Tretower Court and Castle, Tretower, near Crickhowell, Powys. Paid entry
Details
Accessibility
"The Court is mainly accessible, although the cobbled entrance may be unsuitable for wheelchair and buggy users.
A side entrance can be made available for access if required.
There is dedicated disabled parking.
Ground floor toilets (male and female) and wheelchair accessible toilet is available."
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tretower_Court
"Tretower Castle (Welsh: Castell Tretŵr) is a Grade I-listed ruined castle in the village of Tretower in the county of Powys, Wales. It was built around the beginning of the twelfth century as a motte and bailey castle and this was probably replaced mid-century by a stone shell keep. The castle was enlarged in the early thirteenth century, but later fell into ruin.
In the early 14th century residential buildings were constructed away from the original fortifications forming today's Tretower Court. Over time the lords of Tretower favoured the more luxurious Court and the castle fell into disuse.[2] The castle is roughly triangular in plan, with the motte and keep assemblage occupying the western corner. The 12th century shell-keep is an irregular enclosure with a gate-tower on the line of approach from the bailey. In the centre of the shell stands the tall cylindrical 13th century keep. The keep is of three storeys, with an original entrance at first floor level, above a strong, slanted batter or talus. The top of the talus is marked by a decorative string-course of stone.[2
The Court evolved from the adjacent Tretower Castle site and is a very rare example of its type, in that it shows the way in which a castle gradually developed into another significant type of medieval building, the fortified manor house or defended house [1]. It is also a rare survival, escaping destruction in wars or conflicts, partial damage or slighting, for example during the English Civil War, and total redevelopment over time.
The initial construction of Tretower Court dates from the early years of the 14th century, when the castle site was also still in use. The earliest part of Tretower Court is the north range. The masonry of the walls, the internal fireplaces, the windows and the projecting latrine tower all indicate a date maybe as early as 1300. The 14th-century building consisted of a central ground floor hall open to its high roof, a solar or private bedchamber and a private living room. The hall probably served as a local court for paying fines and tithes. The west range was also 14th century.
The Court is now open to the public and a guided audio tour is available, inclusive in the nominal entrance fee. Events and interpretive reenactments are often held at the Court in season. Parts of the building are available for wedding ceremonies.[3] "
"Tretower Court's barn welcomes visitors for the first time in centuries... Find out how Tretower's medieval barn is now welcoming visitors into a 21st-century visitor centre, retail space and restaurant. Tretower Court and Castle's renovated barn is now home to Y Bwyty Bach restaurant. Open: Wednesday–Saturday Lunch 10am-3pm | Dinner 6pm-9pm, Sunday Lunch 10am–3pm."
Address
Tretower Court and Castle,
Tretower, Crickhowell, NP8 1RF
Phone
0300 025 2239. For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01874 730279
Website
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tretower-court-and-castle
https://www.facebook.com/TretowerCourt/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tretower_Court
Directions
"Gravelled car park area and roadside parking opposite the court for approx. 30 vehicles."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Amenities
Garden, Parking, Toilets, Picnic area. Baby Changing Facilities
Accommodation: "Tretower Court Cottage is a cosy cottage sitting in its own private garden within the grounds of the ancient Tretower Court and Castle, close to the lively little town of Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacon." https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/cadw-holiday-accommodation/tretower-court-cottage
Venue Hire: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/venue-hire and https://cadw.gov.wales/tretower-court-weddings
Y Bwyty Bach at Tretower Court: https://ybwytybach.com/
Y Bwyty Bach Restaurant, Tretower Court and Castle, Crickhowell NP8 1RF
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.