The Captains Walk Brecon 2014

DOCUMENT NO 261 2014

A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL

DESK BASED ASSESSMENT

Proposed Development of an

Area of Land South of Captains Walk, Brecon

DK/CW/14

Prepared for: Mr R. Randall

By: Dr N Phillips.

A.P.A.C. Ltd Land South of Captains Walk, Brecon DK/CW/14

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Summary

A proposal to develop an area of enclosed derelict land for the purpose of constructing a residential dwelling is being considered for submission to planning. A pre-planning request was made to Brecon Beacons National Parks Authority (BBNPA) who advised that a Desk Based Assessment (DBA) would be needed to ascertain the possible impact of proposed building works within this potentially archaeologically sensitive area. This report is the desk based assessment for the site and does confirm that there is a potential for ground disturbance in the area of the site to impact on potential archaeology, possibly relating to the early Norman town defences. However, it also suggests that any potentially surviving archaeological record is likely to have already undergone substantial disturbance during later development works, particularly since the 18th century.

Copyright Notice: A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey. Cover Photograph: DSC07259


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Contents

1 .............................................................................................................................3 Introduction2 ...................................................................................................................................3 Location3 ..........................................................................................4 Scope and Objectives of the Study4 ...........................................................................................................................5 Methodology5 ........................................................................................................5 Geology and Topography6 ..............................................................................5 Archaeological and historical background7 ....................................................................12 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions8 .......................................................................13 Archaeological Sites and Their Significance.9 .................................................14 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology10 ..................14 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on the Setting of Nearby Heritage Assets11 ......................................................................................14 Summary and Recommendations12 ...........................................................................................................14 Acknowledgements13 ..............................................................................................................................14 Archive14 ...................................................................................................................................15 Staff15 ...........................................................................................15 Bibliography and References:

Figures

01 Site Location map 02 Site 03 Town Plans 04 Map progressions 05 Search perimeter

Plates

1 Proposed site 2 Captains Walk looking east. 2014 3 Captains Walk looking west. 2014 4 Captains Walk 1910 5 Tower 6684 from Dan-y-Gaer lane 6 Dan-y-Gaer lane 7 Captains Walk dedication plaque 8 Surface, small finds assemblage from site visit.

Appendices

Archaeological Assessment Categories


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1 Introduction A pre-application for planning advice was submitted to The Brecon Beacons National Parks Authority (BBNPA) by Mr R Randall (client), in relation to a proposed construction for a new dwelling on land to the south of Captains Walk Brecon, fig 01. The application site lies adjacent to the Brecon Conservation Area, fig 02, Plate 01, and is within an area of potential archaeological sensitivity; close to the circuit of the medieval town wall and Gatehouse, Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) BR177. A 1993 a Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) report on the town of Brecon recommended:

10.2 Much of Brecons history is written around its standing buildings: the archaeological investigation of below-ground remains neglected in contrast to towns of equivalent importance in EnglandAny examination of sub-surface deposits, whether watching brief, evaluation or full excavation is potentially valuable for the recovery of archaeological and environmental data. 10.11 The defences of Brecon have not received the same attention as those of other Powys towns such as Llanidloes and Montgomery. Detailed fieldwork is required, particularly in the vicinity of the Captains Walk

(CPAT. 58. 1993).

A later Cultural Heritage Assessment of the town centre showed how useful this recommendation was when an unexpected discovery of significant medieval archaeology; part of the town wall and D tower, was excavated at the southern end of Market Street.

(CPAT. 1046. 2010).

It should be noted that major town improvements, known since at least the 17th century but continuing to present are likely to have already had an impact on earlier archaeological resources. The Brecon Conservation Area Appraisal states that The walls and Gates were largely demolished by 1640-50 but one tower and stretches of wall by the Captains Walk (BBNP, p12. 2012). However, it also states although the castle walls are largely later structures the banks on which they stand and any open ground immediately outside them has high potential to retain buried archaeology in the form of defensive earthworks, (ibid., pp 8-9). In consideration of the above, the advice provided to the client by the BBNPA was that; as little is known about the area from which to clearly determine the likely outcome of any invasive ground works, that there would be a need for a Desk Top Assessment to be undertaken. A design brief for the desktop was drawn up, DB:DK/CW/14 based on a site visit, discussion with the client, and a brief supplied by the BBNPA (14/10487/PAYPRE); itself based on the requirements of (Planning Policy Wales Para.6.5.2.) and (WO Circular 60/96 Para.13). The area for the desk top survey was demarcated by the BBNPA as a 200m radius of heritage significance, centred on the site; the site boundary itself being of specific interest for any invasive works, fig 02.

2 Location Brecon is a small, market town situated in the broad river valley of the Usk at its confluence with the Honddu. Brecon is situated to the north west of the Brecon Beacons, with the Black Mountains to the east and the Cambrian Mountains to the north west. Access is from either the A470, which runs from north to south Wales or from the A40, which runs east west, fig 01.


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The Captains Walk site, is on the southern side of the town and accessible from the main southern approach road to the town (Watton) by turning left in front of the imposing museum building along Dan-y-Gaer, to the last building before the river Usk. The site located at NGR 304437 228371 is an enclosed plot adjacent to a residential property, Gladvern, LD3 7DS.

3 Scope and Objectives of the Study The scope and objectives of the study included all aspects of the proposed development including and its setting and followed the guidelines as set out in The Institute for Archaeologists Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment 2014:

Standard Desk-based assessment will determine, as far as is reasonably possible from existing records, the nature, extent and significance of the historic environment within a specified area. Desk based assessment will be undertaken using appropriate methods and practices which satisfy the stated aims of the project, and which comply with the code of conduct, Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology, and other relevant by-laws of the IFA. In a development, context based assessment will establish the impact of the proposed development on the significance of the historic environment (or will identify the need for further evaluation to do so), and will enable reasoned proposals and decisions to be made whether to mitigate, offset or accept without further intervention, that impact. Guidance Desk-based assessment is a programme of study of the historic environment within a specified area or site on land, the inter-tidal zone or underwater that addresses agreed research and/or conservation objectives. It consists of an analysis of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information in order to identify the likely heritage assets, their interests and significance and the character of the study area, including appropriate consideration of the settings of heritage assets and, in England, the nature, extent and quality of the known potential archaeological, historic, architectural and artistic interest. Significance is to be judged in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate. Purpose and context The purpose of a desk-based assessment is to gain and understanding of the historic environment resource in order to formulate as required: 1. an assessment of the potential for heritage assets to survive within the study area 2. an assessment of the significance of the known or predicted heritage assets considering, in England, their archaeological, historic, architectural and artistic interests. 3. strategies for further evaluation whether or not intrusive, where the nature, extent or significance of the resource is not sufficiently well defined 4. an assessment of the impact of proposed development or other land use changes on the significance of heritage assets and their settings 5. strategies to conserve the significance of heritage assets, and their settings 6. design strategies to ensure new developments makes a positive contribution to the character and local distinctiveness of the historic environment and local place shaping 7. proposals for further archaeological investigation within a program of research, whether undertaken in response to a threat or not.


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4 Methodology In order to gather as much information as possible pertaining to the site, the following repositories were consulted:

Archaeological Data Service (ADS) Brecon Library (BL) Brecon Town Council British Geological Survey (BGS) Canal & River Trust National Waterways Museum Archive (Ellesmere Port) Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, (CPAT). Historic Environment Record (HER) National Monument Record. (Aberystwyth) (NMR) National Library of Wales, (Aberystwyth) Natural Resources Wales Powys County Archives (Llandrindod Wells).

A site inspection was carried out for information relating to current land use and any other factors which might affect the nature and survival of any archaeological resources see frontispiece. All the above information accessed was recorded for the archive and cross referenced within the report below, to arrive at a cohesive assessment of the proposed plans in relation to any impact it may have upon known archaeological and historical resources. The report will first concentrate on the 200m search perimeter for potential sites of heritage interest before concentrating on the specific site.

5 Geology and Topography The site is situated above the solid geology of the St Maughans Formation (Agrillaceous Rocks and Subequal/subordinate, interbedded sandstone, (BGS) over which are deposits of river terrace sands and gravels, (BGS) The (BGS) survey site shows no record of boreholes or sampling in the vicinity. The site is on the west bank of the river Usk bounded to the west and north by the raised bank on which the Norman town wall was built.

6 Archaeological and historical background Brecon: Prehistoric activity in the Brecon vicinity is limited to a few typological artefacts, the majority of which are Bronze Age, but none are from within the perimeter of this study. Roman activity in the vicinity is known to the west of the town at Y Gaer but also inferred within the town area by the presence of the Roman roads that converge close to Brecon; 621 Llandrindod Wells to Cardiff, 62a Caerleon to Llandovery and 63b Brecon to Kentchester, (Margary, pp316 & 334-342. 1967). It is believed that the Roman road 62a would have run towards the Honddu river, crossing in the vicinity of the Watergate from the direction of the present Watton, although to date, no known settlement is known at this place, (CPAT, p3. 58). In fig 02, Watton is the bottom right corner of the town plan which includes part of the 200m search area. The earliest observable archaeological resources stem from the Norman period Brecon Castle, the first mention of which is given by Florence of Worcester in relation to Lord Rhys ap Tewdwrs death in 1093, Rhys, king of Wales, was slain in battle during Easter-week near Brecknock Castle, (Forester, p195. 1854).


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During the initial years of Norman occupation, a small settlement would have been created for the castle construction workers and their services, probably originally inside the bailey for protection but as Brecon flourished; being a defended river crossing, a caput and having a priory, the settlement moved to within its own defendable town on the east bank of the Honddu. Original town defences would have complimented any natural features and may have been no more than an earthen embankment, possibly with a wooden palisade. Any masonry walls are likely to be no earlier than mid 12th century and it is unlikely that such wall construction would have been erected on a pre-existing earthen bank without considerable modification. A suggested construction phase is based on the section of town wall and in particular, the D shaped tower excavated in Market Street, which is typologically unlikely to be earlier than the end of the twelfth century, (Renn, p72, 1968). Supporting the mid 12th century relocation are the earliest Tithes of Roger Fitzmiles; 2nd earl of Hereford 1144-1155 listing separate levies from the castle, the lordship and the borough, inferring that The provision he made for tithing his castle did not include the tithes which could be levied on the town (Walker, 10, 1993/3). Silvesters 1993 study of Brecon Town locates the medieval borough with its suburbs on the east side of the Honddu (CPAT, p2. 58) and further adds in the later 2010 Cultural Hertiage Assessment of Brecon Town Centre that, there can be little doubt that this was a planned town, (CPAT, p6. 1046). Some records exist of the town throughout the medieval period, some as a result of attack, some recording prosperity:

1217 besieged, 1231 besieged and burned, 1233 besieged and burned, 1322 attacked and 1403 besieged and withheld. 1276 first charter followed by others in 1282, 1308 and 1412. 86 burgesses recorded in1412 had increased to 121 in1443.

(CPAT, p3. 58) Overall, throughout the medieval period the thriving market and manufacturing town of Brecon had survived, as confirmed by an observation in the early 16th century: The town of Breknoc is welle wauled, and hath a fair castel joining to it (Leland.Vol 3, p105). In 1535, with the Act of Union Brecon was designated as one of four administrative units in Wales, increasing its importance, growth and need for improvement. Silvester suggested that Brecon had around 2000 inhabitants in the mid 16th century, an increase that had led to the need for the extra mural suburb areas of Oldport, Llanfaes and Watton, (ibid, p4. & CPAT, p6. 1046). However, the origins of two of the suburbs at least; Llanfaes and Watton, have earlier records: Llanfaes developed as early as 1326 and Watton, was termed a new borough in 1399 in a record of flooding which took away 5 burgages, after which it became an area for storage, (CPAT, p9. 58). The third suburb; Oldport is a contested subject, involving semantics and outside of the remit of this report: As Walker summed up with more than a hint of bias did the wards of Old Port Superior and Old Port Inferior draw their names from a town which never existed, or from a gatehouse firmly attested in twelfth century records? (Walker, p12. 1992/3). A great rebuilding throughout Wales occurred in the period between 1550-1640 and at Brecon social polarisation grew as the town grew; the affluent inhabited Glamorgan Street (the higher plateau) artisans Ship Street and Llanfaes (lower slopes) whilst the poor spread to the suburbs, (CPAT, p8. 58). The gentleman traveller, Henry Penruddocke Wyndham visited Brecon in 1774 and described it thus the town of Brecnock is large, populous and handsome (Wyndham, p194. 1781).


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Despite this subjectively positive view point, the increase in population, its demands on infrastructure; a possible influence of welfare and sthetic concerns, led to the passing of an act of parliament in 1776 allowing three of the town wall gates and various sections of wall and adjacent buildings to be removed. Brecon towards the end of the 18th century had become part of the industrial boom, the arrival of the Canal in 1800 and the various early tramways to the Brecon Forest mineral workings (Hughes, 1990) resulted in further increase in population. A local historian hinted at the pressure of change in his book on 18th & 19th century Brecon From being a small market town it seemingly overnight acquired a quasi-metropolitan status, (Thomas, xiv, 1993). With its importance growing, improved accessibility, Brecon also attracted participants of the Gentlemens Tour in search of beauties and attractions who recorded their observations, allowing the modern reader some insight into the prevalent conditions at the time:

G. W. Manby. 1802. The town is of considerable size, and replete with conveniences of every descriptionit is now large and populous, and not unhandsome; has three principle streets, and among them several houses more elegant than is usual in such distant towns

(Manby, p196. 1802). Rev J Evans. 1804. though old, it is for the most part handsomely built, the houses good and the streets spacious, well paved and generally clean

in(Gant, p109. 1972) However, possibly more objective views as to social conditions were expressed by others:

The present town consists principally of three handsome streets It is in general well-built, and of some its modern houses my well be called magnificent, but a little clearing of old irregular buildings around the centre of the town is still wanting to render it perfect,

(Skine, p42. 1798).

Though the town boasts many capital residences, yet, encumbered by a number of mean hovels even in its principle situations, and deficient in regulations of cleanliness, it fails to create any idea of importance.

(Barber, p328. 1803).

Barber made one other observation pertinent to this report: but the most fascinating attraction of the town is its two delightful walks: the one traced on the margin of the noble Usk (ibid, p329). The walk traced on the margin of the noble Usk refers to the present Captains Walk which is not only within the 200m search perimeter for this report but is adjacent to the proposed site and will be discussed below. The need of both provision of, as well as improvement to, housing, led to a great deal of development at Brecon with particular attention paid to the extra mural areas; whilst within the walls, the emphasis was on upgrading the properties to reflect the towns status. Arguably, the most evident examples of this improvement are the 1805 Armoury (Barracks buildings at the Watton) and the former Shire Hall, the Greek Revival building in Bath Stone that greets a visitor to Brecon from the east and again falls within the 200m search area of this report. The town walls at this period must have imposed a serious restraint on expansion hence the 1776 Act of Parliament, allowing for their partial demolition. An early depiction of the town wall is shown in Speeds map of 1610, fig 03a, whilst fig 03b presents a later record by Meredith in 1744; both confirming the town defences as fairly dominant features. Apart from improvement in accuracy and cartographic techniques, a town plan almost 90 years later in 1832 illustrates the changes that the Act of parliament had produced, fig 03c.


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No longer do town walls impede the spread of building with housing increasing in the extra mural areas. The fourth map 3d is the 1839 Tithe which gives a good layout of the town. The approximate position of the proposed site is marked on all four plans:

3a would be roughly below the first and second towers at the bottom left, opposite the words Uske Flud, 3b the position is to the right of the annotated 17 which in the accompanying legend confirms the name the Captains Walk. 3c to the left of the triangular area marked Corporation Harp Close. 3d bottom left above triangular area.

The 200m search perimeter. The Town Wall

Clearly the 1832 plan, fig 03, reveals that the walls have either lost their importance, as they are no longer represented, or they have been removed; their former presence replaced by trees. The later 1839 Tithe, fig 3d, is similarly devoid of a town wall beyond the edge of the Captains Walk area, yet it does show a possible survival just below the river bridge, see arrow. It is probable that the present walls are piecemeal construction, probably arising from the late 18th century improvements and marking only the boundaries of individual properties rather than the defence of the town. Three photographs Plates 02, 03, 05, taken during the site visit illustrate that the present town wall; at least in the vicinity of the proposed site, can be seen to have had different construction phases: Plate 02, A view of the town wall at Captains Walk looking east reveals a section of rough coursed

masonry with dressed sandstone quoins corbelled decorative machicolations, a segmental arched door and two lancet windows.

In the distance the wall drops to a lower level whilst in the foreground is an even lower section,

abutted to the main wall (town wall), where it turns 90 north. (fig 03c the property of Wilkings Esq)

Plate 03, Shows the town wall to the west from the same position, with the ground dropping down to the

current pedestrian path which runs past the proposed site. The wall in the foreground right continues the rough coursed masonry to a vertical joint which

runs from the stone plinth atop the wall to a battered string course which provided a level for this section of infill wall, rebuilt c1977, (CPAT, p7. 59).

At this point is useful to compare the wall with a circa 1910 photograph Plate 04, which shows the same vertical joint just beyond the seated figure. Note the ground appears to end abruptly at this point. Returning to Plate 03, beyond the corner, the construction changes to coursed slab masonry

which is breached before continuing to the tower which is Grade II* listed ID 6884 and scheduled BR177, (POW).

Plate 05 Shows the tower itself and the beginning of a springing for an arch which has given rise to the

speculation that this tower was a gate; however, the towers origin is by no means clear and it is worth noting the surprisingly good preservation of the stonework, in particular the squared corner; a feature also visible on the 1910 photograph.

In support of an early presence for tower BR177, Speeds 1610 map has a slightly out of line tower to the north of the proposed site, fig 03a.


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The later 1744 map, fig 03b; arguably more stylistic, makes no reference to the skewed anomaly of the tower but does record its position. Both figs 03a & 03b represent a narrow walk between the river bank and the town wall which Barber referred to as a walk one traced on the margin of the noble Usk(Barber, p328. 1803). On both figs, 03c & 3d there are neither walkway nor walls or towers, between the property frontages of Glamorgan Street and Wheat Street and the Usk which would tend to suggest that standing remains of the original town wall along the edge of the Usk were removed as part of the late 18th century improvements. A point also worth noting in support of this observation is that the 1910 photograph in Plate 04 tends to show a foreshortened river bank ending at the curved wall left and the tower right. Later Ordnance Survey mapping would tend to support the absence of town wall and walkway along the river, fig 04:

4a, this first edition 1888 map shows that lane at the base of the Captains Walk bank ends at the river edge where it widens. The town wall is marked by Site of only but the tower BR177 is marked at the rivers edge. The triangular area at this point is similar to the proposed site although it is directly on the edge of the river. The word Ford is also important as it aligns with the lane beneath the Captains Walk. 4b, 1905, again the tower is marked but there is no wall to the north and a narrow walkway or path edges directly to the river with the ford position and ends marked, see also Plate 04. The area of the proposed site was been cleared of vegetation and a long building erected, backing directly to the river, having been cut into the bank. The next two maps 4c and 4d, covering 1937 and 1943 show no change at all to the area. 4e, the last map in this sequence, was published in 1953 but the survey was made in 1948, nine years before the Brecon Beacons National Parks was established. It shows considerable changes to the area which would appear to be the beginnings of the present configuration. The Captains Walk and tower remain unchanged however; the bank of the river has been extended outwards to produce a strip of land. Presumably, the narrowing of the river in such a way would have increased the flow and deepened the channel thereby destroying the fording point. The bank has also been increased at the end of the walkway which no longer reaches the river. The final change worth noting is the disappearance of the longitudinal building recorded since 1905.

The town: As was discussed above, the intra mural town of Brecon has hosted settlement since at least the 12th century and has been in a fairly constant state of growth ever since. This can be seen in the HER listings supplied by CPAT E5721 CORE: The table below presents a summary of the data provided by the (HER) included within the search area; their positions have been added to a 1953, Brecknokshire XXVIII 6 inch to the mile, Ordnance Survey map of the area fig 05. PRN Period Type Status Grade Status Ref NGR

16720 Multiperiod Church SO04522852 20149 Medieval Church listed building II* 7015 SO0452428526 16332 Medieval Churchyard SO04522852 20102 Post-Medieval Church SO04512847 29014 Medieval Urban area SO04352855 29015 Medieval Urban area SO04452855 29020 Medieval Urban area SO04352845 29021 Medieval Urban area SO04452845 29022 Medieval Urban area SO04552845 29024 Medieval Urban area SO04452835 29025 Medieval Urban area SO04552835

6876 Post-Medieval Ridge and furrow SO04232835

16631 Post-Medieval Church listed building II 7020 SO0440228527


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72133 Modern Multiple site listed building ? 5/316 SO04402852 25566 Post-Medieval Church hall listed building II 7148 SO0441828533 16632 Post-Medieval Presbytery listed building II 7021 SO0439428534 89127 Post-Medieval Abattoir SO0453528247

6884 Medieval Town gate SAM BR177 SO04422841

6882 Medieval Town wall listed building;SAM II* 6829;BR150;BR177 SO0441528412

20736 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 6828 SO0441228487 97576 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 85742 SO04412848 97577 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 85745 SO04412848 25107 Post-Medieval Wall listed building II 6830 SO0444628421 19450 Medieval Cross SO04582847

119990 Post-Medieval gaol SO046284 25145 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6874 SO0459528392 35867 Post-Medieval Mill listed building II 85783 SO0461828402 97570 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85782 SO04582838 25162 Post-Medieval Gateway listed building II 6891 SO0447028480 25165 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6895 SO0452528454 25166 Post-Medieval Wall listed building II 6896 SO0452328437 25168 Post-Medieval Wall listed building II 6898 SO0453728437 20738 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 6897 SO0454628451

16628 Post-Medieval Nonconformist chapel listed building II 6892 SO0450928482

31252 Modern Telephone kiosk listed building II 7526 SO0459328458 31091 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 6933 SO0447128575 25378 Post-Medieval Public house listed building II 6934 SO0447528571 25379 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6935 SO0448028570 25380 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6936 SO0448528567 25381 Post-Medieval Public house listed building II 6937 SO0448928561 25382 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6938 SO0449928554 25383 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6939 SO0450828554 97572 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85785 SO04492856 97478 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85657 SO04442855 97491 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85669 SO04532845 97494 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85676 SO04452858 97514 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 85694 SO04542845 97543 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85735 SO04422855 25461 Post-Medieval Warehouse listed building II 7036 SO0449228536 42350 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7016 SO0447028532 25445 Post-Medieval House listed building II 14903 SO0449428541 25447 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7018 SO0450028500 31097 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 7019 SO0448028510 25446 Post-Medieval Post office listed building II 7017 SO0446028510 31250 Modern Telephone kiosk listed building II 7524 SO0448828513 31251 Modern Telephone kiosk listed building II 7525 SO0449828511 20755 Post-Medieval House SO04412851 25117 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6840 SO0454928481 25118 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6841 SO0456528481 31100 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 6842 SO0457628477 25119 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6843 SO0459028472 25116 Post-Medieval Bank (financial) listed building II 6839 SO0453328496 25113 Post-Medieval House listed building II 6836 SO0456028520

25115 Post-Medieval Commemorative monument listed building II 6838 SO0455828509

25164 Post-Medieval Wall listed building II 6894 SO0446728408 25534 Post-Medieval Museum listed building II* 7116 SO0460028435 25163 Post-Medieval School listed building II* 6893 SO0447828458 25560 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7142 SO0443928526 97597 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85753 SO04442852 25565 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7147 SO0441928544 25561 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7143 SO0443928549 25562 Post-Medieval Public house listed building II 7144 SO0444828562 25563 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7145 SO0442528563 25564 Post-Medieval House listed building II 7146 SO0442028554 21917 Post-Medieval House SO04442855 20753 Post-Medieval House SO04502851 97585 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85752 SO04442852 97594 Post-Medieval House listed building II 85683 SO04442854 89258 Post-Medieval Canal wharf SO0456728332 89257 Post-Medieval Saw pit SO0454728319 97604 Post-Medieval House listed building II* 85751 SO04482838


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The list shows that within the search area there area there are 82 recorded structures 64 of which are post medieval of which 54 are listed either grade II or II*. Of the remaining 18 listed items, 11 are medieval, although this includes 7 area designations rather than structures. However; the position of the proposed site lying as it does on low land beneath the town wall, renders the majority of the above listings, which are standing structures, beyond line of sight; as shown on fig 05. Of the listings within the visual area of the proposed site are the following: PRN Period Type Status Grade Status Ref NGR

6876 Post-Medieval Ridge and furrow SO04232835

6884 Medieval Town gate SAM BR177 SO04422841

6882 Medieval Town wall listed building; SAM II* 6829;BR150;BR177 SO0441528412

29014 Medieval Urban area SO04352855 29020 Medieval Urban area SO04352845 29024 Medieval Urban area SO04452835 89258 Post-Medieval Canal wharf SO0456728332

The first listing, 6876 is damaged area of ridge an furrow ploughing on the west bank of the Usk, opposite the proposed site. The general area appears to be enclosed by hedged lanes and abuts the post medieval Christ College School 19433, as shown on the 1744 map fig 03b. The college has earlier medieval associations: St Nicholass Well, 5691, Llanfaes 19432, St Nicholass Chapel 20101 and friary structures 603, and 123727. There are no changes to this area within the period covered by the Ordnance Survey maps figs 04 a-e. 6882 is the scarp bank surmounted by the Captains Walk, Plate 02, which passes along the outside of the present town wall, adjacent in part to the proposed site. Plate 06 shows the relationship of the Captains walk left with the proposed site enclosure wall right; separated by Dan-y-Gaer lane. The Captains Walk, named after one Captain Thomas Phillips a former 17th slaver turned reformed philanthropist, Plate 07, was identified as such in the accompanying text of Merrediths 1744 map, fig 03. The bank itself may predate the probably 17th century town wall structure, but will have been seriously damaged by the latter construction work. 6884 is the town gate which has been discussed above, Plate 05; adjacent to the proposed site, it is a tower on the circuit of the town wall. However, its origin as a gate is the subject of much discussion due to its non contemporary construction materials and its position; even so, it is designated as a scheduled ancient monument BR177. 29014 is actually an event rather than a core listing as it records a watching brief carried out in 2005 which revealed a landfill containing small finds of 19th and 20th century origin. 29020 and 29024 have no descriptions in the HER core list but have been identified as buried features of medieval origin within the urban area. 29020 is situated on the river bed and may possibly be associated with the ford listed on the 2nd edition 1905 Ordnance Survey map fig 04b. 29024 could be in an enclosed area on the 1610 map fig 03a but is in an area showing no change through the 1888-1953 Ordnance Survey sequence of maps. The last listing 89258 is of the structure shown from the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map of 1905 fig 04b which remained until at least 1943 fig 04d when it was last recorded. As mentioned above; its position at the water front suggests its function and the HER listing describes it as a wharf, however its position next to the ford should also be noted as a ford and a wharf require opposing water depths. In addition to the HER CORE data, CPAT also provided a list of events, E5721 EVENT, that have been recorded within the 200m perimeter: PRN Site Year Type Results NGR

110537 St Marys St 2003 Assessment None stated SO0446728543 110552 St Michaels St 2005 Watching brief Nothing Medieval 19th/20th c Landfill SO0435528563 112348 Harp Terrace 2003 Watching brief No significant finds SO0446628303 115514 Dan-y-Gaer 2009

Watching brief Potential for medieval resources. Since discounted SO0455428362

123129 Usk Bridge 2005 Watching brief Post medieval SO0437928472 58985 Dan-Y-Gaer 1998

Photographic Survey

Listed. Date 1892 SO0461828402


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Using the visual area fig 05 only three of the sites fall within the potential field of view from the proposed site: PRN Site Year Type Results NGR

110552 St Michaels St 2005 Watching brief Nothing Medieval 19th/20th c Landfill SO0435528563 112348 Harp Terrace 2003 Watching brief No significant finds SO0446628303 123129 Usk Bridge 2005 Watching brief Post medieval SO0437928472

The first listing 110552 relates to the river bank area at the Llanfaes Bridge, where the archaeological contractor was unable to find any archaeological resources earlier than the 19th century. The interpretation suggested that the area was landfill/ deposit. This may have a relevance to the proposed site as it also appears to be in the immediate vicinity of the riverbank which has been extended figs 04d & 04e. Listing 112348 is of a watching brief and the closest intervention to the proposed site. Its result was: no archaeological finds of significance. The third listing 123129 was a watching brief on an area of path between the Captains Walk and the Llanfaes Bridge. This again revealed nothing earlier than post medieval deposits. One other event; 115414 is worth considering as even though it was not in line of sight of the proposed site, it did provide sub surface information of the ground at the bottom of the scarp of the Captains walk. It is worth noting that the lane Dan-y-Gaer, at the base of the scarp for the Captains Walk is understood to have been built over the town wall ditch, (CPAT, p7. 58); therefore as the proposed site abuts Dan-y-Gaer, Plate 06, any evidence from a similar position could be very useful. In the case of 115514, no medieval finds were recovered. The proposed site: It can be seen from the above that Brecon town is a rich source of historic and heritage resources. Unfortunately, the same is not true for the area of the proposed site. Until recently an enclosed council yard, the proposed site position can be estimated by reference to the town wall and river as an area of vacant land since the Speed map of 1610 fig 03a. Its triangular shape leads to some confusion on the 1832, map fig 03c as there is a tendency to associate it to the triangular shape of the Corporation Harp Close which is further south east. The representation on the 1st edition OS fig 04 is a little clearer and may well identify the site correctly. The 1910 photograph Plate 04 shows a curved wall to the left, which may be the current wall around the site but at the time, this would have enclosed the linear structure identified in the HER as a Wharf, 89258. The foreshortened bank shows the original bank, recently a fording point and predating the bank enlargement undertaken between 1943 and 1948 figs, 04d & 04e. It would appear therefore that the proposed site may have been built atop the early 19th century river bank structure and later mid 20th century landfill.

7 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions The Archaeology Data Service http://ads.ahds.ac.uk, was accessed online for archaeological resources recorded within the vicinity of the site. No new information was added from this source. Brecon Public Library was invaluable for its collection of Ordnance Survey Maps, local history papers, some antiquarian plans and tithe map and apportionments; a very useful source for the history of the area. Brecon Town Council was contacted for information on riverbank improvements prior to 1947 but was unable to provide any information.


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Canal & River Trust National Waterways Museum Archive (Ellesmere Port) contacted for information on riverbank improvements prior to 1947 https://canalrivertrust.org.uk (as yet no reply). The British Geological Survey, web site, www.bgs.ac.uk, was accessed online for Geo-technical data. The online search was able to provide a good geological appraisal of the area and show that there had been no geological work done in the area designated for this (DBA). Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, HER supplied the useful summary reports E5721 Event Records & E5271 Core Records from which to target further research as well as the very informative in house reports: Brecon Town Study 58 and Brecon Town Centre 1046. The search area included part of the Brecon Conservation area and a number of scheduled ancient monuments and listed buildings enabling the specific application site to be considered within its own heritage context. National Library of Wales. (Aberystwyth) (NMR) was accessed online and led to various antiquarian sources available through JISC providing background historical research, www.cat.llg.uk/. National Monument Record. (Aberystwyth) (NMR) was accessed online through coflein but was unable to add any additional information, www.coflein.gov.uk Natural Resources Wales contacted for information on riverbank improvements prior to 1947 [email protected] (as yet no reply). Powys County Archives (Llandrindod Wells). Limited additional data with the exception of the 1780 Camden Estate map No 11, BY/138/1, original held at Kent Archives; which unfortunately could not be included due to copyright. Unfortunately; particularly with online sources, various copyright restrictions on images, and an inability to contact the owners resulted in useful illustrative material being excluded from the report:

These include the 1780 estate map of Charles Lord Camden. BY/138/1, a digital copy of which is held at Powys archive but copyright resides with Kent Archives. The copy shows a plan of the town wall circuit at the Captains Walk with no buildings in the area of the site. Of limited value, as listings were of the estate owned property.

An early 19th century lithograph print of Brecon from the south bank of the Usk by Newman of London.

The impression was sent by the client; no details included. The landscape view reaches from the Llanfaes Bridge to the Watton and predates the 1842 town hall. No buildings are shown around the Dan y Gaer vicinity, which includes the proposed site. The tower BR177 is shown at the waters edge and joined to the town wall above the Captains walk.

8 Archaeological Sites and Their Significance. This desk top research project has included archaeological resources relating to categories A-U (Cadw, p17. 2007) (see Appendix I), although only two potential category A sites are close to the development area along with two other category U. The category A sites relate to the tower/gate 6684 and the town wall 6682, both of which have surviving structures above ground that are of questionable periods but potential subsurface features that could be early medieval. The one category U listing 20924 is considered to have a potential for sub-surface medieval resources but this has yet to be substantiated. The other U listing 89528, possibly with incorrect co-ordinate listing in view of the Ordnance Survey mapping, is likely to be a late 19th early 20th century structure which the HER lists as a wharf. If the co-ordinates are indeed in error the any remains may well be inside the area of the proposed site.


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9 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology Known archaeology within the 200m research area mostly consists of above ground structures although there has been limited amount of invasive investigations. In the immediate vicinity of and within the proposed site, known archaeology is limited to 19th/20th century deposits, possibly land fill. A small finds assemblage was collected from the surface during the site visit which supports this view, Plate 08. The likely impact of the proposed site development on known archaeology is predicted to be none

10 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on the Setting of Nearby Heritage Assets The Predicted impact of the proposed site development will be none as regards the vast majority of the listed heritage asset within the town and along the river banks. The predicted impact of the proposed work on the nearby heritage asset of the town wall circuit was possibly the prime concern for this desk top assessment. Considering the estimated position of the feature and the proposed development, it is unlikely that there will be any impact to the heritage asset within the proposed site; however, connection to services may well impact upon the dividing lane, Dan y Gaer, assumed to overlay the medieval town wall ditch. Of course, connection to, establishes that there are already existing services in place and therefore also disturbance to any resources.

11 Summary and Recommendations In principle arising from the research, there would seem to be no archaeological or heritage issues that would prevent this proposal from proceeding. It is however recommended that ground disturbance at the site should be undertaken under conditions requiring a watching brief and that this condition should be extended to include any excavation work involved in connecting to existing services.

12 Acknowledgements Firstly, I would like to thank the client for his patience whilst I undertook this desk top. My thanks to the staff at CPAT HER, Brecon Library, and Powys County Archive, for their expertise in providing the necessary documents. Thanks also to Brecon Beacons National Parks Planning for their help in trying to trace pre Parks planning.

13 Archive Original archive will be retained by APAC Ltd. A secondary Archive will be deposited with Powys County Archive. Copies of the final report will be deposited with the Clwyd Powys HER, Brecon Beacons National Parks and the client.


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14 Staff Dr. Neil Phillips, AIFA. The copyright for this report shall remain with the A.P.A.C. Ltd.

15 Bibliography and References: APAC. Ltd Design Brief for an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment specification, area of land south of Captains Walk, Brecon. DB:DK/CW/14. Barber, J.T. 1803 A Tour Throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire. London: J. Nichols & son. BBNPA Brecon Conservation Area Appraisal, April 2012. Brief For An Archaeological Desk Based Assessment At Land South Of Captains Walk, Brecon. 14/10487/PAYPRE Burnham, H., 1995. A Guide to Ancient and Historic Wales. Clwyd and Powys. HMSO. Cadw. ASIDHOL 2007. Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process. Revised (2nd) Edition Including Revisions to the Assessment Process (ASIDOHL2). CPAT. 1993. Brecon Town Study, CPAT Report 58. R.J. Silvester. CPAT. 2010. Brecon Town Centre, CPAT Report 58. R.J. Silvester & N.W. Jones. CPAT. 2014. HER Enquiry Ref: E5721. Core Records. C. Martin. CPAT. 2014. HER Enquiry Ref: E5721. Event Records. C. Martin. Davies, R., 1999. The Tithe Maps of Wales. National Library of Wales. Forester, T., 1854. The Chronicle of Florence of Worcester with two continuations. London: H.G. Bohn. Gant, R.L., 1972. The townscape and economy of Brecon. Brycheniog Vol.16 pp 103-124. Jones, T., 1952. Brut Y Tywysogyon or Chronicle of the Princes. Peniarth MS. 20. University of Wales Press. Haslam, R., 1979. Buildings of Wales. Powys. Penguin Books, University of Wales. Hughes, S., 1990. The Brecon Forest Tramroads. The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales. Institute for Archaeologists: By-Laws. Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in archaeology. 2014. Standard and Guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives 2013. Standard and Guidance for commissioning work on, or providing consultancy advice on, archaeology and the historic environment, 2013. Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment 2014. Manby, G.W., 1802. An Historic and Picturesque Guide from Clifton, Through the Counties of Monmouth,


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Glamorgan, and Brecnock, with representations of Ruins, Interesting Antiquities. Bristol: Fenley & Baylis. Margary, I.D., 1967. Roman Roads in Britain. John Baker, London. Randall, R. Land South of Captains Walk Brecon Powys LD3 7DS Rees,W., 1968. The Mediaeval Lordship of Brecon, An Address Presented to William Rees by the Brecknock Society. Brecon Museum Publication. Renn, D, F., 1968. Norman Castles in Britain. John Baker: London. Skrine, H., 1798. Two Successive Tours Throught The whole of Wales with Several of the Adjacent English Counties; so as to form A Comprehensive View of The Picturesque Beauty, The Peculiar manners, and the Fine Remains of Antiquity, in That Interesting Part of the British Island. London: Elmsley and Bremner. Smith, L.T., 1964. The Itinerary of John Leland in or about the Years 1536 1539. Part VI. Vol.3. London: Centaur Press. Walker, D., 1992. Brecon. Brycheniog Vol.25 pp 7-4. Welsh Assembly Government. 2014. Planning Policy Wales, 7th ed. The Welsh Office 1996 WOC 60/69. Planning and the Historic Environment. Wyndham, H.P. 1881 A Gentlemans Tour through Monmouthshire and Wales in the months of June and July 1774. London: T. Evans Cartography Brecon Library A/A3Ab/333. No 18. Tithe Map. Brecon, Parish of St John The Evangelist 1839. Ordnance Survey Maps Breckonshire XXVIII.SW. 1888, 1905,1937,1943,1948. Butcher, C.J., 1832. Plan of Brecon, from Ordnance Survey Adopted by the Parliamentary Commission in 1832. David & Charles 1st series Ordnance Survey Breknock sheet 42.1832, 1970 repr, 1980 2nd ed. Jones, M., 1744 Iconography of the Town of Brecnock. Powys Archives BY/138/1. A Plan of Sundry Farms in the Parish of St John The Evangelist and of Sundry Tenements at the Watton in the said Parish and Houses & Gardens in the Town of Brecon. The Property of the Right Honourable Charles Lord Camden 1780. Sheel 11. Speed, J. 1610. Breknoke, Town Plan


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Online http://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/ https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/search/query?q=Archives https://francisfrith.co.uk/ http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk http://www.old-maps.co.uk/ http://www.gutenberg.org/files/ http://www.magic.defra.gov.uk/ http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/.../slave-trader-plaque-sparks-row-189035

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 7RG. Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: [email protected]

Company Registration No 5041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19 Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil. M. Phil. BA (Hons).Cert Ed/FE. AIFA.


Appendix I

Archaeological Assessment Categories Category A Sites and Monuments of National Importance: Included Scheduled Ancient monuments (SAMS) Grade I and II* (and some Grade II) Listed Buildings and sites of similar quality, including some that are principally buried remains. These sites are those of national and international significance that are a highly valued part of our cultural Heritage. All such sites and their settings carry a strong presumption in favour of preservation in situ. Category B Sites and Monuments of Regional Importance: All Grade II Listed Buildings that are not of category A importance, and sites of a similar quality. These sites are of moderate value, possessing regional importance but not considered to meet either the criteria for scheduling or for listing at one of the higher grades. Such sites and their settings carry a presumption in favour of preservation in situ, although a comprehensive programme of archaeological investigation may be an acceptable alternative in some cases. Category C Sites / features of Local Importance: These are considered to be relatively common types of archaeological sites, features and historic structures, including those that contribute towards the historic character of a loca area. Howecer, they lack sufficient distinctiveness or information potential to be classified as being of regional importance. As a result, while their preservation in situ may be preferred, their preservation by record as part of a program of archaeological investigation will often be acceptable. Category D Minor and damaged sites / features: These are sites, features and historic structures that are of minor value, due to their lack of distinctiveness or possession of low level of information potential. This may, perhaps, as a result of their nature, relative ubiquity or state of preservation. Preservation by record as part of a program of archaeological investigation will commonly represent sufficient mitigation for this category of assets. Category U Sites / features Needing Further Investigation: These are sites, features or buildings whose character, importance or location is currently undetermined. These include verified and unverified buried archaeological sites, those identified from archival evidence, place-name evidence or retrospective map analysis, and locations of find spots. Further work will be required before they can be allocated to categories A-C

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Land south of Captains Walk, Brecon

Adapted from BBNP, p59. 2012

Fig 02: Research area

Conservation Boundary Proposed SiteRadius of Heritage signicance

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Fig 03a Speed 1610 Fig 03c Butcher 1832

Fig 03b Meredith 1744

Approximate position of site

Fig 03c Tithe 1839

Town wall ?

A.P.A.C. LtdFig 03: Town Plans DK/CW/14


Fig 04: Map progression with 200m perimeter

a 1888 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6: mile

b 1905 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6: mile

c 1937 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6: mile

d 1943 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6: mile

e 1953 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6: mile

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Little change

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This first edition 1888 map shows that lane at the base of the Captains Walk bank continues to the river edge and widens. The town wall is marked by Site of only but the tower BR177 is marked at the rivers edge. The triangular area at this point is similar to the proposed site although it is directly on the edge of the river. The word Ford is also important as it aligns with the lane beneath the Captains Walk.

1905, again the tower is marked but there is no wall to the north and a narrow walkway or path edges directly to the river with the ford position and ends marked. The area of the proposed site was been cleared of vegetation and a long building erected backing directly having been cutinto the bank.

This map shows considerable changes to the area which would appear to be the beginnings of the present configuration. The Captains Walk and tower remain unchanged however; the bank of the river has been extended outwards to produce a strip of land. Presumably, the narrowing of the river in such a way would have increased the flow and deepened the channel thereby destroying the fording point. The bank has also been increased at the end of the walkway which no longer reaches the river. The final change worth noting is the disappearance of the longitudinal building recorded since 1905.

Fig 05. 200m research perimeter A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/CW/14


Estimated visual impact area

HER listings within the visual impact area: Core

6876 Post Medieval Ridge and Furrow6882 Medieval Town Wall6884 Medeival Town Gate29014 Medieval Urban Area29020 Medieval Urban Area29024 Medieval Urban Area89258 Post Medieval Canal Wharf

HER listings within the visual impact area: Events

110552 Watching brief 19th/20th c landfill112348 Watching brief No finds123129 Watching brief Post Med

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Site

200m

N

20149

16332

20102

29014

29015

29020 29021 29022

29024 290256876

1663172133

2556616632

89127

6884

6882

20736

9757797576

16720

110537

25107

25145

97570

25162

25165

2516625168

20738

16628

31252

3109125378

2537925380

25381

253822538397572

97478

97491

97494

97514

97543

2546142350

25445

254473109725446

31250

3125120755

2511725118

31100

25119

25116

25113

25115

25164

25534

25163

25560

97597

25565

25561

2556225563

25564 21917

20753

97585

97594

89258

89257

89258

110552

112348

115514

123129

58985

Plate 04: Captains Walk 1910

Plate 01: Proposed site

Plate 03: Captains Walk looking west. 2014. Tower 6684 to rear

Plate 02: Captains Walk looking east. 2014.

DSC

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Plate 03: Captains Walk 1910

F. Frith

Plate 04: Tower 6684 from Dan-y- Gaer lane

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Plate 08: Surface, small nds assemblage from site visit. 19th/20th century.

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Plate 07: Captains Walk Dedication Plaque

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Plate 06: Dan-y-Gaer lane

Report 1 Introduction2 Location3 Scope and Objectives of the Study4 Methodology5 Geology and Topography6 Archaeological and historical background7 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions8 Archaeological Sites and Their Significance.9 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology10 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on the Setting of Nearby Heritage Assets11 Summary and Recommendations12 Acknowledgements13 Archive14 Staff15 Bibliography and References:

Appendix I01 Location02 Site 03 Town Plans04 maps05 Perimeter01 0405 08

Documents

The Captains Walk Brecon 2014