Edward Herbert

Sir Edward Herbert (d. 1595) was the second son of William Herbert (c. 1501-1570), 1st earl of Pembroke of the second creation.

In 1587 Sir Edward bought Powis Castle (Y Castell Coch ym Mhowys) and the lordship of Powys from Edward Grey, the illegitimate son of Edward Grey (d. 1551), 4th baron Grey de Powis, and feudal lord of Powys.

His son, William Herbert (1573-1656), was created 1st baron Powis. His grandson, William Herbert (c. 1629-1696), 3rd baron Powis, was created Marquis of Powis, whilst his own grandson, William Herbert (c. 1698-1748), the 3rd Marquis, died unmarried, when all his honours became extinct.

The estate passed to his heir, Barbara Herbert (1735-c. 1786), being the posthumous daughter and heir of Lord Edward Herbert, the 3rd marquis's only brother. She married Henry Arthur Herbert (c. 1703-1772) of Oakley Park, Montgomeryshire, in 1751. He was only remotely related to the late marquis (their common ancestor being Sir William ap Thomas, eight generations previously), but had already been created Earl of Powis in 1748, only two months after the death of the late marquis (and earl) of Powis, and three years before he married the marquis's heiress.