History Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway

system map of brecon , merthyr railway in 1884

brecon important regional centre in mediaeval times, due location @ confluence of river honddu , river usk. relatively remote location meant transport important consideration.

the difficult terrain southwards require crossing ridge of brecon beacons high ground @ head of south wales valleys, , first turnpike connected eastward abergavenny , south-westward swansea.

the brecknock , abergavenny canal, later part of monmouthshire , brecon canal, opened brecon in 1800 continuing alignment east.

in 1816 hay railway opened; horse-drawn plateway 24 miles long, connecting brecon hay, , later eardisley.

industry south of brecon beacons linked in canal when brinore tramway (or bryn oer tramway opened in 1815. connected industrial site of brinore, near trevil, north of tredegar, talybont-on-usk, on brecknock , abergavenny canal.