Professor Helen Fulton of the University of Bristol, who led on the Trust's maps of Medieval Bristol (2020) and of Swansea and Mumbles (2023), is now involved in planning and fundraising for maps of the two Norman Marcher towns of Aberhonddu (Brecon) and Y Gelli Gandryll (Hay-on-Wye), to be combined in a single publication. Helen writes:
"This new map (to be published in both English and Welsh) will bring alive these two Norman Marcher towns, showing street lay-outs and major buildings. Established as part of the Norman settlements of Wales after 1066, both towns retain many traces of their past, such as Brecon Priory (now the Cathedral) and Hay Castle (recently restored). Georgian and Victorian houses and buildings in both towns are witnesses to their commercial importance over time.
The new maps will include a descriptive gazetteer of the historic buildings and streets of Brecon and Hay, providing historical information about the towns then and now. Informative and educational, the maps will make a major contribution to understanding the history of the March of Wales.
The project is led by a team of historians and researchers from Brecon and Hay, with the support of the Historic Towns Trust, the University of Bristol, the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends, the Hay Castle Trust, and other institutional donors. A Map Committee has been set up and we have started to research and write the gazetteer for both towns. We have received some funding so far, especially from the University of Bristol, a donation from the Old Breconian Association, and a development grant from Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. We are seeking further donations to help us reach our target of £35,000."
CAN YOU HELP US TO REACH OUR TARGET?
Donations can be made via the Historic Towns Trust website here.
All donations will be acknowledged and no donation is too small!
Further enquiries to Helen Fulton : Helen.fulton@bristol.ac.uk
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