Tretower Court, Cwmdu, United Kingdom

Tretower Court is a medieval fortified manor house in the village of Tretower. 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. 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 restored and 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.

References:

Wikipedia

Palaces, manors and town halls in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Barrie Evans (3 years ago)
We had a fantastic afternoon wandering around the buildings and grounds. There was an activity trail for the kids which our 5 year old loved. The cafe was not open when we visited but we had taken a picnic anyway (the orchard garden is fantastic setting for a picnic). We will definitely be returning. A beautiful place in a beautiful location. There are also lots of picnic tables dotted around so I would definitely recommend making use of them.

linzilu2888 (3 years ago)
First time visiting, they recently have had a cafe and things on site. Amazing.. the staff are so friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about the history. Audio available to find out as you go around. The fact that some of the rooms were dressed as they would have been back in the time was amazing

Peter McEvoy (3 years ago)
Toilets onsite, with great parking, and extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. The keep is in remarkable condition, though not restored, but the residence is beautifully restored and is a snapshot into the past. This location was used in filming the movie Restoration, (aptly) we spent a good couple of hours here and had lunch in the garden at the rear in the shade of a lovely old Oak tree.

Gwen Roberts (3 years ago)
Great place to visit,so much to see and very well set up visually in kitchens etc. The castle is great for kids to roam and to play in the court gardens. Food and coffee both very tasty,lovely new restaurant. Definitely worth a visit.

ian prestwich (3 years ago)
I first visited on a school trip 50 years ago. Returned this year and it is as I remembered it and better! Stood on the gallery looking down into the courtyard I was transported back to being a 12 year old schoolboy once again. Magical. I am looking forward to returning again and especially keen to see the new visitor centre opening.

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

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