THE POWYSLAND CLUB
Founded in 1867
Background
The History of the Library is directly linked to Powysland Club since its establishment in 1867.
The Powysland Club is the senior county historical society for Montgomeryshire, based in Welshpool with remit which covers the whole county from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llansilin in the north to Newtown and Llanidloes in the south and Machynlleth in the west. The Earl of Powis is President of the Club following a long tradition of his predecessors in that office.
Building
The Library and Meeting Room is securely housed on the first floor of what is currently the Welshpool Town Council office at Triangle House. Access for disabled is directly linked to the first floor.
Collection
The Library houses some 10,000 books, maps and journals and contains a large collection of rare and valuable books relating to all aspects of the history and archaeology of Wales. Many of these have been donated, in the past, by members of the Club. There are also many reference books such as the Calendars of State Papers, Census Records and Commission Reports. In recent years, thanks to generous bequests made by earlier members of the Club the Library has been able to purchase almost all new publications relevant to the aims and interests of the membership, as they have been published.
The Library also houses a large collection of Ordnance Survey 6” maps of Montgomeryshire, 1st and 2nd editions, published around 1901/2, which provide a valuable archive and are available for consultation. Furthermore, the Club has published other maps of historical interest such as the 1629 Humfrey Bleaze map of Powis Castle Estate and Welshpool, as well as a map of the Townships of Montgomeryshire and part of Shropshire. A limited range of local tithe maps (1840) is also held.
In addition to holding sets of the Club’s own journal, the Montgomeryshire Collections, the Library has, for many years, corresponded with other regional history and archaelogy groups across the country, including some in Scotland and Northern Ireland, annually exchanging with them issues of their journals. These collections are available for consultation in the Library. Further information about these holdings can be obtained from the Librarian.
Contact information
Mrs M Stacy, Librarian
Triangle House, Brook Street, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7PG
tel: 01686 413397 / email: nimastacey@gmail.com
Opening Hours and Access
Normal opening hours are 10:00am to 12:00 noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any variations are shown on the website. For special access contact The Librarian.
Researchers may access the library by pre-booking with the Librarian outside of normal opening hours. See website. Disabled access to rear of the building.
Membership
Open to members of the Club and to the general public. Only members of the Club may borrow books. Club membership is :
Individual £15 p.a. Joint Membership £15 p.a.
Benefits include a copy of th year’s Montgomeryshire Collections book, free access to lectures, guided summer excursions to sites of historical interest, access to library and purchase of supported publications.
Activities
Currently, activities are on hold due to Covid restriction policies. It is hoped the Summer Excursion Programme will resume in 2022 - details will be published on the website. Similarly the lecture programme is on hold. However, the Club has been able to successfully maintain lectures on-line via Zoom. Please see the website for updates.
Catering/Refreshments
Refreshments are normally available after lectures but there are many accessible cafes/restaurants within a short walking distance of the library.
Website
www.powyslandclub.co.uk
Status
Registered charity no. 1120504
Company No. 6294984