Harpton Court

The Lewis family had owned land in Radnorshire since the 16th century, the earliest recorded presence being of Thomas Lewis (1518/1519 – 1607) who was Sheriff in 1547. The family continued as local landowners and minor politicians until Thomas Frankland Lewis (1780–1855) who held the office of Chairman of the Poor Law Commission and gained a baronetcy. His son, George Cornewall Lewis (1806–1863) gained far greater prominence, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for War in the administrations of Lord Palmerston. Occasionally suggested as an alternative to William Gladstone as Palmerston's political heir, his career was cut short by his early death at…

The main block of the court was designed in the mid-18th century, and redeveloped by John Nash in the early 19th century. Considered one of Powys' finest neoclassical buildings, it was demolished in 1956. The elaborate gates, and attached lodge, which originally flanked the main drive to the house down an avenue of lime trees, are also listed at Grade II, as are the stable block and former granary. The gardens, including a largely intact walled kitchen garden are listed at Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. The gardens contained specimens of Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed), reputedly introduced by Gertrude Jekyll, a…