Brecon
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Brecon memories
Read and share memories of Brecon and Powys inspired by Frith photos
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You can also read memories of nearby places in Powys below.
Powys memories
Where I started out
I was born in the War Memorial Hospital, Crickhowell in 1949. I don’t remember that bit, but I remember traveling down to Crickhowell on days out just to sit on the bridge watching the water pass by - so peaceful, outstanding scenery, I thought it was beautiful. We lived in Brynmawr, not too far away. Then years later I loved to go down to Crickhowell in my boyfriend’s car even though he drove too fast down the country lanes. Yes, Crickhowell is beautiful. I will always love it there - it's my birthplace.
A memory of Crickhowell contributed by jackie haynes
LLangattock people
I did not know many of the people of the village or much of the history of the village. However there were some who stay in my memory and to this day I often think about them. All too often I cannot remember their names. I know nothing of their lives. Their trials and tribulations or indeed if they were born in the village.
One such person was a Mrs Baker (at least that's what I think her name was), a very elderly lady who lived in the centre of the village in an extremely small cottage at the rear of the shop. The floor of the cottage was laid with flag stones, the walls were bare bricks and it had ...read more here
A memory of Llangattock contributed by david palfrey
A new home.
My family and I relocated to Llangattock in or about 1955/6. We came from the American army camp at Dan-yr-Park. I rather think that the local people thought we were aliens of some sort and regarded us somewhat disdainfully and not to be trusted. However we soon integrated into village life and I hope we are remembered as decent folk. We occupied a house in the new estate Plas der Wen and it was a great home to grow up in. I retain fond memories of it and life in Llangattock. Some of the memories are unpleasant. If only because of the attitude of local people towards we people from Dan-yr-Park.
I well remember the local school and its headmaster ...read more here
A memory of Llangattock contributed by david palfrey
Four Children
First Nine years of my life in this little village. Four Children in all lived here, my Brother and I .the Ministers Son, and the small girl in the shop.
The Village has not changed much over the 50 years since I left.
Most of the old people have died now . Gosen Chapel Where I went to Sunday School still stands, And my Parents are interned there.
Happy days at home in LLyngwesion long hot summer days and dark winters
(no street lights) fond memories
A memory of contributed by rob price
Extracts From Brecon & Powys books
We go north again to the centre of the National Park and the best-known town in Powys. The Frith photographer must have been impressed, as he took many views of the area. In the foreground is the multi-arched bridge across the River Honddu, which lends its name to Brecon’s Welsh designation – Aberhonddu. Brecon stands at the confluence of the larger River Usk and this smaller tributary, the Honddu, and thus it has two rivers which become one.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
This town can be confusing for the visitor, as not only has it two rivers, but also two High Streets. They have a charming differentiation – ‘High Street Superior’ and ‘High Street Inferior’ - but they are the same street, with the name change at the town centre crossroads. Here on a sunny morning the shop awnings are already out, and a shadow lies in front of W & A Gilbey’s wine and spirit shop. Pride of place goes to the new-looking Victorian façade of Lloyd’s Bank decorated with window boxes.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
Brecon Castle and town are Norman in origin, but the castle came first. It was the creation of Bernard de Neufmarche, one of many Norman conquerors, to keep the Welsh in their place. This site, on higher ground at the confluence of the Usk and the Honddu, was ideal. The castle saw plenty of military action in the ensuing centuries, but by 1800 it had fallen into ruin. The wealthy Morgan family of Tredegar Park came to its aid and rebuilt parts of the castle and the adjoining house in 1809. Its site, so useful as a castle, was equally good for a hotel - and the Castle Hotel it is to this day.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
The history of Christ College falls into three unequal periods. For 300 years it was a Dominican friary; then in 1541 Henry VIII founded a school by Royal Charter. Finally in 1855 it became a public school by Act of Parliament. The chapel is a fine example of 13th-century work, though it was restored by Gilbert Scott in the 19th century. Of the cloister, chapter house and other monastic buildings nothing remains. Major new buildings were needed in the 20th century; all the features we see in the 1899 photograph were carefully duplicated, so that the modern architecture mirrors the original.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
To give it its full name, the Brecknock Shire Hall is a very impressive classical-style building completed early in Queen Victoria’s reign in 1842. The Assize Courts and Quarter Sessions were held here until 1971, and in 1974 it was converted into a museum and art gallery. The old courtroom fittings were preserved, and they can be seen with figures in period costumes when the museum is open.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".