Discovering The History Of Brecon
If you are visiting Wales then you should spend some time in Brecon. Brecon has plenty of history to explore though its historical significance is overshadowed by the nearby Powys. This is a market town and originated with the Romans as they set up a cavalry base in this spot. This spot was of strategic importance as you could cross the river here.
There is a Norman Castle that looks over the town as the joining of the Usk River and the Honddu River made it an important defensive location. Brecon cathedral is located near the castle and is actually fairly modest when compared to other cathedrals of this time.
Brecon has become very popular because it is right next to Brecon Beacons National park. Many people holiday near the park in order to enjoy the beauty of the Brecon Mountains. You can view Pen y Fan, the highest of all the mountains, from Brecon. If you should be in Brecon during August then you can take in one of the many concerts during the jazz festival. There is still the military in Brecon as there is an Infantry Battle school and barracks.
The Brecon Beacons are one of the most draws to the area as this is a mountain range that forms the central part of the National Park. The highest mountain in the beacons is Pen y Fan and all together the mountain range forms a horseshoe ridge around the Taf Fechan River. The National Park was developed in 1957 and contains mountains, pastures, moorland and forestry plantations.
Brecknock Museum is one of the main museums in town and contains many artifacts from the local area. These artifacts are from the Stone Age through the Dark Ages and many are from the Roman occupation. Many of the artworks display the local agriculture and farming form the area. Besides artifacts the museum also has an art gallery.
The Theatr Brycheiniog is a new building opened in 1997 that contain a bar, art gallery, restaurant, auditorium, conference venue and several community spaces. This is the home of the jazz festival and also draws many folk singers and comedians. It is located right next to the canal near the town center.
The South Wales Borderers Museum is the regimental museum for the 24th regiment of the Foot. The museum contains exhibits from over 300 years of the regiment's history. This contains some of the finest weapon collections found in any museum in the UK. The museum also has a medal room with over 3,000 medals.
