Only isolated small farms and shepherds were to be found in this mountainous area in Victorian times. The local people had to work very hard and for very long hours to try to make a living from the land.

Education began to provide children with new skills which for some would lead to opportunities which had not been available to their parents.

Transport improvements led to the development of spas at Llangamarch and Llanwrtyd Wells which provided employment and better trading prospects for local businesses.
The railway also gave local people the first chance of travelling further afield.

Use the links below to see more about these changes.
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