Brecon
Brecon
The lovely stone town of Brecon is situated at the confluence of three rivers the rivers Usk, Honddu and Tarell. The romans settled here it was also the home of the Celtic Chieftain Brychan who gave the town its name.
This market town prospered for hundreds of years firstly because of the Benedictine abbey and Norman castle and later as a centre for the wool trade, with weaving and trading of wool being carried out.
The castle was one of king Henry VIII chancery’s and one of four local capitals, St Johns church which was part of the monastery was made a cathedral in 1923 and is very impressive inside there are vaulted ceilings by Sir Gilbert Scott. The town centre is mainly Georgian Jacobean and Tudor the town has a network of tiny quaint streets leading to the bulwark.
The Brecknock museum is housed in a fine 19th century shire hall complete with Athenian style columns.
The modern day Brecon is a centre for the national park and all things outdoor it is a fine base to explore the area. In august the town comes alive with the Jazz festival which is one of Britain’s premier jazz events.
Surrounded by hills and with the rivers flowing through Brecon is a pleasant town to explore situated in beautiful countryside. The Monmouth and Brecon canal terminates in the town and trips can be taken on the canal with hire boats also available.
Activities in Brecon
National Parks
Brecon Beacons - High ridges verdant valleys
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