Builth Wells Heritage Society

20/06/2026

24/05/2026

Several people have asked about my comment about the man standing on his head on top of the lion hotel. Here is the newspaper cutting from somewhere in the 1860s and I’ve converted the picture into text to make it easier to follow. We know Bridge Row was destroyed in the late 1860s as Wyeside was completed in 1877 so the lion Hotel must predate this. interestingly it was called the Royal Oak before this. Here is the transcript. 

"Stood On His Head
When the present Lion Hotel was built on the site of the - old Royal Oak (which had frequently been the . rendezvous of many famous people, among whom was Lady Hester Stanhope), David Griffiths (senior) was the mason in charge of the stone-work of the new hotel, and when the building was completed, in order to cele- brate the occasion, David; : Griffiths stood on his head on the highest chimney, to commemorate his part in having helped to erect the tallest building inBuilth. He occupied the house in Bridge Row until the end of his life.

23/05/2026

Good news!! We have managed to buy more copies of our popular book by Rob Warlow and Mal Morrison . Available Monday in the Centre.

23/05/2026

Congratulations Sue Wyatt - winner of our beautiful Quilt

Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket.

18/05/2026

Builth Wells and District Heritage Societyis part of the Local Community Fund. To find out more about our project and choose to support us, click here:

The Co-op Local Community Fund is supporting Builth Wells and District Heritage Society. Become a member or sign in to choose a local cause to support.

18/05/2026

Volunteers!! We need you. Come and work in our busy Builth Wells Tourist and Heritage Information Centre . Do as little or as much as you would like. We are busy and we love to help. Training given. Just pop in and see us.

16/05/2026

Our next meeting. Visitors very welcome