Crickhowell- my hometown - 1870

Delighted to hear that my hometown, Crickhowell, known as the “Garden of Wales” has won the award for the best High Street in the UK.
 
It was praised for its strong community spirit having fought off a supermarket, Tesco, and a major brewery chain to ensure that all shops are locally owned and run.
 
In fact it raised £500,000 to buy the Corn Exchange pub for the community.
 
This photograph of the Bear hotel in the centre of the town was taken in 1870   and comes from John Addiss excellent book “Crickhowell Yesterday.”
 
Also in the book I found a photo off my father taken in 1920 with his prize bull (see extra).
 
Today this 16th century coaching inn is a popular hotel and restaurant and no visit to the town is complete without popping in here for at least a drink.
 

I wish I could say Crickhowell has the secret formula for the regeneration of the High Street but its success is largely due not only to its very attractive location on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, but to the influx of wealthy retired incomers who bring with them the money, skill and time to devote to preserving this historic market town which is now their adopted community.