Local Brecknock History Society

The spring and summer months are an exciting time for the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends, with a variety of events and activities celebrating the history of the historic county of Breconshire.

We are delighted to announce that the Society has been awarded a grant of £1,950 from the Bannau Brycheiniog Sustainable Development Fund for a community archaeology project exploring a site on the Penpont Estate known as Castell Einion Sais. Taking place on 5th–6th August 2026, the project will use non-invasive geophysical survey techniques to investigate the possible presence of a moat and identify any surrounding structures. The work will be led by archaeologist Jennifer Muller of Heritage in Place. Members of the public are warmly invited to visit on both days to see the survey work in progress and view a display explaining the history of the site and the aims of the project.

Landscape artist Meg Stevens (1931–2012), renowned for her detailed paintings of grasses, flowers and trees, will be celebrated in an exhibition at y Gaer – Brecon Museum from 31st May to 10th October 2026. A member of the Royal Academy of Arts, London, she worked mainly in oils and gouache and also taught part-time at Christ College, Brecon. A fully illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition.

A visit to Llanbedr Church, where the Rev. Henry Thomas Payne served as rector from 1793, will take place on 6th June at 2pm. William Gibbs will introduce Rev. Payne and his antiquarian interests, while Elizabeth Siberry will speak about the Brute family of stone masons. To attend, please contact: libbyrees@gmail.com.

Our free local history talks continue on the second Saturday of each month at 11.30am at y Gaer, with all welcome.

We are also pleased to have obtained registered CIO charity status.

For further information and membership details, please visit us on www.brecknocksociety.wales

Article provided by Local Brecknock History Society