Brecon - A Town with it's own style and character
The Town of Brecon, or Aberhonddu, as it is called in Welsh (mouth of the river Honddu), is a small but important market town in the heart of Wales. Like many other small towns in the area it has retained it's own character and has not given up it's unique style to the British 'High Street'. Interesting and unusual shops sell antiques, a wide range of local arts, crafts, books and the finest Welsh produce - fresh, locally sourced and prepared - including Welsh Black beef, venison, trout and local ice cream are available at our restaurants, public houses, cafes, bars and shops. The accommodations is as varied as the interests of the visitors who come here and include award winning caravan parks to five star hotels. Brecon Cathedral
 Brecon Cathedral was founded as the Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist at the close of the 11th century. Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales) was Archdeacon here in 1172, but the church has changed considerably since that time. Much of the present building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, with Sir Gilbert Scott responsible for the extensive 19th century restoration.
St. John's church was granted cathedral status very late in its life. The honor was granted in 1923 when the diocese of Swansea and Brecon was created as part of the new Church in Wales after its separation from the Church in England. Further restoration then took place, including the rebuilding of the chapel of St. Lawrence after more than 300 years of neglect and the restoration of the Harvard Chapel.
The 16th century tithe barn is now used as a Heritage Centre and craft shop. A restaurant is also available on the cathedral grounds. You can find out more about Brecon Cathedral at http://www.breconcathedral.org.uk. Brecon Castle
Brecon Castle was founded by Bernard de Neufmarche in around 1093. A stone shell keep was built at the end of the 12th century, and the stone bailey wall in 1233 after the town had been destroyed by the Welsh. The hall block which is visible from the river was added in 1300. In 1645 the castle was captured by Parliament after a seige and the walls were then slighted. Only a part of the shell keep remains. |