Tretower Court and Castle |
||||||||||
|
A visit to Tretower Court and Castle reveals two historic sites for the price of one. In open country against the backdrop of the Brecon Beacons stands a stark, round tower, clearly a military fortification of great antiquity. Its companion piece is a handsome stone manor house which must have served as a very desirable domestic residence in its time. Tretower Castle goes back to Norman times.
The great 13th century stone keep surmounts a small mound, this being the remains of Tretower's original earthwork castle built around 1100 to control a strategic route through the Black Mountains. The transition from war to peace is recorded in stone at Tretower. By the early 15th century, the castle had probably been partially abandoned in favour of a new building in the east.
In the 1450s, Roger Vaughan began the transformation of this into the glorious house we now see before us, a fine example (rare in Wales) of a substantial late medieval country residence. The galleried courtyard is entered through a stone gatehouse, an arrangement reminiscent of the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge.
The gracious life style enjoyed by the favoured few in the Middle Ages is evoked with great authenticity within the carefully restored court. The woodworking is exceptional (and exceptionally well preserved) especially in the gallery with its sliding wooden shutters, and in the hall with its panelled timber partitions. Outside, there is a recreated medieval garden. Tretower Court was the long-standing home of the Vaughan family, one of whom was Henry Vaughan, the celebrated 17th century metaphysical poet.
General Information:
| More Pictures | |
 |
 |
|
Opening Times
|
|
(2009 times)
Closed until Spring 2010.
|
|
Admission Charges
|
|
(2009 prices)
Closed until Spring 2010.
|
|
Directions
|
| Signposted in Tretower Village, off A179. 5km/3mls N. West of Crickhowell. |
| Show map of Tretower Court and Castle... |
|
Tretower Court and Castle Postcode for SatNav: NP8 1RD |
|
Nearby Attractions
|
|
Bryn Bach Country Park
(8 Miles)*
The Park is set in 340 acres of mixed grass and woodland and has a 36-acre lake as its focal point. It offers something for all. |
|
Abergavenny Museum & Castle
(8 Miles)*
Abergavenny Museum presents the story of this historic market town from Prehistoric and Roman times right through to the present day. |
|
Blaenavon Ironworks
(8 Miles)*
South Wales's industrial history is recalled at this revealing site, one of Europe's best-preserved 18th century ironworks. |
| more attractions in Tretower and things to do in Tretower ... |
| more things to do in Powys and days out in Powys... |
|
Nearby Hotels
|
|
Nearby Self Catering
|
|
National Trust | Estate Agents |
Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Index Site Map
