Small ironworks
had been established in this south-eastern corner of Wales as early as the
mid 16th century. The easily accessible iron ore, limestone, ample supplies
of timber for charcoal and fast flowing streams for power, providing an
ideal location for the development of the industry. Later, the presence
of large reserves of coal began an iron-making boom, which was to change
the whole way of life of this part of Wales. Despite the proximity of heavy
and sustained industry, the River Usk escaped the ravages of the Industrial
Revolution that for so long blighted the other rivers of the South Wales
Valleys and it retained its natural course and importance as a salmon river.
Throughout the next stage of the walk from Usk to Brecon you will come across
much evidence of this early industrialisation and nearby sites such as that
at Clydach Gorge are an industrial archaeologists paradise. Now they do
not intrude upon the beauty of their surroundings; the passage of time and
verdant encroachment has mellowed their impact.
Brecon is a busy market town whose history goes back to the 12th century.
Among the remains of its ancient history is the impressive Priory of St
John the Evangelist. Built in the 13th and 14th century on the site of a
Norman church it became Brecon Cathedral in 1923. Christ College founded
by Henry V111 in 1541 stands on the site of a 13th century friary. Sections
of the encircling old town walls can still be seen.
Brecon is a lively town full of pubs, restaurants and shops and it provides
for an interesting conclusion to the walk.
John Wilkinson
Page 2 of 2
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