Monmouth or Trefynwy has long been an important town located at the convergence of the Monnow and Wye Rivers. The earliest historical records indicate that the Romans established a fort, Blestium, her in 55 AD, likely the first Roman fort in Wales. But it wasn't until the Norman invasion, that Monmouth received a good amount of attention. FitzOsbern (the same man of Chepstow Castle fame) . He built Monmouth Castle here in the eleventh century, first in wood and then in stone, half a century later.
In 1267, Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster, took over the castle and set about improving the castle. His grandson also remodeled giving us what we can see today. The Lancasters continued to use the castle. They sided with Isabella when she invaded England to overthrow her husband's rule in 1327 and the castle was the first prison for Edward II. A future Lancastrian King, Henry IV called this place home prior to his enthronment. His heir, Henry V was born here in 1366 and the castle became royal after that.
Henry VIII abolished the Marcher lords and changed the borders to incorporate the area into Herefordshire and Glouchestershire. As the castle was less important for defense in this period, the outer bailey began to serve the markets and today makes up Agincourt Square, named for Henry V's most notable military win. It played a notable role in the Civil War and was slighted to prevent its use in the future. Monmouth trucked along under English administration, but it officially became Welsh in 1972 after nearly 500 years of ambiguity.
While the castle is mainly rubble, a very rare medieval monument does remain. The Monnow Bridge is the oldest medieval fortified bridge in the Uniked Kingdom with its gate house still intact. Not only was a guarded bridge strategically important for defence, it also provided the town good revenue from tolls. The original gate was crenellated, but restoration and future uses (including a home) saw the roof replaced with a more traditional shape. As needs changed in the Isles, so too did bridges, and many similar structures were dismantled. However, Monnow's has stood the test of time. Tours of the gatehouse are possible when booked through the Shire Hall.
Across the Monnow River, is the Parish Church of Saint Thomas the Martyr, Over Monnow. The oldest parts of the structure date to the 12th century with an impressive Norman arch in the nave. It was mentioned by the Papacy in 1186, although some believe the initial church may date back to Saxon times. The two baptismal fonts have been a focus of more recent reserach that indicates these date back to Norman or potentially pre-invasion times. The church also has a well-done children's guide complete with pictures for those not yet reading.
In 1673, Henry Somerset built the Great Castle House next to the castle remains which served as a quarry for the builders. Great Castle House was home to the court until the Shire Hall was built fifty years later. Today it is home to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, one of the oldest regiments in Britain. Created by Henry VIII in 1539, there is a dispute if they or the Honourable Artillery Company are more senior. The late Queen Elizabeth ruled in favor of the Royal Engineers. The ground floor of the Great Castle House is a museum dedicated to the regiment's history and has some interesting displays and artifacts on warfare over the last five centuries.
The Shire Hall is a beautiful 18th century building that houses a local museum and tourism hub as well as a children's play area (perfect for unexpected drizzle) and local exhibits. It also served as the trial site for the Chartists treason trial in 1840. The hall is closed Wednesday and Sundays. Pick up a walking guide here or keep your eye out for QR codes scattered around town that point out interesting facts and notable persons.
Another 18th century gem is the yellow Cornwall House on the high street. Built in the Queen Anne style, it has been meticulously maintained. You can visit the house most Friday afternoons in the summer and by appointment. Nearby, the Nelson Garden is tucked away behind a tunnel and has been restored to its Georgian heyday. It is also open Fridays during the summer.
Past the main street is St Mary's Priory Church. Its roots date back to a Benedictine priory that was established in the eleventh century. Most of what we see today is from the 18th and 19th centuries, but there is a portion of the wall from the Norman church. The tower also has portions from the 14th century. The church suffered heavily after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, necessitating the rebuilt we see today.
For food, try the Coffi Lab for a coffee break or breakfast. The Castle Inn serves up tasty pub food with vegan options and a popular Sunday Roast. Children's menus available, too.
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