Pen-y-gaer

Heritage Site in Brecknockshire

Wales

Pen-y-gaer

Tretower Castle Tretower Castle is now mainly in ruins and parts of it have been incorporated into an adjacent farm. The castle was first established by a Norman knight of the Picard family. Now under the care of Cadw. — Tretower Castle Credit: Pete Chapman

Pen-y-gaer is a historical site located in Brecknockshire, Wales. It is a prominent heritage site that holds significant archaeological and historical value. The name Pen-y-gaer translates to "the top of the fort" in Welsh, accurately describing its geographical location atop a hill.

Dating back to the Iron Age, this hillfort is believed to have been built around 2000 years ago. It covers an area of approximately 2.5 acres and is surrounded by well-preserved defensive earthworks, including a double-ditched rampart and a series of banks. The fort's strategic placement on the hilltop offers a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, suggesting its intended purpose as a defensive stronghold.

Excavations carried out at Pen-y-gaer have revealed fascinating insights into its ancient inhabitants. The remains of roundhouses, storage pits, and other structures indicate that the site was once a thriving settlement. Various artifacts, such as pottery shards, metal objects, and even animal bones, have been unearthed, shedding light on the daily lives and activities of the people who lived there.

Today, Pen-y-gaer is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and hikers alike. Its well-preserved earthworks and commanding views make it an ideal spot for exploration and appreciation of the past. The site offers visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine what life was like in this ancient hillfort, providing a tangible connection to the region's rich and diverse history.

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Pen-y-gaer Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.885/-3.213 or Grid Reference SO1621. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tretower Castle

Tretower Castle is now mainly in ruins and parts of it have been incorporated into an adjacent farm. The castle was first established by a Norman knight of the Picard family. Now under the care of Cadw.

Pete Chapman

Tretower Court

A 15th century manor house, rebuilt close to Tretower Castle by Sir Roger Vaughan. A manor house has occupied this site since the 14th century. Under the care of Cadw. This is the view of the west side of the manor house.

Pete Chapman

Llangynidr Bridge

Over the River Usk, looking SW

John Thorn

The Kestrel Inn

With Pen Cerrig-calch in the background.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

A40 by Llwyfen Farm

With the sunlight highlighting the slopes of Pen Allt-mawr.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Orchard Cottages

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Ty'r -chanter

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Llangynidr Bridge, in winter

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Pen-y-gaer Roman Fort

Sitting on the Roman Road between Gobannium (Abergavenny/Y Fenni) and Cicucium (west of Brecon/Aberhonddu) this ancient monument site is now occupied by a farmstead. The southern edge of the former fortress is followed by the modern boundary wall atop a low bank. It also extends to the west (left) over the minor road.

Alan Bowring

Bridleway to Cefn Moel

This public right of way runs between bracken banks across slabby Old Red Sandstone bedrock ('Senni Beds' for the initiated) to join the Beacons Way running north from Bwlch.

Alan Bowring

Track at Penlan

This track leaves the gated minor road between Bwlch and Felindre/Cwmdu at a hairpin above the farmstead of Penlan. The status of the track is unclear although the bracken-covered hillside to its left (west) is depicted as access land by OS. Walkers can gain access to Cefn Moel from here though as the sign suggests, motorcyclists are bidden not to do so.

Alan Bowring

Quarries at Tremynfa, Bwlch

The east facing slopes of the hillside north of Bwlch hide a number of small outcrops of the Devonian age 'Senni Beds' or Old Red Sandstone which has been quarried in several places in the past for building stone. Bracken has now claimed these slopes, designated as open country so access is available.

Alan Bowring

Quarried Senni Beds sandstone at Tremynfa

This close-up shot taken in the disused and overgrown quarries in the hillside north of the village of Bwlch reveals the rich colour of this stone which is widely used for building locally.

Alan Bowring

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Yard Bridge No 131

The 'Mon and Brec' is one of Britain's least visited canals, probably because it is isolated from the main network. This means that the visitor will be rewarded with a very peaceful, as well as beautiful, waterway.

Dr Neil Clifton

Llangynidr Bridge, River Usk, Breconshire

I have not researched the age of this beautiful bridge, but will add it to the caption with acknowledgement if someone can supply it.

Dr Neil Clifton

Llangynidr Bridge in spring

Yet another view of this attractive stone arch bridge built in a style characteristic of the family of bridges spanning the Usk/Wysg at Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Brecon.

Alan Bowring