Crickhowell Tourist Information River Usk

Crickhowell History

It is believed that Crickhowell has existed since at least the Iron Age when settlers built the hill fort on Crug Hywel also known as Table Mountain. This dominates the landscape at 1,480 feet (451 metres) above Crickhowell. The area was also influenced by the Romans who built forts within the area.

Castell Dinas, north of Crickhowell, are the remains of a castle built in the early Norman period, although before that it was another iron age hillfort. The standing ruins that remain are the northern gate tower that is thought to date from around late 1233. Much of the site is now what looks like grass covered rubble which was once walls and a masonry hall keep. The site is 3 miles southeast of Talgarth at grid reference SO 179 301.

At Tretower, a few miles north of Crickhowell just off the A40 is the fairly intact round tower of Tretower Castle and Court. This site contains examples of several buildings from the 12th century castle to a medieval dwelling This site is a good example of how the transition was made from castle to residential dwelling. Tretower Court is a late medieval defended house which reflects the fashion of wealthy landowners in the 1300-1700 period. Tretower Castle was built much earlier in the 11th century and started out as a motte and bailey castle. Modifications were made adding stone walls, the keep and the great tower until it was abandoned in the 14th century in preference for the Court.

Another famous feature of the town is The Bear Hotel, a former coaching inn that dates back to 1432. It still has its "post horses" archway and original cobbles. It has a cosy award winning bar full of wooden beams and artefacts from its former use as a coaching inn.

Crickhowell Castle and Bridge

Crickhowell Castle was built by the Normans and is located in the town centre. It is thought that it begun life as a motte and bailey castle with timber buildings in the 12th century. It was then rebuilt in stone in 1272. Apparently as the castle has fallen into ruin, locals have robbed some of the stone to build surrounding houses so that now only two towers remain. It is also known as Alisby Castle.

Crickhowell Bridge is mostly renowned for its 17th century bridge that spans the River Usk. It is unusual in that when viewed from its eastern end you can see thirteen arches, but when viewed from the western end of the bridge, there are only twelve.

Crickhowell Tourist Information

Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre (CRiC) that runs a programme of community and arts events also manages the town's Tourist Information Centre, which is currently located in Beaufort Chambers, Beaufort Street, NP8 1AA. Tel: 01873 812105. Open: Easter - October.

They obviously have all the usual info about the area as well as a leaflet for the walk to the summit of Table Mountain.

CRiC and the Centre for Creative Arts based in the Old School in Crickhowell run a whole host of workshops, courses, classes and clubs from Tai Chi to Toddler Art. Check the website for up-to-date dates of arts events. There are also two picture galleries to show off locals' work and that archive events they've been involved with.