ABSTRACT
From the evidence of Roman coins frequently found in and about the town of Brecknock, Camden was of opinion, that this country was inhabited in the time of the Romans. 1 Lhwyd's2 further enquiries confirmed that opinion, for he particularly informs us of a Roman brick, stampt LEG. II. AVG. dug up near Brecknock, and of a square camp at a place called The Gaer, about three miles from the town. But as he only slightly mentions this camp, and is mistaken in some particulars relating to it, I shall endeavour to supply his omissions, by giving a more exact account of a place which I think not undeserving the attention of a curious traveller. It is superfluous to remark, that the very name of The Gaer is a sufficient proof of its antiquity; the word itself importing a round wall or fortification; and most of the places in that country, where such works have been made, retain this name even at present. But The Gaer near Brecknock seems to have been so cal)ed by way of distinction, as being the most considerable fortification in that part of the country. As bricks with the aforesaid inscription upon them are frequently found upon the very spot, and considerable ruins of a Roman wall are still remaining, it is probable that a detachment of the second Britannick legion, from Caerleon in Monmouthshire, was stationed at this place. These bricks even now are so common, that a servant in the family at The Gaer found one for me upon a day's notice, which measured 8 inches square, and 2Yz thick, and is stampt nearly in the middle in the same form with those dug up at Caerleon. Since my return to London, I have been apprised by Thomas Jones Esq. of the Exchequer, that other Roman bricks have been dug up in the area of this camp, of an oblong square form, and with the same inscription LEG. II. AVG. stampt across one of the comers. Mr Jones saw one dug up at The Gaer about five years since; and likewise assures me, that several of the same kind were found at this place some years before.
