South Wales

The beauties of England and Wales: or, Delineations Topographical, Historical and Descriptive. (1815) by Thomas Rees, F.S.A

The most elevated summits in this chain and probably the highest ground in South Wales are two contiguous peaks situate about five miles to the southwest of the town of Brecknock being computed to be 850 yards above the bed of the Usk at this place and about 1000 yards above the level of the sea at the junction of this river with the Severn. These summits are sometimes distinguished by the name of the Van or Beacon in the singular number but more commonly and vith greater propriety by the plural appellation of Bannau Brecheinog or the Brecknockshire Beacons. They are also known by the denomination of Cadair Anliur or Arthur's chair Welsh traditionary Romance assigning this spot as one of the seats of the fabulous hero of that name. Towering as they do above the lofty hills which compose their base these peaks form a very striking and picturesque object from very distant parts of South Wales and command a prospect of prodigious extent and variety.