Brecon Gaer Roman Fort, Powys, United Kingdom

Looking at its tranquil location in farmland near Brecon today, you’d never guess that Gaer was once one of the Romans’ largest inland forts and a vital link in the occupiers’ defensive network in Wales. Founded around AD 75, it was situated in a strategic position at the meeting point of two major roads and manned by highly trained legionaries of the Vettonian Spanish Cavalry Regiment.

In Roman times this was a busy site, with a large guardhouse, granary and heated bathhouse. Today you can see remains of a number of defensive towers, alongside two large gateways with walls standing 8ft/2.4m high in places.

References:

CADW

User Reviews

Peter Borenius (13 months ago)
For parking 4x4 only up the bridleway second gate on the right. Proceed down the field keeping hedge on your left, over the lower gate turn right. For such an important Roman staging post whose influence dominated south west Wales the access arrangements and Cadw signage are pitiful. Nevertheless a terrific site with some well preserved entrances including some of the best Roman gate pivot holes you'll see anywhere in the UK.

S Milne (3 years ago)

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