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later, Trecastle was used by coach travelers as a stopping point on the route from Gloucester to
Llandovery. By the 19th century Trecastle had eight annual fairs, it’s own gasworks, two schools, a
grain mill, two smithies, 16 shops and numerous pubs. Between 1830 and 1914, Trecastle and
Llywel (1 mile to the west) are said to have had two of the most important wool mills in
Brecknockshire. However, the arrival of a railway in Sennybridge (3 miles to the east) meant that
Trecastle later lost its place as the trading center for the area.

Nowadays Trecastle is situated on the A40 trunk road between Brecon and Llandovery, which
largely follows the old coaching route and passes a monument to a coach crash in the 19th century
between Trecastle and Llandovery. The village was extended in 1960/70's, but maintains its linear
pattern. It is now known for its antiques traders.

Trecastle's history makes it one of the longest-established Brecknockshire villages, thus the Motte
& Bailey is considered an important ancient and medieval monument and the village contains a number of
listed Georgian and Medieval properties.

For over 900 years Tretower Court and Castle has been altered, adjusted and adapted. Much of
this was done to keep up with style, fashion and the tastes of the time.

The owners, the Picards and the Vaughans, who lived here were rich and influential Welsh families;
the movers and shakers of their time. They needed a place to impress. And the sumptuous accommodation
they created reflected their high status as Welsh gentry.

When the Vaughans left in the 18th century Tretower Court became a working farm and where
ladies and gentlemen lived, lambs and geese moved in!

Now, in the 21st Century they recreated a suite of rooms as they may have been in 1470 when the
Vaughans were part of high society. Discover a sophisticated way of life: from intricately carved furniture
right down to the pots and pans of a working kitchen. Experience 15th century living at its best.

- -- - Chapter 07 Chapter 07 -- Spanish Exploration
Chapter 07 Chapter 07 --

Let's go a little farther back the talk about the Spanish discovery of America and the colonization
during the 15th century. The Iberian Peninsula, at the western end of the Mediterranean sea, became the
focal point of European efforts to reach the riches of Asia by a sea route. This was instead of the year long
and time-consuming ancient trade routes through the Middle East.

Portugal emerged as the original leader in this effort. Lacking a coast on the Mediterranean, it was
not surprising that the Portuguese sought a route to the east by rounding the tip of Africa

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