Tudor Manor-House A manor house can be defined as a large building that is the home of a local lord, landowner, or family that includes elements of a Saxon hall. Tudor manor houses were either fortified or not, although many were given the "fortified" look as a decorative touch (while still leaving the large lattice windows and leaving out siege defence devices such as loopholes). Manor houses have existed since the medieval times, but after the Wars of the Roses came to an end, the role of the manor house became one of a status symbol of local power. The houses were given large spacious rooms, lighted galleries, closed courts (and later open courts), as well as elaborate gatehouses.
This is a picture of a Owlpen Manor, a good example of a Tudor style manor house built in 1450 in England. Although not fortified, the architecture is basically the same, and illustrates a peaceful period in England.
Pencoed Castle is given the "fortified" look of battlements and an ominous gatehouse, but these features were probably never used. However, Pencoed is built on the site of a Norman castle, so it's importance in history as a strategic location cannot be overlooked. Perhaps this original castle was built by the Normans along the border of Wales to keep the unruly Welsh in check.
J.M.
