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:

Comments

Your name



Address

Powys, United Kingdom
See all sites in Powys

More Information

cadw.gov.wales

Rating

3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Michael Lloyd (2 years ago)
Can't get the fort the Farmers does not want you to access it
Richard Martin (3 years ago)
Next to impossible to access this site, so unfortunately wouldn't recommend. Not sure if the local landowner is receiving any kind of tax benefits for allowing access, but if he is then they should be withdrawn. It is sad that a private individual can make access to the country's past inaccessible.
Pete / Hel Havard (3 years ago)
Hard to get to as farmer has blocked the footpath styles with bard wire once you get to it very interesting
Peter Borenius (3 years 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 (5 years ago)
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.

Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.