Presteigne Town Trail

'Presteigne has had a turbulent history, starting with its capture by the Mercians from the Welsh, which accounts for its unexpected location on the English side of Offa's Dyke. Besieged by Prince Llywelyn in 1262 and pillaged by Owain Glyndwr early in the 15th century, by Tudor times it had recovered and was granted a weekly market. From then until the mid-19th century it hosted five annual fairs. Its position on the mail coaching road from London, Cheltenham and Gloucester to Aberystwyth made it a town of considerable importance. From the 16th century, the County Assizes were held in Presteigne, which eventually became the county town of Radnorshire. This status was lost in 1884 due to the rapid expansion of Llandrindod Wells.'