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The Welsh Archers

The Battle of Agincourt took place on October 25 1415 in Northern France. The stirring story of Henry V’s forces defeating a much larger French army has become one of the most celebrated events in British history, inspiring poems and play through the ages.

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Rorke’s Drift

Brecon’s long and storied military history takes in many of the most significant conflicts of the last several hundred years, but perhaps the most famous is the battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

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1st Female Mayor of Wales

In celebration of International Women’s day, it seems fitting to delve into Brecon’s history and draw attention to an incredibly inspirational woman who sought to break the societal boundaries of womanhood during her time by giving courage and creating opportunity for women locally, nationally and even globally.

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Celebrating Brecon’s Gurkha community

Hundreds of people crowded into the centre of Brecon to watch the 37th annual Gurkha Brecon Freedom parade. The event sees locally-based Gurkha soldiers parade through the town, marking their rights as honorary citizens.  

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The Plough Chapel

One of the most enduring of Brecon Stories:  ‘The Plough Chapel got its name from the tavern that once occupied the site.’ It is a tale that has echoed down the generations, and a name that has been given to a succession of buildings.  

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Jazz in the Welsh hills, go for it!The Origins of Brecon Jazz

This recollection of the festival origins by Jean Hosie , who became the festival administrator, describes how the first festival was planned, artists were invited, a programme put together, and business owners around the town persuaded to join the initiative and to provide multiple venues over a weekend in August.  

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Yn y Lhyvyr Hwnn

Many people are unaware that the first printed book in the Welsh language, 'Yn y Lhyvyr Hwnn', was written by a prominent Breconian - so an important 'first' for Brecon!

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Many paths to Brecon for Gurkhas

Brecon’s small but visible community of Nepalese people is made up of those settled here - about 70 families - and those stationed here with the British Army for 18 months to two years. We spoke to Guptaman Gurung and his daughter, Garima, about their experiences.

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Elizabeth Jeffreys: A personal perspective

Elizabeth and her husband moved to Brecon in 2004, but both their families have much longer associations with the town. Since arriving here Elizabeth has become fascinated by Brecon’s history, which stretches back to the 5th century and the Age of Saints, when King Brychan Brycheiniog ruled over the ancient kingdom of Brycheiniog.

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Happiness at 100 years old

If you want a few tips for a happy and contented old age, Joyce and Leslie Williams from Brecon could help. The couple have both received telegrams from the Queen - Joyce this June, when she reached her hundredth birthday, and Leslie more than two years ago - as he heads for his 103rd birthday. 

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June 2022 Celebrated in BreconPlatinum Jubilee

The streets of Brecon were vibrant with celebration, in commemoration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The appreciation for her 70 years of service to the UK were contained within a four-day period of varying festivities; from a street party in Lion Street, to a Freddy Mercury tribute act at the Brecon Promenade bandstand.

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Clare Parsons: Brecon’s canal: 200 years of heritage

Clare lives in Brecon and works for Canal and River Trust. One of her responsibilities is managing the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Having lived in Brecon for 20 years, the canal has been a part of Clare’s family life, as outings there with her children progressed from pushchairs to bicycles and longer walks.

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