Brecon Circuit 1735 - 1799

 

The Brecon Circuit covered the three counties of Brecon, Glamorgan and Radnorshire. 

 

The Great Sessions, as they were called in Wales, were held twice a year at Brecon, Cardiff
(except from 1768 to 1767 when they were held at Cowbridge) and Presteigne.

A total of 25 confirmed executions together with 7 probable ones have been traced for this circuit.

 

Brecon.

4 confirmed executions have been recorded, together with 2 probable ones.

It is unclear where the early executions took place. Dewi Davies in “Law and Disorder in Breconshire 1750-1880”
records the executions of 1789 and 1791 as taking place in front of the gaol at Brecon.

 

Glamorgan.

16 confirmed executions and 1 probable one have been traced.

Glamorgan executions took place at Little Heath, Cardiff or Stalling Down, Cowbridge.

 

Radnorshire.

5 confirmed and 4 probable executions have been traced.
Executions were carried out at
Gallows Lane, Presteigne.