Document No: 479

PRN No: 164301

A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

1 GEORGE ST, BRECON

Brecon Beacons National Parks Authority

Planning Application No: 19/17436/FUL

Prepared for:
Mr M Rich

By:
Dr. N Phillips (A.P.A.C. Ltd)
17/03/2020
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George St, Brecon. WB/GB/19

ARCHIVE COVER SHEET

Site Name: 1 George Street, Brecon

Site Code: WB/GB/19

PRN: 164301

NPRN : -

SAM: -

Other Ref No: -

NGR: 304508 228718

Site Type: Commercial

Project Type: Watching Brief

Project Officer: Dr N. Phillips

Project Dates: February 2020

Categories Present: None

Location of Original Archive: APAC. Ltd

Location of duplicate Archives: CPAT (HER), RCAHMW,

Number of Finds Boxes: None

Location of Finds: -

Museum Reference: -

Copyright: APAC. Ltd

Restrictions to access: None

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This document is the report on an Archaeological Watching Brief, undertaken during

ground disturbance works necessary for the construction of a “side ground floor
extension to an existing retail unit”

A planning application was submitted to Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

(BBNPA), who highlighted that the proposed works were located in an area of
archaeological significance, and as such planning permission (19/17436/FUL) was
approved with conditions, one of which required that an archaeological watching
brief should be undertaken during any ground disturbance works.

The work impacted on no significant archaeological resources, as it was likely that

the ground disturbed was entirely within a recent landscaping back fill.

Y ddogfen hon yw’r adroddiad ar Orchwyl Gwylio Archeolegol a wnaed yn ystod

gwaith torri tir a oedd yn angenrheidiol ar gyfer adeiladu “estyniad llawr cyntaf
ar ochr uned manwerthu oedd eisoes yn bod”.

Cyflwynwyd cais cynllunio i Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog

(APCBB), a nododd fod y gweithiau arfaethedig wedi’u lleoli mewn ardal o bwys
archeolegol, ac felly cymeradwywyd cais cynllunio 19/17436/FUL gydag amodau
gan gynnwys un a fynnai y dylid cwblhau gorchwyl gwylio archeolegol yn ystod
unrhyw waith torri daear.

Nid effeithiodd y gwaith ar unrhyw adnoddau archeolegol o bwys gan ei bod yn

debyg bod y ddaear a dorrwyd wedi’i lleoli’n gyfan gwbl o fewn ôl-lenwad
diweddar yn sgil gwaith tirlunio.

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.

Frontispiece: image 151916 Overview of completed trenches prior to inspectors visit.

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Contents

Contents ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
List of Figures .................................................................................................................................................. 5
List of Plates..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Appendices ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Planning condition ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 Location............................................................................................................................................ 7
1.3 Geology and topography .................................................................................................................. 7
2 Historical and archaeological background ................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Archaeological evidence................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Historical evidence ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Cartographic evidence ...................................................................................................................... 9
3 Aims and Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Watching Brief ............................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Scope of work................................................................................................................................. 11
4 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Documentary research .................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Ground disturbance ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Recording work .............................................................................................................................. 11
5 Results .................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Ornamental wall & garden.............................................................................................................. 12
5.2 Trench 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 12
5.3 Trench 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 12
5.4 Trench 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.5 Trench 4 ......................................................................................................................................... 13
6 Interpretation and Discussion ................................................................................................................. 13
6.1 Reliability of field investigation ..................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Feature Interpretation ..................................................................................................................... 14
6.3 Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 14
7 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ 15
8 Archive ................................................................................................................................................... 15
9 Bibliography and references ................................................................................................................... 15

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List of Figures

Figure 01 Location Map

Figure 02 Historic Asset Map
Figure 03 Cartography
a John Speed – 1629
b Meredith Jones - 1744
c John Woods – 1843
d Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW, Surveyed 1887 - Published 1888
e Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW, Revised 1903 - Published 1905
f Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW. Revised 1948, Published 1953
g Modern map of Brecon, Magic maps

Figure 04 Ground floor archaeology plan

Figure 05 Trench 2, brick steps by wall, plan schematic
Figure 06 Trench 2, brick steps and wall elevation schematic
Figure 07 Trench 3, southern end, elevation schematic

List of Plates

Plate 01 Overview of completed trenches prior to site inspectors visit

Plate 02 General site on arrival. Removal of recent garden wall feature (103)
Plate 03 Wall (105) cut with disk and removed, ornamental curved wall (103) reduced and ornamental shrub
removed. SW trench cut into concrete footing (109)
Plate 04 Trench positions cut into tarmac (100) with a disc cutter; prior to removal with a toothless bucket
Plate 05 View along SE trench, scalping’s (108)
Plate 06 View along SE trench, sloping up from 2m to 400mm in scalping’s (108) and landfill (114)
Plate 07 Mid-south east trench three copper pipes in concrete (115). Isolated dump, not connected
Plate 08 Corner of SE and NE trench showing brick slope (117). Degraded brick, non-mortared construction,
poorly coursed
Plate 09 SE corner of existing listed building (107), left. Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and modern brick
base (113) sand bedding (112).
Plate 10 View along SW trench towards S corner of listed building. Showing possible steps (113), and later
drainage (110) under concrete (109).
Plate 11 SE corner of existing listed building. Limewashed, coursed, squared masonry (107) exposed beneath
current surface to 400mm. Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and modern brick base (113)
Plate 12 2m depth at SW end of SE trench. Scalping’s (108) against breeze block wall, (116) under ornamental
curved wall (107)
Plate 13 NE trench abutting listed building (107). Depth achieved at 475mm. Laid brick surface exposed (117)
Plate 14 Test pit at Listed building SE corner, at request of building inspector. Lime washed masonry with
brick repair ( 107) set on a surface of dark brown sandy soil with rounded pebbles at 580mm (118).

Appendices

I Context record and matrix

II Digital photographic record
III Contact sheets

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1 Introduction
1.1 Planning condition

This report has been prepared by Dr N Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, in response to a proposed program of works for a “Side
ground floor extension to an existing retail unit”, 1 George St, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7LH, PlApp No: 19/17436/FUL.

A planning application was submitted to Brecon Beacons National Parks Authority (BBNPA) by Mr J Parson of Mundo
Architecture (agent) on behalf of Mr. Rich, (applicant).

Approval with a number of conditions was given, one of which required that an archaeological watching should be
maintained during any ground disturbance work.

Condition 07:

The developer will ensure that a suitably qualified archaeological contractor is present during the
undertaking of any ground works in the development area, so that an archaeological watching brief can be
maintained. Prior to commencement of any groundworks an archaeological written scheme of investigation
shall be submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority Archaeologist
and which must meet the standards laid down by the Institute for Archaeologists in their Standard and
Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief. The archaeological fieldwork shall be carried out in
accordance with the approved written scheme of investigation. Following completion of the fieldwork a
copy of the Watching Brief report shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority Archaeologist for
approval. Following approval, the report will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and the local
Welsh Archaeological Trust for inclusion in the Regional Historic Environment Record (HER).

Reason, To ensure that any remains of archaeological significance disturbed in the course of the work are
excavated, recorded and reported.

BBNPA, Notice of decision – 19/17436/FUL

The proposed development requires archaeological mitigation due to the site being located within the “Historic
settlement core, and conservation area” of Brecon.

The proposed works will impact the eastern end of a grade II listed building, within a group of grade II listed buildings;
thought to be of a late 17th to early 18th century build date.

The site is also located within proximity to the former limit of the medieval walled town, and town ditch.
Archaeological evaluation undertaken in advance of development of the co-op in 1997 revealed evidence
of the town ditch, demonstrating it to be at least 8.5m wide and 2.8m deep. Finds retrieved indicate that
the ditch was re-cut on a massive scale during the 17th century - an act probably associated with Civil War
activity.

Alice Thorne, BBNPA – Heritage officer, 19/17436/FUL

The proposed works required ground reduction and excavation for foundations, and as such, the watching brief was
conditioned to record any archaeological remains disturbed during the proposed works or to provide a basis for mitigation
strategy should any significant archaeological resources be disturbed.

APAC Ltd was contracted by the client, to undertake the archaeological watching, and in accordance with the suggested
model drew up a Written Scheme of Investigation, WSI:WB/GB/19.

The written scheme of investigation was approved by the “BBNPA”, (20/18274/DISCON), as ‘fit for purpose’ allowing
the work to proceed.

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1.2 Location

Brecon is a small market town situated to the north west of the Brecon Beacons; with the Black Mountains to the east and
the Cambrian Mountains to the north, at the confluence with the Rivers Usk and Honddu.

Access is from either the A470, which runs from north to south Wales; or from the A40, which runs east west, fig 01.

The site if accessed from both the A470 and A40 roundabout into Brecon along the B4601 is to be found by travelling
west along the high street through Brecon before taking a right onto “Market street”.

Continue along “Market Street” taking a right onto “The Struet” then the first left onto “George St” and continue to the
end of the road where the site is on the right just before the main carpark. NGR 304508 228719.

1.3 Geology and topography

The site is located above St Maughn’s Formation Sandstone BGS 2020 which has been cut through to the north
west by the river Honddu, leaving a slight slope in that direction.

Topographically, the space is urban, a metalled space between commercial properties with little in the way of
open ground, PL01.

2 Historical and archaeological background

2.1 Archaeological evidence

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).

The earliest overtly observable archaeological resources stem from the Norman period Brecon Castle (SAM BR022-
CADW), the first mention of which is given by Florence of Worcester in relation to Lord Rhys ap Tewdwr’s death in
1093, ‘Rhys, king of Wales, was slain in battle during Easter-week near Brecknock Castle, (Forester, p195. 1854).

The initial years of Norman occupation, saw the rise of a small settlement 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; the side on which the site is located.

2.2 Historical evidence

Silvester’s 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 but
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).

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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).

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).

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 ‘Gentlemen’s 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 description…it
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).

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 town’s 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.

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.

As mentioned above; (introduction) the site is located directly to the east and north of two listed buildings. The building
to the south is “The George Hotel”, Cadw ref: 6889. A former, (late C17th or early 18th) house with well persevered C18th
features.

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The building to the north is a small domestic cottage, Cadw ref: 6890. and is listed due to its group value within the
surrounding buildings, and its probability to be contemporary with the above mentioned “George Hotel”.

2.3 Cartographic evidence

A historic asset search of 500m, centred on the NGR 304508 228719, fig, 02, turned up approximately 250 Listed
buildings, 2 SAM’s (Scheduled Ancient Monuments) and showed the site’s location within both; the Brecon Conservation
Area and The Historic Landscape area, HLW (P) 7.

A closer vicinal search of 100m centred on the same NGR, showed 9 listed buildings close to the site, including the
George hotel, Cadw ref: 6889, and the associated former cottage, Cadw ref: 6890, (mentioned above).

The other 7 listed buildings within the 100m search are as follows –

CADW REF Name Grade Listing Possible age Reason for listing
7038 No: 6 The II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
Struet 19th century character
85684 No: 5 The II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
Struet 19th century character
7037 No: 4-5 The II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
Struet 19th century character
85652 No: 25b High II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
St 19th century character
85653 No: 25c High II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
St 19th century character
6969 No 1-2 Mount II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
St 19th century character
6970 No 3-4 Mount II Mid 19th Group value with adjacent buildings. Building retains much
St 19th century character

The first map of Brecon town is John Speed’s – Brecknoke and Towne map, fig 03a, 1552-1629; although the map can’t
be used in the same way as modern standard cartographic mapping, it does show the towns orientation in the later medieval
period.

The map clearly shows the town to be a well built up area situated to the south east of Brecon castle, (SAM BR022-
CADW).

The map also shows a road marked on the legend, leading from the fortified wall’s north gate called ”Cantereeley ward”
(D). This road would appear to follow the same course of what would later become “Mount Street”; although the evidence
is circumstantial, if these roads are one and the same, it would suggest the area close to the current site to have been
considerably (for the period) built up, with buildings lining either side of the road.

The 1744 town plan of Brecon; fig 03b, – “Ichnography Of the town of Brecknock, By Meredith Jones”, once again
shows the layout of the town in much the same way as the earlier Speed map did. The plan however is assumed to be a
little more accurate with the layout of the town map, roadways, bridges, buildings etc being shown much as they are on
modern mapping, albeit with more important structures shown in 3d.

The map also states that the North gate; mentioned above, is now the “Struet gate” with the road that was “Cantereeley
Street” now known as “Mouse Street”; arguably, that little bit closer to “Mount Street.

Mouse Street is, as the map before it, evidently lined with buildings either side of the road.

By John Woods plan of Brecknock in 1843; fig 03c, the street had become “Mount Street” and buildings, line either side
of the road, with the southern road featuring what is noted in the legend as “42” – “George”. The building also appears to
feature smaller outbuildings in the back, presumably stables for the George.

By the 1888 map, fig03d, a major change has occurred within the vicinity; the 1863 Brecon and Merthyr railway had
been installed, cutting a route through the middle of Brecon and incidentally through “Mount street” with the
removal/destruction of a number of buildings to the north east of the George.

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It is also probable that the George, (at this point known as the “George Hotel)”, and small associated cottage, was affected
by the restructuring, with a possible slight shift in orientation presumably caused by the building and raising of the railway
embankment.

The 1905 map, fig03e unfortunately, marks the point when the maps begin to become a little less detailed; instead of the
building boundaries’ being positively marked on the maps, the buildings are now showed as whole blocks of buildings
joined together, with no boundaries marked between them. At this point the George, and cottage appear to have been
extended to the east, and further buildings have been added to southern buildings near the vicinity of the site area.

Nothing appears to have changed by the 1953 map, fig 03f.

On current mapping, fig 03g, a lot has changed; the railway track has now gone, replaced by a main road through the
town. The northern/eastern section and 1905 extension to the George and cottage, appears to have been removed as have
some of the sections of the southern buildings.

The cartographic evidence would suggest the immediate area to have in the very least a large post medieval association,
however, it is not known just how much the installation of the C19 railway would have affected the earlier, inferred
archaeological setting.

3 Aims and Objectives

3.1 Watching Brief

The aim of the watching brief was to establish the presence/absence of archaeological structures or other significant
features within the works area.

Should any archaeological resources be revealed their presence would be recorded and a decision made as to any
mitigation measures.

The archaeological watching brief was be carried out to the standards laid down in the Chartered Institute of Field
Archaeologists, Guideline for Watching Briefs 2014.

An archaeological watching brief:

The definition of an archaeological watching brief is a formal programme of observation and investigation
conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This will be within a specified
area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater, where there is a possibility that archaeological deposits
may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered
archive.

This definition and Standard do not cover chance observations, which should lead to an appropriate
archaeological project being designed and implemented, nor do they apply to monitoring for preservation
of remains in situ. A watching brief will preserve by record, within the resources available, any
archaeological deposits uncovered during groundwork.

The watching brief will ensure that: in the event of archaeological resources of significance, being
discovered and requiring treatment beyond the remit of the watching brief; then steps would be
implemented to ensure that their treatment would be undertaken within the standards recommended by the
CIFA.

Resulting from the watching brief, a report on the results will be produced, which will include a detailed
summary of the methodology, site history, deposits/features/ structures/artefacts uncovered and
interpretation of the results.
(CIFA. 2014).

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3.2 Scope of work

The archaeology of the application site as a whole, in its wider local or regional context, was be considered, although the
watching brief will be confined to those areas which will be directly affected by the development or some aspect of it.

All remains of potential interest were considered, whatever their date.

All ground level reduction/landscaping, excavation for installation of foundations and below ground services; with the
potential to impact on archaeology resources through removal of topsoil and subsoil deposits was closely monitored by
the watching brief archaeologist.
.

4 Methodology
Notes: For reference within the text the plan of the site is shown in fig04, photographs used are denoted PL##
and contexts are denoted in brackets[###]. A complete context list is given in appendix 1, all photographs are
listed in appendix II and contact sheet in appendix III.

4.1 Documentary research

Sufficient documentary research was undertaken to complete a brief background history of the site in order to place the
results of the watching brief in their historic context.

The following were contacted towards this end:

• Cadw (Cardiff)
• Current site data from the landowner
• Various online sources

4.2 Ground disturbance

A date, 13/02/2020 for the commencement of the work was agreed with the client and the BBNPA were given a one
weeks’ notice prior to the commencement of on-site works, as set out in WSI: WB/GB/19.

An archaeologist was on site as required by the condition, to watch all ground disturbing work and to record anything of
archaeological significance.

The plan for the proposed excavation work was drawn up prior to the commencement of works, by “MUNDO
Architecture, fig 04 “GROUND FLOOR ARCHAEOLOGY PLAN”.

The plan, fig04 has been annotated T1, T2, T3 & T4 to show the location of the trenches and the sequence with which
they were excavated.

The initial work concentrated on reduction of the ornamental wall, [103] at the southern end of the site, abutting the steps
[102], to the George Hotel, PL02 & PL03.

The areas of the 4 sections of trenching were marked out and the covering tarmac; [100], cut with a disc cutter before
the cut sections were removed with a toothless bucket fitted to the mechanical digger, PL04.

The trenches were then excavated with the small toothless bucket, to the required depths as, agreed with the building
inspector during his visit at the end of the day.

Due to restricted access, all spoil was removed from the site with a tractor and trailer.

4.3 Recording work

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The archaeology of the development site as a whole was considered when any archaeology exposed was examined.

All remains of potential interest would have been be recorded and finds retained, regardless of date; had any been
uncovered.

All encountered contexts were recorded on pro-forma APAC Ltd context sheets and an ordered site archive was
maintained.

All photographs were taken with a recognised scale, in TIFF format, with a resolution of at least 12MP+.

All on-site illustrations (plans and sections) would have been undertaken on drafting film to recognised and appropriate
scales (1:10, 1:20); had any significant structures or informative sections been uncovered.

A metal detector was present on site throughout the course of the watching brief but was not used.

No small finds, remains of potential interest or archaeological features were impacted upon.

5 Results
5.1 Ornamental wall & garden

As can be seen in PL02, the ornamental wall [103] was removed to the ground level of the tarmac [100] and cut back
parallel with the southern end of the wall of the western building, [107].

The enclosed ornamental garden featured a shrub planted in light brown sandy soil [104] which was separated from the
tarmac, [100] and steps, [102], by a short, masonry wall, [105].

5.2 Trench 1

T1, fig 04, measured some 4.6m long on a north south alignment, by 600m wide and varied in depth from a 450mm at
the south, PL05 reducing to 400mm at the north, PL06.

Beneath the tarmacadam, [100] was a land fill deposit of grey/green scalping’s, [108] interspersed with lenses of graded
building rubble, soil, brick, [114] and even an isolated section of concrete encasing three metal pipe runs, [115], PL07.

At the northern end the trench excavation stopped at a surface of non-mortared brick, [117], laid on end with no
recognisable bonding pattern, PL08.

This surface, [117], was approved as fit for purpose by the building inspector and was therefore not excavated further.

5.3 Trench 2

T2, fig 04, measured some 5.3 long, on a roughly north/west south/east alignment and parallel to the rear wall of part of
the George buildings, [106], PL03.

Again, 600m wide, but cut through both tarmac [100] and concrete base, [109] excavation achieved a maximum depth
of c 260mm as beneath the concrete [109] was set of, mortared brick steps, [113], at the west , PL09, and at the east a
hard compacted rubble [114], abutting [105], PL10.

At the south/western end was a plastic drain [110] packed in fine gravel [111] over sand[112] with no sign of a cut, fig05.

The western end of the trench abutted the south east wall of the listed building, [107] the foundations of which extended
beyond the base of the trench, fig 06, PL11.

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5.4 Trench 3

T3, fig 04, measured some 3.7 long, joining trenches T1 and T2 into a continuous foundation; 450mm at the north/east
end but 980mm at the south.

At the southern end the scalping’s, [108], continued beyond the required depth of the trench, which abutted a breeze
block wall, [116]; the foundation to the ornamental wall, [105], above, fig 07.

These scalping’s were very unstable and collapsed constantly during the work, making the trench sides unsafe, a condition
which was exacerbated by the heavy rain showers.

The breeze block wall, [116], exceeded to a greater depth than the that required for the current foundation, PL12; therefore,
the final depth is unknown, but the trench achieved a suitable depth for the building inspector.

5.5 Trench 4

T4, fig 04, Along the north east edge of the plot and parallel to the pavement, measured some 3m x 600mm x 300mm
with the same landfill deposit as found in T1: [100] , [108], [114] over [117] but without the instance of [115].

However, within the limit of the watching brief remit, [117] was confined to the eastern half of the trench dipping beneath
[108] towards the west., PL13.

PL08 shows a lack of coursing between the section of [117] in trench 1 left, and trench 4, right.

A test pit was excavated at the request of the building inspector, against northern corner of the east wall of the building
[107], PL14.

The exposed section reveals a base layer [118] of rounded river pebbles in light brown sandy soil at a dept below road
level of 1.118m before a single foundation course of rough faced sandstone masonry.

Above the foundation course is what appears to be uncoursed rubble wall, rendered in coarse lime which extended some
400mm below the current surface.

The northern extreme of the wall has been rebuilt in 20th century brick, to incorporate an iron gate hinge, whilst the
northern edge of the building has been brought up in height to road level with a deposit similar to [114].

6 Interpretation and Discussion

6.1 Reliability of field investigation

The site work was undertaken in far from ideal conditions, intermittent and extremely heavy showers in a very enclosed
space between three walls.

Under the covering of tarmacadam, and in between modern subsurface structures, most of the site is made up ground of
quite loose fill, which, with the heavy rainfall became quite unstable.

The confined space also produced the necessity to stockpile as required, awaiting period removal of spoil from site
which again restricted the work.

As the work was not easily secured, with public access having to be assured to and from the public house, efficiency
was a large consideration.

That said, no finds were made, and no archaeological resources of any significance made.

13
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George St, Brecon. WB/GB/19

6.2 Feature Interpretation

The current surface of tarmacadam is on a landfill of building material, the majority of which is an unusual depth of
scalping’s.

This is not a normal way to increase ground level, cheaper alternatives are more readily accessible, but there is a possibility
that the work was done during the landscaping of this part of Brecon; when the current central carparks, tourism centre
and shopping precinct were created.

The textured brick wall [101] along the east of the site is of this period as the ground level of the Co-op carpark behind it
is considerably lower than that of the current site; therefore, the wall is a retaining wall.

The major works for the Brecon development would have had access to quantities of landfill material with which to put
into good order any adjacent properties which would include the access to the George Hotel from this direction down the
steps [102].

The relatively high-level drainage at the south of the site [110] in relation to the rear of the George Hotel building [106],
the buried brick steps [113], and the breeze block foundation [116] all confirmed late 20th century work, covered with
landfill.

The only problematic feature is that of the un-mortared brick surface [117], which is beneath the backfill of [114] but as
what it lay over was not ascertained, its purpose or phasing is not understood.

Suggestions were made that it was the old access path to the George Hotel, before the landfill, but there is no real form
to the feature and its gradient and un-mortared instability, would have made it slippery and treacherous.

It may of course have been temporary, or it may have been disturbed by machinery during the development work or it
may have been to do with the landfill operation.

6.3 Discussion

Work at the site had the potential, because of its position, to impact not only on the industrial period of Brecon’s
development but also its post medieval and medieval past.

However, that was not the case as the work was confined within possibly later landfill events from the end of
the 20th century.

In addition, the mapping shows that this area of Brecon saw extensive development during the later 19th century
when industrialisation brough the railway and its infrastructure, extensively remodelling the landscape and
removing former buildings and infrastructures.

The current site appears to have only just survived these changes, with adjacent buildings on the opposite side
of the same street, not so lucky.

The work at the site has therefore had a negligible effect on the archaeological resources of the area.

14
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George St, Brecon. WB/GB/19

7 Acknowledgements
Thanks to Mr Rich and his groundworkers for allowing me to undertake the required work as efficiently as possible and
to Mrs Rich for the refreshments.

8 Archive

As the archive has no artefacts, digital copies of the report; following current published guidance, will be deposited with
the following:

HER CPAT:
http://www.cpat.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20Welsh%20HE
Rs.pdf

RCAHMW:
https://rcahmw.gov.uk/wp-content/.../RCAHMW-Guidelines-for-Digital-Archives.pdf

The original archive will be retained by A.P.A.C. Ltd.

The project archives will consist of all original records, and all documentation that relates to the watching brief; copies
of the WSI and any relevant correspondence will be included.

The archives will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, MoRPHE
V1.2 (2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed.

The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief and with the agreement of
the landowner.

A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales.

9 Bibliography and references

APAC.Ltd WSI:WB/GB/19 – Written scheme of investigation, 1 George Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7LH

15
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George St, Brecon. WB/GB/19

Barber, J.T. 1803 A Tour Throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire. London; J. Nichols & son

BBNPA 19/17436/FUL – Side ground floor extension to existing retail unit, 1 George Street, Brecon,
Powys, LD3 7LH

(20/18274/DISCON) – WSI approval

English Heritage Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (2006).

Chartered Institute
For Archaeologists. Standards and Guidance: for an Archaeological Watching Brief. 2014.

Standard and Guidance: for an Archaeological Excavation. 2014.

CADW Listed buildings, Ref: 6889 and 6890.

Scheduled Ancient Monument, Brecon Castle (SAM BR022-CADW)

CPAT. 1993 Brecon Town Study, CPAT Report 58. RJ. Silverstone

CPAT. 2010 Brecon Town Centre, CPAT Report 58. RJ. Silvester & N.W. Jones

CPAT. 2014 HER Enquiry Ref: Core Records. C Martin.

CPAT. 2014 HER Enquiry Ref: Event Records. C Martin.

Forester, T., 1854 The Chronicle of Florence of Worcester with two continuations. London: H.G.
Bohn.

FAME. The Standing Conference of Archaeology Unit Managers Health and Safety Manual. 2002.

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

HSE. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. 2015

MUNDO architects Ground floor archaeology plan, August 2019, Drawing No: 202

RCAHMW. National Standard and Guidance to Best Practice for Collecting and Depositing Archaeological
Archives in Wales, 2017.

The Welsh
Archaeological
Trusts. Guidance for the Submission of Data to the Welsh Historic Environment Records (HERs)
2018

Hughes, S, 1990 The Brecon forest tramroads, The Royal commission on ancient and historical monuments in
Wales.

Margary, G.W 1802 Roman Roads in Britain. John Baker London

Renn, D, F, 1968 Norman Castles in Britain. John Baker: London

Smith, L. T,. 1964 The itinerary of John Leyland in or about the years 1536-1539. Part IV, Vol 3.

16
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George St, Brecon. WB/GB/19

Walker, D, 1992. Brecon, Brycheniog Vol 25 pp 7-4

Wyndham, H.P.1881 A gentlemen’s tour through Monmouthshire and Wales in the months of June and July. London
T. Evans

W.S.K. Thomas 1993 Georgian and Victorian Brecon, portrait of a Welsh county town. Pgs. 11, 83 and 85. Gomer
press.

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 Intersecting Part of the British Island. London;
Elmsley and Bremner.

Online Sources:

Google maps http://www.google.com/maps

http://magicmaps.co.uk
http://www.dustydocs.com/linkSpecial/91/140091/parish-map-pre-1974.html
https://www.library.wales/discover/digital-gallery/maps-1/town-plans/john-
woods-welsh-town-plans/brecknock

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Estate, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.
Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 5041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil. BA (Hons). Cert Ed/FE. MCIFA.

17
 A.P.A.C. Ltd WSI:WB/GB/19

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
1 George St, Brecon

Fig 01: Location

 1 George St, Brecon

Legend
N
NGR: 304508 228719

Cadw Listed Buildings

Cadw SAM sites

Brecon conservation area
Historic landscape HLW (P) 7

Fig 02: Heritage asset map A.P.A.C. Ltd. WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Legend

Possible location of site.

Fig 03a: John Speed - Brecknoke and Towne 1552 -1629

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Legend

Possible location of site.

Fig 03b: Ichnography of the town of Brecknock, By Meredith Jones 1744

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N

Legend

Location of site.

Fig 03c: John Woods - Plan of Brecknock 1843

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N

Legend

Location of site.

Fig 03d: Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW, Surveyed 1887 - Published 1888

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N

Legend

Location of site.

Fig 03e: Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW, Revised 1903 - Published 1905

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N

Legend

Location of site.

Fig 03f: Brecknockshire XXVIII.SW. Revised 1948, Published 1953

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 No:1 George St, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N

Legend

Location of site.

Fig 03g: Modern map of Brecon, Magic maps

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

T4

T1

T3

T2

Fig 04: (Proposed), Ground floor archaeology plan

A.P.A.C. Ltd WSI:BS/GB/19
Adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019, Drawing No: 202
 No: 1 George St, Brecon

124703
[113]
[107]

[114]
[110]
[111]

[109]

50cm

Fig 05: Plan schematic of western end of trench 2 Image 124703 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19
 No: 1 George St, Brecon

124645
[100
[107]

[110]

[113]
[111]
[114]

50cm

Fig 06 scematic elevation of subsurface at SW corner of listed building Image 124645 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19
 No: 1 George St, Brecon

151151
[100]
[100]

[104]

[105]
[108]
1m
[108]

[116]

50cm

Fig07 Elevation sechematic of south end of trench 3 Image 151151 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19
 1 George St, Brecon

N
Overview of completed trenches prior to site
inspectors visit.

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 01 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
General site on arrival. Removal of recent garden
wall feature (103)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 02 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
Wall (105) cut with disk and removed,
ornamental curved wall (103) reduced and
ornamental shrub removed. SW trench cut
into concrete footing (109)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 03 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
Trench positions cut into tarmac (100) with a
disc cutter; prior to removal with a toothless
bucket

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 04 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
View along SE trench, scalpings (108)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 05 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
View along SE trench, sloping up from 2m
to 400mm in scalpings (108) and landfill
(114)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 06 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
Mid south east trench three copper pipes in
concrete (115). Isolated dump, not connected

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 07 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
Corner of SE and NE trench showing brick
slope (117). Degraded brick, non-mortared
construction, poorly coursed

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 08 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
SE corner of existing listed building (107),
left. Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and
modern brick base (113) sand bedding
(112).

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 09 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
View along SW trench towards S corner of
listed building. Showing possible steps (113),
and later drainage (110) under concrete (109).

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 10 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
SE corner of existing listed building.
Limewashed, coursed, squared masonry
(107) exsposed beneath current surface to
400mm. Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and
modern brick base (113)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 12 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
2m depth at SW end of SE trench. Scalpings
(108) against breeze block wall, (116) under
ornamental curved wall (107)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 12 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
NE trench abutting listed building (107).
Depth achieved at 475mm. Laid brick surface
exposed (117)

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 13 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 1 George St, Brecon

N
Test pit at Listed building SE corner, at request
of building inspector. Lime washed masonry
with brick repair ( 107) set on a surface of dark
brown sandy soil with rounded pebbles at
580mm (118).

Ground plan adapted from - MUNDO architects, August 2019.

Drawing No: 202

PLATE 14 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/GB/19

 A.P.A.C. Ltd 1 George Street Brecon WB/GB/19

Appendix 1 – Context Catalogue

No. Type Description Provisional

Date
100 D Tarmac surface, full coverage of site Modern
101 S East wall, textured brick, aligned NE/SW Modern
102 S 5 Steps, concrete Modern
103 S Ornamental curved wall, coursed masonry Modern
104 D Ornamental garden light brown sandy soil Modern
105 S Short coursed masonry wall, ornamental, aligned to listed building 6890 Modern
106 S Rear wall of building belonging to The George Hotel Modern
107 S SE wall of listed building 17th/18th
108 D Scalpings Modern
109 S Concrete base at SW extent of tarmac; against (105) & (106) Modern
110 S Plastic drain Modern
111 D Fine gravel Modern
112 D Sand Modern
113 S Mortared brick on end; possibly steps Modern
114 D Rubble in D brown sandy soil Modern
115 D Copper pipes in concrete cover Modern
116 S Breeze block base to (103) Modern
117 D Laid brick surface along SE trench at slope Modern
118 D D brown sandy coli with rounded pebbles Natural?
Site name: 1 George St, Brecon Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
PRN:
Digital Photographic Record Project No:.479............Project code..WB/GB/19.....

Photo ID View Description Photographer Date of Compiled by Date Plate

facing photograph
94455 S General site on arrival. Removal of recent garden wall feature (103) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL02

102253 S Trench positions cut into tarmac (100) with a disc cutter; prior to removal with a toothless bucket N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL04
112542 SW Northern section of tarmac removed, south east section cut N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
Wall (105) cut with disk and removed, ornamental curved wall (103) reduced and ornamental shrub
113126 W removed. SW trench cut into concrete footing (109) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL03
113140 SW Ornamental shrub removed N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
SW trench. Corner of existing building right. Concrete (109) over drainage (110) with brick floor (113)
113904 Vert to north. N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
SW trench. Corner of existing building (107) top . Concrete (109) over drainage (110) with brick floor
114848 Vert (113) to north. Note plastic layer. N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
120948 E SE trench, depth 600mm of scalpings (108) with lenses of sand (112). Landfill N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
123608 N View along SE trench, scalpings (108) over rubble and sandy soil (114) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
123662 S View along SE trench, scalpings (108) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL05

SE corner of existing listed building. Limewashed, coursed, squared masonry (107) exsposed
124645 NW beneath current surface to 400mm. Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and modern brick base (113) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL11
SE corner of existing listed building (107), left . Limit of excavation. Drain (110) and modern brick
124703 Vert base (113) sand bedding (112). N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL09
134725 Vert Mid east trench three copper pipes in concrete (115). Isolated dump, not connected N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL07
2m depth at SW end of SE trench. Scalpings (108) against breeze block wall, (116) under
141430 SE ornamental curved wall (107) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL12
NE corner of listed building (107) at NE foundation trench. Depth 350mm brick repairs to foundation
144211 NW and limewash on masonry exposed N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020

151112 NW NE trench abutting listed building (107). Depth achieved at 475mm. Laid brick surface exposed (117) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL13
151151 SW SW end of SE trench, depth 1m N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
151225 NE View along SE trench, sloping up from 2m to 400mm in scalpings (108) and landfill (114) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL06
View along SW trench towards S corner of listed building. Showing possible steps (113), and later
151359 NW drainage (110) under concrete (109). N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL10
151614 Vert SE trench showing slope of degraded red brick (117) N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020
151916 SW Overview of completed trenches prior to site inspectors visit. N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL01
Corner of SE and NE trench showing brick slope (117). Degraded brick, non-mortared construction,
152629 Vert poorly coursed N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL08

Test pit at Listed building SE corner, at request of building inspector. Lime washed masonry with brick
161340 NW repair ( 107) set on a surface of dark brown sandy soil with rounded pebbles at 580mm (118). N. Phillips 13/02/2020 N. Phillips 17/02/2020 PL14