Fancy running a 700-year-old medieval Mid Wales manor?

If the answer is yes, then Cadw have a rare and unique opportunity they’d like to share with you. Cadw – the historic environment service arm of the Welsh Government that works to protect Wales’ ancient buildings and structures – is offering a notable opportunity to run and manage a new and unique catering facility at Tretower Court and Castle.

Cadw are preferably looking for a local independent business to establish themselves at the iconic 700-year-old south Powys tourism venue from October this year.

Tretower Cafe is currently under construction within the Grade II listed barn at Tretower Court and Castle, near Crickhowell, at the foot of the Black Mountains, and Cadw are looking to hand over the reins to a third party operator, who will be selected following an ‘Expression of Interest’ process, with the deadline fast approaching, on July 29.

The initial construction of Tretower Court dates from the early years of the 14th century, when the castle site was also still in use. Studies suggest it could have been built as early as 1300.

In a statement promoting the opportunity, Cadw said: “So striking was the massive circular tower built by Roger Picard II that his castle became known as Tretower – or ‘the place of the tower’. Over two centuries, from about 1100, the Picards transformed themselves from invading Norman adventurers to powerful Welsh lords.

“This monumental tower with four storeys and stone walls nine feet thick wasn’t merely for protection. It was social climbing made visible, an open imitation of the castles at Pembroke and Skenfrith. It would be remarkable enough on its own but Tretower is two wonders in one.

“Just across the castle green lies an entire medieval court that became a byword for magnificence. It was the creation of Sir Roger Vaughan and his descendants. During the Wars of the Roses, Sir Roger became one of the most powerful men in Wales – and Tretower reflected his fame.

“Current investment at Tretower includes the provision of a new cafe operation as part of the Grade II listed barn conversion works. The necessary consents have been secured and this major conservation project is already underway.

“The Tretower Court and Castle Project is to include a new visitor reception with enhanced visitor entrance, retail, exhibition space, visitor toilets and a lift and staircase to the upper first floor of the barn, which is where a new cafe and servery, is being built and fitted out, with completion due in October 2021.”

In the early 15th century during the Owain Glyndwr revolt in Wales against King Henry IV the building was under a very real threat from Welsh forces. Under Sir James Berkeley it successfully held off an attack.

The same year an English force led by Richard Beauchamp fought Glyndwr’s Welsh army at the Battle of Mynydd Cwmdu, almost capturing Glyndwr himself.

Less than a decade later the court was the meeting point from which the local contingent of Welsh archers left for service in France under King Henry V and contributed to the English victory at Agincourt.

In early times the castle was held by the Picard family who gained extensive lands in Herefordshire for assisting William the Conqueror. Around 1450 the property was given to Sir Roger and remained in the hands of successive generations of Vaughans until it was sold in 1783.

Over time some previously residential rooms were adapted as stores, barns and then even used by animals, even becoming a piggery. The building was not maintained well and by the early 20th century was in danger of collapse.

In 1929 the Brecknock Society made a successful purchase, the following year it was saved and restored and is now in the care of Cadw.

All details and a timetable of events are supplied in Cadw’s ‘Out to Market’ document and expressions of interest must be sent to: cadwcommercial@gov.wales and are to be received no later than 12 noon on Thursday, July 29.

For more information and to express your interest, visit https://cadw.gov.wales/about-us/careers/tretower-court-and-castle-barn-cafe.