Look what was found under the Powis Castle floorboards!

Sweet wrappers, newspaper clippings and a comb believed to be more than 60 years old have been found hidden under the floorboards of Powis Castle and Garden, the famous 13th century castle cared for by National Trust Cymru.   

The curious finds were recently discovered when a specialist team of contractors, electricians and conservators were surveying the medieval castle as part of the ongoing Powering Powis Re-wiring Project, which begins this summer.

The remarkable collection of around 20 items, which had been lost or forgotten for several decades, includes sweet wrappers from the 1950s, newspaper clippings printed from Wrexham’s FA Cup fixture against Brighton in December 1953 and even a gentleman’s comb, has gone on public display in a special exhibition in the Dining Room at Powis Castle and Garden, offering a rare snapshot of the everyday life of those who once inhabited and worked at the castle, giving an intimate connection to its past. 

Emily Gershman, Project Conservator for the Powering Powis Re-Wiring Project, said:  

“The discoveries we made beneath Powis Castle’s floors are incredibly exciting. Each find tells a story, and it’s a privilege to bring these pieces of history to light. We think a lot of the items belonged to the electricians who previously re-wired the castle. Most were found along the wiring routes and date to the 1920s and 1950s, the same time as when previous re-wirings occurred.

“We hope that this exhibition of items provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and the careful conservation work that is being undertaken, to protect it for future generations.”

Emily added: “The Powering Powis Re-Wiring Project is not just about upgrading infrastructure – it’s about enhancing the understanding of the castle’s history.

“It will offer experts new insights into architectural and construction techniques, particularly the intricate woodwork in the Dining Room, which was remodelled by renowned architect G.F. Bodley.”

After years of planning, the on-site re-wiring is due to begin this summer and will upgrade the electrical systems in the 109 rooms of the Castle Keep. It will also enable a new lighting scheme throughout the showrooms which will greatly improve how visitors are able to experience the collection.

For this to happen, the project will need to carefully remove panelling and lift floorboards allowing specialists to uncover more architectural and historical features along the way. 

As the project progresses, Powis Castle and Garden will remain open to visitors, while some areas of the castle may be temporarily closed to complete essential work. 

More items will be added to the display as new discoveries are found and the exhibition will move to different rooms of the castle as the project continues, inviting visitors to see the castle’s history in a new light, alongside the work of preserving it for the future.  

Visitors to Powis Castle and Garden this year can explore the fascinating exhibition and discover more about the castle’s hidden past, whilst supporting the ongoing conservation work that will help ensure the historic site stays open and remains as one of Mid Wales’ top tourist attractions for years and generations to come.

During the Easter holidays from April 11-28, Powis Castle and Garden will be running a self-led, family Easter trail which meanders through its world-famous garden and costs £3.50 each. Normal admission prices also apply. Once participants have hopped, skipped and jumped along the trail, they can collect their chocolate, vegan or Free From egg at the Garden Café. 

For more information about the Powering Powis re-wiring project and visiting Powis Castle and Garden, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/powis-castle-and-garden