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Rhayader and the Elan Valley
Pigot & Co.'s Directory (South Wales) 1835: 1

 		 Directory entry for Rhayader
Although situated in Radnorshire and perhaps geographically more remote, Rhayader none the less exploited the same opportunities as the Montgomeryshire flannel producing towns, as the Trade Directory mentions. (See the pages on the Llanidloes flannel industry).  

 

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extract from the directory

 

 Being at the crossing point over the River Wye gave Rhayader its strategic and geographical importance. The road West over the mountains into Ceredigion has been of strategic importance since at least Roman times as the temporary camaigning camp at Esgair Perfedd guarding a western pass shows. Rhayader Castle guarded the Wye ford and later bridge. 

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 extract from the directory 
  Llansantffraid Cwmdeuddwr just across the bridge from Rhayader and often thought of as a suburb or appendage of the town, nevertheless has its own identity being in a separate parish and once a separate commote.
Although the Directory makes little of the three "chapels for dissenters" nonconformist chapels were to grow in importance and become very important in town life. 
  There are 4 pages on Pigot's Directory. Use the box links below to view the other pages.