Edward Lloyd was the owner of the Llanforda estate, which he inherited in 1634. He was a colorful figure, using his money to patronize poets and musicians, and spending considerable amounts on developing the grounds of the hall. He was a keen amateur gardener, and by the 1640s Llanforda probably rivalled any other gardens in the county. He was in control of Oswestry castle in June 1644 during the Civil War, holding the fortress for the Royalist cause. The castle was laid seiged to by Thomas Mytton a Parliamentarian of Halston Hall, near Whittington, who was soon joined by the earl of Denbigh. Oswestry was surrounded by cannon and its town gates were battered into submission. Parliamentarian troops were then able to surround the castle, and after one or two minor scuffles the walls were mined just before nightfall. The following day ‘Buttars,’ a type of early grenade, were used to storm the gates. The Royalist troops were forced to surrender and the castle fell into the hands of the Parliamentarians.
After the Civil War, his fortunes were severely reduced, his social life appears to have been much more subdued, and he only wished to rebuild his estate and worship God. In 1645 he wrote to his mother: 'I have been charged with folly for my gardens and walks, for my wilderness and fountain and you dear mother have been distant with me for them...'tis true...there is not such a noble and gentleman-like vanity...as gardens and walks.'