Brecon Castle, Medieval castle ruin at rivers Usk and Honddu confluence in Brecon, Wales.
Brecon Castle is a ruin where the Usk and Honddu rivers meet, featuring stone walls, foundations, and a prominent earthen mound from Norman times. The site now forms part of a hotel, allowing visitors to view the medieval remains while staying within the historical grounds.
Bernard de Neufmarche built the first wooden castle in 1093 following his victory over Welsh rulers at this strategic location. Stone fortifications replaced the original wooden structure in the thirteenth century to strengthen the site's defenses.
The site reflects how a military stronghold evolved into a place welcoming visitors from across the world. The transformation from fortress to hotel reveals changing attitudes toward heritage and community spaces in Wales.
The grounds are accessible to view at any time, and the remains are clearest when viewing them from positions near the riverbanks. Different angles around the hotel property offer the best views of the earthen mound and surviving stone walls.
The site shows evidence of occupation stretching back 5000 years, with prehistoric flint tools discovered in the soil revealing early human activity. This ancient presence demonstrates that the strategic advantages of this location attracted people long before the medieval fortress was built.
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