Land Use: Mills (Talybont on Usk and District)

Up until the early 1900’s much of the grain for flour and stock feed was grown locally which necessitated the provision of mills. Gilestone latterly called Talybont Mill which remains in remarkable condition today. was driven by a leat from the Caerfanell river that passes under the canal. Other mills were Maesmawr which is now a dwelling on Station Road and Coity on the Cui brook, the remains of which can still be seen. Aberclydach was an unsuccessful venture that relied on a large pond filled from a line of springs to the west of the Clydach stream. Felin Newydd (New Mill) replaced this and was built along side the Caerfanell river adjacent to the eventual site of the Talybont reservoir dam. Pencelli mill buildings still exist and serve as an important bat roost. Operating a mill was skilled, heavy and dangerous