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Tretower Court and Castle

Tretower, Powys

Quick Guide
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Tretower castle is in the village of Tretower, near Crickhowell. It was originally a motte and bailey castle and in the 12th century a shell-keep was added and by the 13th century a circular keep was added inside the shell keep. In the 1300's residential buildings, now called  Tretower Court, were constructed away from the original fortifications and the castle fell into disuse.

When visiting you in fact enter the Tretower Court first, and then walk through the grounds of this into the castle area. It is primarily the 13th century keep that remains in ruin. Originally it was three storeys high with a basement. It was designed to give a garrison a clear field of fire over the outer parapet. It was joined to the outer curtain wall by a bridge. Inside a single room with a fireplace and windows shows it was intended for residential use.

By the 14th century Tretower Court appears to have become the residential part of this site and has developed and grown to the needs of its residents over the period. During the 16th century it came into the hands of the Vaughan family who over the years undertook extensive works when they left the house became a farm and some of the buildings were adapted as barns and sheds.

Today Tretower Court can be seen with its central courtyard, with buildings on all 4 sides, and you enter it through its gatehouse and there are various rooms to explore on two levels.  Many of the rooms have extensive woodwork in them especially in the gallery with sliding wooden shutters, and the panelled timber partitions in the hall. Outside the castle is accessed via the grounds of Tretower Court and the keep and castle walls are at the rear of a farm. There is also a recreated medieval garden within the grounds.

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Location: Tretower Castle, nr Crickhowell, Powys

Grid Reference: SO184212 Ceremonial County: Brecknockshire

Map Link: StreetMap

Aerial photo: Google Aerial

Getting there: From the A40 take the A479 towards Crickhowell. The castle is on the roadside at the village of Tretower.

Access:
Website: CADW
Other Useful Websites: Castles of Wales        Wiki         ecastles  
Email:
Address: Tretower, Crickhowell, Powys
Postcode: NP8 1RF Telephone:
Opening Times: 1 Apr-31 Oct Daily 10am-5pm;
1 Nov-31 Mar Fri & Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 11am-4pm

Charges: Adult: £4; Reduced Rate £3.60; Family (2+ all children under 16) £11.60; Child Under 5 FREE; Disabled Visitor + companion: FREE

Nearby Locations:
Other Location Pages:

Other Relevant Pages: Tretower Court & Castle Castles of Wales   

How to photograph a castle

Notes: Assistance Dogs only

 

 

 

 


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By: Tracey Park Section: Castles Key:
Page Ref: tretower Topic: Castles Last Updated: 03/2011

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