Tretower Castle
The castle sits in a strategic position on the north bank of the River Usk, where the road through the Usk Valley branches towards Talgarth and the Wye Valley. From here, any medieval lord could exercise control over his land.
The remains that are visible today date from the 13th century, but the original castle on the site was a Norman motte and bailey castle, a large earthen mound topped with wooden defences. It was built during the Norman conquest of the ancient kingdom of Brycheiniog, when powerful Norman nobles settled in Brecon and the surrounding area to establish their control.
This wooden castle was rebuilt in stone in the mid 12th century. A shell keep was built, a hall and solar were erected to the south-west side of the motte and a kitchen was built at a slightly lower level.
The structure was extensively remodelled in the 13th century, when the great tower, which dominates the site today and can be seen from the A40, was built. The tower has three storeys, each with a single room with a fireplace and a window. The foundations of the tower contain a basement.
Tretower Castle was not only for defence. The quality of the ornamental stonework exceeds what is required for defensive purposes alone, ranking it amongst the best castles in Wales. For some of its history at least, this castle was a prized domestic residence and a status symbol. Although in ruins today the castle remains are a powerful reminder of the wealth, status and influence of the lords of Tretower during the medieval period.
By 1400 the domestic residence had moved to Tretower Court, but the castle survived and continued to be used as a military fortress in times of war, such as during Owain Glyn Dwr's uprising.
