The origin of the town dates with certainty from Norman times with the
construction of the timber Motte and Bailey castle by Philip de Braose. The
castle commanded the ancient crossing of the Wye, and as a result controlled
the route to the south which ran over the Eppynt Mountains towards Brecon;
it also guarded the entrance to the valley of the Irfon which gave access to
the west.
As the castle occupied such a strategic position it had a somewhat turbulent
history and in 1277, Edward I had the castle rebuilt in stone.Under the shadows of the castle a town grew up that took its name from the church which had been built outside the castle walls. The following four centuries saw the sporadic growth of a small market town which by 1800 had a population close to 700.
In 1779, a new bridge was erected, on the present site, and during the
1820's a new road was constructed linking north and south Wales. These
improvements led to the quickening growth of the town. However, the basic
fabric of modern Builth dates largely from Victorian and Edwardian times.
This growth, without doubt, resulted from the discovery of the health
springs. It is from this time that the word 'Wells' was added to Builth.
It could be argued that, with the disappearance of the railway and its
absolute decline as a Spa, Builth's heyday has passed. This however, could
not be further from the truth. The ancient function of a market town remains
and Builth without doubt has a lot to offer the resident and visitor alike.
Camping
Fforest Fields Caravan & Camping Park
Irfon River Camping & Caravan Park
New House Farm
White House Campsite
Cottage
Dentist
Doctor
Estate Agent
James Dean
Russell Baldwin & Bright
Strutt & Parker
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Caerwnon Holiday Park
Fforest Fields Caravan & Camping Park
Rhosgoch Holiday Park
Inn
Market
Builth Wells Country Market
Groe Car Park Market
Pub and Bar
Barley Mow Inn
Lamb
Llanfair Hotel
Seven Stars Inn
White Hart Inn
Restaurant
Drawing Room (The)
Drovers
Lasswade Country House & Restaurant
Seven Stars Inn
School
Builth Wells County Primary School
Builth Wells High School
Llanelwedd School
Solicitor
Taxi
Theatre
Vet
Shops
Foremans Emporium
Flower Shop
Boots
Pets Palace
S G Marshall
Audreys
Dolls & Dragons
Places to Stay near Builth Wells
Bronwye Guest House (0.10 miles)
Maindee Bed & Breakfast (0.18 miles)
Guest Lounge
Garden and BBQ area
Free WIFI Access
Secure ... More | visit website
Dan-y-Castell Cottage (0.21 miles)
Caer Beris Manor (0.63 miles)
Amid 27 acres of parkland, surrounded by the River Irfon, Caer Beris Manor Hotel is a beautiful country retreat in Builth Wells, near the A483, on the Breacon Beacons. In the heart ... More
Pencerrig Gardens Hotel (1.60 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Set in beautiful gardens, this hotel is just one mile from Builth Wells and 5 minutes from the Royal Welsh Show Ground where important agriculture ... More
Pwllgwilym B&B (2.35 miles)
Pwllgwilym Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is situated two miles from Builth Wells in the lovely village of Cilmery, in Mid Wales. Each room has its own personal lounge area with ... More
Three Wells Guest House (4.97 miles)
Acorn Court Country House (4.97 miles)
Highland Moors Guest House (5.58 miles)
Lake Country House and Spa (6.33 miles)
Warmly welcoming, this award winning retreat stands serenely in 50 acres of parkland including a large trout lake, a haven for fascinating wildlife. In such a setting, guests experience the true feeling of Wales.
Enjoy services ... More | visit website
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