Resources
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The Powys Archives, Unit29, Ddole Road Enterprise Park, Llandrindod, LD1 6DF is the county repository for information, duplicating much of the local information held at the National Library. To arrange a visit to, phone 01597-826088 or email to make an appointment. A research service is also available.
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The Public Library in Brecon is now in 'y Gaer', the new Cultural Hub, Glamorgan Street, Brecon, LD3 7DW. Phone 01874 623346
- Powys Family History Society.
Local families
Many of the families who live in the Senni Valley have been here for several generations and there are close family links with neighbouring villages and towns.
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Havard: Jeremy Havard has reported: "This family name dates back to the Norman invasion. The Welsh Havard are descendents of Walter, a knight who supported William the Conqueror and his invasion of England. The area around Brecon was given to him as thanks and they married into the Royal family of Wales, the Vaughn's. Evidence of this can be seen in Brecon Cathedral on the tombstones. The family motto is "Hope in God", the crest a Bulls head on a white shield with three red stars surrounding it."
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Stephens: Bob Stephens emailed the Webmaster on 01/10/2008 "My Great Great Grandfather - I think that is right - was The Rev John Stephens, Brychgoed. He arrived in 1838 and lodged with the Thomas Family at Bedlwyn Farm. He married Elizabeth Thomas, their Daughter and they made their first home there before moving down to Pantglas. The 1901 Census shows his son as the head of the Household.
Portrait of John Stephens:
(Click on a picture to enlarge it, and use the keyboard's 'back arrow' to return here)Headstone for John Stephens:
Headstone for John Stephens siblings:
He is keen to find out if the Chapel at Cwm Camlais is still consecrated, because it was here that John Stephens Brychgoed was taken ill with a stroke from which he later died in 1872. He tries to attend the Good Friday Service at Brychgoed if possible as it is a link through his Grandfather, the Rev David Stephens, who is on that 1901 census return and who left a small bequest in his will to the Chapel."
Updated 20/02/2022