This quiet little town, nestling under the shadow of the Black Mountain, is chiefly noted for the proximity of Bronllys Castle, one mile distant, of Early English and reputed Norman architecture. It is a round tower, 70 feet high, standing upon a mound, and its history appears to have been lost. The Black Forest now lies upon the left hand, and upon the right, at a few miles' distance, is Llangorse Lake, a large but shallow sheet of water 500 feet above sea-level, and much referred to as a probable source for the future supply of water to London. The scheme is considered a feasible one, and the water would flow to the metropolis by gravitation. According to tradition, the lake covers the site of a large city which perished in some terrible catastrophe—a similar type of legend to that of Semmerwater in Wensleydale. As the road nears Crickhowell the great Sugar Loaf (1,955 feet) becomes prominent, with a number of small villages, farmsteads, and cottages dotting the slopes of the lower hills. The River Usk now appears descending a valley from Brecon, together with the main road from that place.
CRICKHOWELL
The Church is a building of some dignity, with nave, chancel, aisles, and spire standing near the bridge.
The Castle remains consist of a square tower in fair preservation, flanked by a round one, together with tumbled mounds of masonry and earth. Several beautifully-situated seats are near the village. From Crickhowell to Abergavenny two roads run, one on either side of the valley, that upon the right being slightly longer, but it is more picturesque. The Sugar Loaf Mountain lies to the left across the valley, while an opening in the hills to the right reveals a glimpse into the Black Country of the South Wales Coalfield. Near Llangrwyne there is a most romantic stretch of country, with many beautiful features.
ABERGAVENNY
This flourishing market town claims a high antiquity in history as being the direct descendant of the Roman Gobannium. Its quaint narrow streets contain some houses of interest, while the splendid country lying around tempts the tourist to stay.
The Castle, standing upon an eminence overlooking the Usk, was an important Norman stronghold. William de Braose, in the twelfth century, invited many Welsh chieftains to a Christmas feast in the castle, and then foully murdered them; in retaliation their relatives burnt the castle. It, however, rose again, and came after a time into the Warwick family, passing eventually to the Nevilles, represented now by the Marquis of Abergavenny, who lives at Neville Court, up the river. As a ruin, now laid out as something between a tea-garden and a recreation-ground, the castle is exceedingly disappointing. The steeps of the Blorenge are well seen from the terrace.
The Church is near the post office and market hall. The Herbert and Lewes Chapels are the chief points of interest in it, but attention should be drawn to the ancient carved-oak seats in the choir, and also to the font. A colossal recumbent figure of what must at one time have been a 'Jesse tree' is preserved here; it is 10 feet long, and the stump of the tree remains, springing from the side of Jesse. When complete it must have formed a splendid screen, standing behind the high-altar. The wooden effigy of George de Cantelupe in the Herbert Chapel (1273) is the finest example of early wood-carving extant in these islands.
Near the church stands Priory Mansion, with a good garden, and splendid oak panelling in the interior.
Abergavenny is an ideal place for the budding mountain-climber, who can have excellent practice upon the Blorenge, the great Skyrrid, and the Sugar Loaf.