North Wing and Entrance Yard of Picton Castle

Cadw's description

Location

Extending from the NE corner of the castle, but virtually detached since the demolition of a first-floor link corridor.

History

The N wall of the yard may be a surviving fragment of the perimeter wall which originally constituted an outer defence to the castle. The yard is entered from the north by a round arch. The yard is defined on the E and W side by later walls; a 1746 map shows it occupied by intramural buildings.

The present buildings in the yard date from c.1884, when the offices wing was remodelled probably by the architect T T Reynolds of Haverfordwest. Reynolds had learned his profession under the firm of G Trollope and Sons of Pimlico, who were the contractors. The upper storey of the W and S ranges were formerly linked directly to the castle. The buildings have been restored for visitor use.

Exterior

Comprises a range of 2- and 3-storey rubble buildings enclosing courtyard and connected to main block of castle by a single-storey slate-roofed passage way. Much restored and probably mainly C18/C19. In conforming style to castle with battlemented towers, round angle turrets and battlemented walling. Windows mostly sashes but some in tall, narrow, square-headed openings. Formerly the domestic quarters.

Interior

Interiors have been modernised for visitors use. In the bakery is an oven the brick setting of whic is about 1.5 m square and 1.5 m high, with intergral hearth. The same room has a large C19 fireplace grate. The slab of the World War II mortuary installed in the former butcher's shop is preserved also.

Reason for designation

Included as an intergral part of the ensemble at Picton Castle.