Aberhonddu/Brecon

Brecon is the birthplace of the first American Methodist bishop, the Rev Dr Thomas Coke, who was known as 'the Father of Methodist Missions'

Plaques mark the sites of the house in High Street where he was born and his Methodist church. These buildings were close to St Mary's Parish Church (where there is a Coke memorial) where his parents were married and he was baptized.

Coke was made Mayor of Brecon in 1772. He became an Anglican priest, but was expelled from his church in 1777 for Methodism (see entry for the Coke Memorial Church, South Petherton). He travelled widely and had discussions with George Washington regarding the abolition of slavery. He died at sea on a missionary journey to Sri Lanka in May 1814.

He was an important local man and held the position of Mayor of Brecon in 1772. He travelled widely and had discussions with George Washington regarding the abolition of slavery. He died at sea on his way to Sri Lanka in 1814.

There is a memorial to him on the north wall of Brecon Cathedral and outside St Mary's Parish Church in the town centre. More information about Coke can be found in the Brecknock Museum.

Also nearby
Brecon is the largest town in any national park and the main centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Visit the website for nearby attractions and accommodation: www.breconbeacons.org.
The South Wales Borderers Museum is a short walk away in the town.
www.royalwelsh.org.uk/regimental-museum-of-the-royal-welsh.shtml