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Powis Castle, Welshpool added to National Trust in Wales by D0c.Col on 29/06/2023

Powis Castle
The present Powis Castle was built in the mid-13th century by a Welsh prince - Gruffudd Ap Gwenwynwyn who wanted to establish his independence from the aggressive princes of Gwynedd in North Wales. This was an act of defiance and in contrast to those built by the English at Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech in order to suppress the Welsh and consolidate Edward I’s conquest of Wales.
By the late 13th century, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd of Gwynedd had established himself as Prince of Wales, and in 1274 he destroyed Powis Castle, forcing Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn into exile.
However, within three years Llywelyn’s principality had crumbled leaving Gruffudd of Powys able to regain his lordship and rebuild the castle. Gruffudd, his son and grandson had all died by 1309, and with no male heir, the castle and lordship passed to an heiress, Hawise who married Sir John Charlton from Shropshire.
In 1312, Hawise’s uncle attacked the castle in an attempt to claim the lordship but failed. Charlton repaired the damage and built two great drum towers that can be seen today, either side of the castle’s west entrance.
Descendants of the Charltons continued as Lords of Powis for over 100 years but in 1421, the lack of a male heir resulted in the castle and estate being divided between two daughters, Joyce and Joan, who had married Sir John Grey and Sir John Tiptoft respectively.
Under the Tiptofts and their successor, Lord Dudley, the Outer Ward of the castle was neglected and needed considerable restoration. Luckily, in the 1530s Edward Grey, Lord Powis, took possession of the whole castle and began a major re-building programme.

In 1587, Edward Herbert purchased the castle and estate and it remained in the hands of the Herbert family until 1952 when George, 4th Earl of Powis, bequeathed the castle and gardens to the National Trust.
In 1902 George began its modernisation by introducing electric lighting and a state of the art hot-water central heating system, and at the same time he worked with his architect to re-establish the 17th Century décor in many of the state rooms, a style he thought more befitting of a medieval castle.
The estate was at its height during the Edwardian Period with notable guests arriving every weekend throughout the winter season, including the Prince and Princess of Wales in November 1909. However, this golden era was not to last as George was to suffer a number of family tragedies. The countess died following a car accident in 1929, both his sons, died whilst on active service, Percy from wounds received at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and Mervyn in a plane crash in 1943. With no direct heir to the castle, on his death bed in 1952, George bequeathed Powis to the nation, in the care of the National Trust.
In the garden four of the 150m long original terraces remain, the last two having reverted to banks of earth covered with shrubs. The top Terrace is planted with a range of yew trees, a distinctive feature at Powis.

William Emes, apart from the destruction of the water garden, did make improvements to the estate. A road that cut through the park just below the castle was diverted, and much planting was undertaken on the Wilderness Ridge, the line of hills opposite the castle, on the other side of the Great Lawn. The last major transformation of the gardens was undertaken in the early 20th century by Violet, wife of the fourth earl.

The Herbert family continue to live in part of the castle, under an arrangement with the National Trust. The Trust has undertaken a number of major works of restoration during its ownership, including the Marquess Gate,[ the Grand Staircase, and the sculpture of Fame in the Outer Courtyard. Powis Castle is a Grade I listed building, while its gardens have their own Grade I listing and together they form an irresistible attraction that receives over 200,000 visitors a Year.

The flight was inside a FRZ but had authorisation from the relevant ATC and the local council does not have a bylaw to prevent TOAL. I was easily able to launch the DJI mini 3 Pro close from a public path just outside NT property and maintained VLOS with the assistance of a spotter (my wife).

https://www.youtube.com/@DocColVideo/

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.65246, -3.15728 • what3words: ///strongman.snapper.just

The originator declared that this location was inside a flight restriction zone at the time of being flown. Permission to fly was obtained from Welshpool ATC. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location.

Where to fly your drone


Black Nore Lighthouse, North Somerset (By Nairners)

This is an old lighthouse off the coast of Portishead. Great spot to test out orbits etc... loads of room and there is ample residential parking just next door. (I suggest parking on Pinecroft road).

In front of the lighthouse is a large (approx 10x10 feet) concrete pad which is great for TOAL as the area around is quite rocky and not suitable to rest a drone on.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.4847, -2.800626 • what3words: ///spud.luring.fixed

Singleton Lake, Ashford (By grandad1950)

Singleton Lake is a man made lake and forms part of the Ashford Green Corridor.

Very popular for bird watching and fishing.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.14307, 0.844713 • what3words: ///edits.awake.twin

Pontsarn Viaduct, Merthyr Tydfil (By gasbag43)

The Pontsarn Viaduct was built in the 1860’s to carry the Brecon and Merthyr Railway over the river was designed and built by Savin and Ward and their engineer Alexander Sunderland (as was the Cefn viaduct).

It has 7 spans and is an historic listed structure. It is situated in an area of natural beauty, with “the Blue Pool” and waterfall nearby.

Its located in a quiet little valley easily accessible on foot from the road above.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.77967, -3.385237 • what3words: ///stones.points.spit

Victoria Park, Kent (By grandad1950)

A large multi use park close to the centre of Ashford in Kent.

Very modern kids play area, a lake and lots of room to fly.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.14437, 0.861856 • what3words: ///head.fines.adopt

Ansty Cricket Ground, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

This was previously uploaded as Bolney Cricket Ground and this corrects my error.

A fine community centre in Ansty Village linked to two fine cricket pitches.

Lots of room to fly when there are no matches being played

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.99537, -0.161711 • what3words: ///forces.spout.mount

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, Dunfermline Central (By ParmoPaul)

Dunfermline Abbey is the burial place for a number of Scottish kings and queens, the most famous is Robert The Bruce. The palace is also the birthplace of Charles the 1st who helped cause the English Civil War.

Historic Scotland manage the Abbey and Palace and do not allow TOAL from their land. However there is plenty of space around the buildings which is not HS managed.

Paid parking is available outside the Abbey or in the City car park. Free on street parking is available but several streets away.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 56.06991, -3.463555 • what3words: ///begins.stick.wallet

Lilleshall Abbey, Telford and Wrekin (By D0c.Col)

LILLESHALL ABBEY A LOVELY FREE ACCESS ENGLISH HERITAGE SITE IN SHROPSHIRE

Lilleshall Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery located in Shropshire, England. It was founded around 1148 as an Augustinian abbey and was once a wealthy and influential religious house, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings.
The monks of the Abbey were members of the Augustinian order, a group of canons who followed the Rule of St. Augustine. Unlike some other monastic orders, such as the Benedictines or Cistercians, the Augustinians were more involved in pastoral and community work, often serving as priests in local churches while maintaining a communal monastic life, following a strict daily routine of prayer, study, and labour.
After Lilleshall Abbey was dissolved in 1538, under the orders of Henry VIII, it was stripped of its valuables, and the monastic community was disbanded. Like many other abbeys at the time, its lands and buildings were sold off.
The abbey and its estates had been granted to Sir Richard Leveson, a wealthy landowner and politician but over the following centuries, the abbey buildings fell into ruin. Parts of the structure were repurposed, with stone being taken for local building projects
The Abbey had been involved in the English Civil War in the 17th Century. Although it was already in a state of decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the site played a role in the conflict as a Royalist stronghold.
During the war, the Leveson family, who owned the abbey, were strong supporters of King Charles I and used the abbey as a defensive position. In 1645, Parliamentarian forces besieged the abbey, and after a fierce battle, captured and under Cromwell’s orders slighted it. The impact of the Civil War was to contribute to its final abandonment as a residence or defensive site.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the ruins had become a picturesque landmark, appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value.
Today, the remains of Lilleshall Abbey, including parts of its church, chapter house, and other buildings, stand as a historic site managed by English Heritage. The ruins, with their grand arches and intricate stonework, offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life. The site is open to visitors and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts and photographers, and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval monastic life.

I visited the Abbey out of season so although it was closed as far as English Heritage is concerned, the site is open and access is available at all times (at least when I've been there). That said, the carpark is closed out of season and as it is accessed from a narrow country road you may have to walk a bit to get there. I managed to park right outside the gate but no more than a few cars can park next to the road safely here.

English Heritage have a no drone policy, but if you choose the right time of day or out of season it is easy to fly around the Abbey and maintain VLOS.

There are no toilet facilities or refreshments to be had at this site so plan ahead for relief and sustenance respectfully!

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.72494, -2.389849 • what3words: ///donation.organisms.bulk

Dockyard Church, Swale (By Stevieg75)

Free parking can be found in bluetown and site is a short walk.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.44301, 0.753591 • what3words: ///tungsten.cutlets.pretty

Central Battery, Swale (By Stevieg75)

Parking can be in Tesco and the location is a short walk.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.44466, 0.752351 • what3words: ///artichoke.village.also

Conningbrook Lakes Country Park, Ashford (By grandad1950)

Just outside Ashford in Kent is Conningbrook lakes Country park.

Great views, lots of space to fly, fishing ,boating and kids playground make it a great place to visit.

A freezing cold morning but there just in time to see the sun rise.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.15422, 0.905479 • what3words: ///atom.valley.recall


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