Black plaque № 65611

THE GOLDEN LION INN. Brecon's premier coaching inn during the 18th century, it gave its name to Lion Street, occupying wide frontage with stabling for 60 horses at the rear. In 1755, it was the venue for the first meeting of the Breconshire Agricultural Society, the oldest in Britain. The inn yard was the show area and auction mart, with the Society's awards for improved stock, particularly stallions. In 1756, Thomas Longfellow, the owner, was the principal agent in launching the first commercial coach service from London via Gloucester into mid Wales. The inaugral meeting of the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal Company was held here in 1793. An important social venue, it hosted civic functions, balls and theatrical performances. Eclipsed by the new Castle Hotel, by 1834 it was serving as a Barracks for the 11th Regiment. In 1843 the site was purchased by the Calvanistic Methodist group, at first for education, before building Bethel Chapel in 1852. The Lion Street frontage was rented to the Post Office and various commercial activities. In 1994 the entire property opened as the Bethel Square shopping development.

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