Scheduled MonumentsWalesTretower Castle
Medieval · Castle

Tretower Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR014
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Tretower Castle is a Norman castle located in Breconshire, Wales, comprising both an early motte-and-bailey earthwork and a later stone keep. The stone tower, known as the Round Tower, was constructed in the early twelfth century, while substantial additions including a curtain wall and domestic structures were made during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The castle served as a significant stronghold for the Norman lords of Brecknock and represents an important example of the military architecture employed during the medieval conquest and settlement of South Wales. The site was eventually superseded by Tretower Court, a substantial medieval manor house constructed nearby in the fifteenth century, after which the castle fell into decline.

Tretower Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR014. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Tretower Castle?

Tretower Castle is a Norman castle located in Breconshire, Wales, comprising both an early motte-and-bailey earthwork and a later stone keep. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR014.

What period does Tretower Castle date from?

Tretower Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Tretower Castle?

Tretower Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is BR014.

What other scheduled monuments are near Tretower Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Mynydd Pen-cyrn round cairn (6.8 km), Twr Pen-cyrn round cairns (7 km), Disgwylfa Tramroads (8 km).

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