Our story
Tudor Garage is a family run business, spanning three generations, proudly serving the local community of Ystradowen and the surrounding area.
Originally founded around early 1950's by Bernard & Ann Williams. The original site was based across the road from its current position serving as a Petrol station and small workshop. They then purchased the land over the road, known as Tudor Farm, building a bungalow, café, post office and petrol station and later adding a shop and a house to meet the growing needs of the community.
In 1973, Bernard and Ann Williams sold the business, along with the bungalow, to Tom and Myra Davies. For the past 50 years they and their family have successfully led Tudor Garage with a commitment to quality service, and they continue to do so today.
Tom served in the army and military police, stationed in middle east. He was later posted to Northern Ireland where he met Myra. Following a brief stint working in a shipyard in Belfast they moved back to Cardiff in the late 1940s. There, they rented a shop next to Tom’s mother's store, where they began selling tobacco and confectionery.
They later opened a tobacconist and newsagent in Ely, Cardiff, where they began making their own ice cream and ice lollies. Tom would sell these treats around Cardiff from the back of his motorbike before expanding into wholesale.
In 1973, they sold their business to acquire Tudor Garage and moved into the bungalow next door. At the time of purchase, the site included the bungalow, a kiosk, four petrol pumps, and two small single bays at the rear. Over the years, the site underwent gradual changes to become what it is today. From the mid to late 70s they even sold new cars from a showroom that was built.
Gavin Davies trained as a mechanic with S A Andrews & Son where he worked for three years before joining his parents at Tudor Garage in late 1973, initially working as one of two mechanics. As the business grew and more staff were added, Gavin began to take on a larger role in the general operations of the business in the early 1980s. Although Tom retired shortly after, he returned to the business just two days later. He could be found sitting in his chair in the shop, warmly greeting customers well into his late 90s.
Gavin married Vivianne in 1979. Originally from Cardiff, she worked for several banks, building, and the local health centre in Cowbridge. They welcomed two children, Michael and Leighton, before Vivienne joined the business in the late 1980s to help with the running of the office and accounts. Vivienne continued to work at Tudor Garage until her passing in 2012.
Gavin remarried in 2016 to Ruth Davies. Ruth works alongside Gavin in the shop when she can.
Richard Austin joined Tudor Garage in 1988 as an apprentice panel beater and sprayer. He qualified as a panel beater & sprayer, mechanic, electrical level 2 as well as an MOT tester (categories 1,2,3,4,5 & 7). Today, he manages the workshop and serves as a director of the company. Having grown up in the local area, Richard is well-liked and has built a great reputation, bringing customers back year after year.
Michael Davies began working at Tudor Garage in 2005 as an apprentice mechanic right after finishing school. After approximately ten years working as a qualified mechanic, he started working alongside his parents in the overall management of the business. In 2017, he married Rebecca, who joined the team in 2025 to assist with day-to-day operations.
The workshop and forecourt remain busy, dedicated to serving the local community. Michael and Rebecca are committed to continuing this tradition for many years to come.
