Tretower Court & Castle
Quick Info
Region: Powys
Built: 1100s Norman Picard Family
In the Care of: Cadw
Parking: Lots of free parking on site
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes*
Dogs Allowed: Yes*
Admission: Paid entry
Postcode: NP8 1RF
Opening Times
10am - 5pm
Click here for more info
Image courtesy of visitwales.com
“Tretower Court & Castle is a lovely day out for the family, with castle ruins, a medieval court to explore, picnic facilities and gift shop facilities.”
History
The Tower that makes up Tretower was built by invading Norman, the Picards in around 1100. It was a magnificent four story building which was not only defensive, but also an overt sign of wealth and in the medieval court that sits next to it was built by the infamous Vaughan family who lived in the court for generations until it was abandoned around 1700.
The castle was a defensible stronghold during the Glyndwr uprising and the battle of Mynydd Cwmdu (Black Valley Mountain/ Cwmdu Mountain) took place nearby between Richard Beauchamp and Owain Glyndwr’s armies. Less than 10 years later Welsh archers (renowned throughout Britain) gathered at Tretower Court before travelling to serve King Henry V of France in the battle of Agincourt.
It was left to fall into decline for centuries until 1934 when it was bought for the public. Now it is in the care of CADW.
What Can You See?
There is free parking provided by CADW just over the road from the court. As you walk through the gatehouse, which once stood at three stories tall, you enter the court yard and the tall walls of the medieval court surround you on four sides. There is a reception and gift shop on your left, and straight ahead is the door leading to the medieval banquet room. You can stroll around the flagstones, up winding stair cases and along the top of the courtyard walls.
Tretower or ‘Tre Twr’ is Welsh for ‘the place of the tower’, testament to the impressiveness of the original stone structure that was built 350 years before the medieval court that it’s named after. The castle is a short walk from the court, through a field. You can walk around the remains and see much of the architecture that was updated by Roger Picard II in around 1235-50 when he changed the tower to serve as a highly fashionable great circular tower like that of Bronllys and Skenfrith.
When walking around this tower, keep in mind that the castle was changed from timber to stone in 1160-80!
Accessibility
We haven’t been personally yet, but CADW has got a very thorough Access Guide Here.
Sources
Jenkins. Simon. (2008). Wales Churches, Houses, Castles. London: Penguin Books. Pages 225 -227.
CADW. (2018). Tretower Court and Castle. Cardiff.
Robinson, David. (2012). ‘A Court of Royal Style: Tretower Court and Castle, Powys’, country life. Country Life. 8th February. Page 42 - 47.
