RECENTLY members of Sully U3A's Local History Group visited Tretower Court and Castle, a medieval fortified manor house near Crickhowell.

Building was begun around 1450 by Sir Roger Vaughan who developed Tretower Court into a house befitting a prosperous man.

Sir Roger was executed at Chepstow in 1471 for supporting Edward IV in the Wars of the Roses but the property remained in the Vaughan family for all of its heyday.

When the Vaughan's left towards the end of the 18th Century, Tretower Court became a working farm. The building gradually declined but in the 1930s it was saved and restored for the nation and is now in the care of Cadw.

A suite of rooms has been recreated as they may have been in 1470 when the Vaughans were part of high society.

A fine day meant the group could enjoy a stroll around the recreated medieval garden with its lovely scents of flowers and herbs and explore the remains of Tretower Castle, including the view from the great round tower.

The Local History Group is one of many groups available to U3A members. Sully U3A meets in The Old School, Sully at 2pm on the second Thursday of the month when new members are welcome.