries, all accompanied by a glass of bucks fizz; what a delight!

A few years ago in December 2013 when the castle was only partially open to visitors, the door to the east front which was not normally open, was opened for visitors to step through to enjoy the view over the staircase and terrace to the Breidden hills beyond. I took some photos which I share with you so that you can see the extent of the repair work’s transformation.