Honouring the Past, Preserving the Future
Restoring St Donat's Portcullis Tower and Brewhouse
St Donat’s Castle has stood proudly on the south Wales coastline for nearly 900 years, bearing witness to centuries of history - from medieval conflict to Tudor politics and the glamour of the Randolph Hearst era. Among its most defining chapters is 400 years of stewardship by the Stradling family, whose vision and investment transformed the castle from a defensive stronghold into a refined residence and vibrant cultural centre, renowned across Europe for learning, hospitality and architecture. Their legacy lives on in every stone - including the Portcullis Tower, a striking symbol of the castle’s fortified entrance and one of its most historically significant features.
Today, we invite you to help continue that legacy by supporting the urgent restoration of the Portcullis Tower and adjacent Brewhouse. These structures are at serious risk, and to protect this extraordinary landmark for future generations, we must raise £600,000 (approx. $800,000).
Our fundraising campaign aims to restore the Portcullis and Brewhouse as an exhibition space with displays celebrating this extraordinary castle’s living heritage, including the Stradling family.
Your support will help preserve one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited castles - not only as a monument to the past, but as a living, evolving space for learning, imagination and community.
Let’s honour the soul of St Donat’s Castle - and the legacy of those who shaped it - together..
The impact of the Stradling family
The Portcullis, a fortified entrance built by Sir Edward Stradling in the 14th century, stands as a lasting symbol of their impact. Above it, the family’s coat of arms still watches over the castle grounds - a proud emblem of the enduring legacy the Stradlings carved into the very stone of St Donat’s Castle. Alongside this historic gateway is the Brewhouse - another significant structure integral to the castle’s history, when brewing ale or beer was a crucial part of daily life.
Protecting a historic gateway
After centuries of standing guard, the Portcullis and the Brewhouse face the threat of irreversible decline. Weathering and water ingress threaten their structural fabric. Without urgent restoration, we risk losing not only remarkable buildings but also tangible connections to the families and figures who shaped the castle’s legacy.
Our fundraising campaign seeks to restore the Portcullis and Brewhouse as a visitor centre and exhibition space, celebrating their place in the life of St Donat's and its centuries of living heritage, including the rich history of the Stradling family.
We believe that restoring the Portcullis and Brewhouse is not just about conservation, it’s about celebrating the people, families and communities who shaped this extraordinary place.
Donate tax efficiently to the Portcullis Appeal
Given the preservation of St. Donat's Castle is of interest to so many globally, we offer tax-efficient giving wherever you are in the world. When donating, please include your name and clearly state that your gift is for the “Portcullis Appeal” so we can track and allocate it correctly.
Tax-efficient donations:
Tax-efficient giving is available in several countries, including the USA and Canada. Instructions can be found here.
Donations direct to the College:
UK donors can give directly to the College and add Gift Aid, increasing the value of their donation at no extra cost.
Donors from countries where tax-efficient giving is not available, including Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, are also warmly encouraged to give directly.
- Online: https://www.atlanticappeal.org/portcullis
- Wire transfer: For larger gifts, contact donations@uwcatlantic.org