Monmouth, South Wales (unfinished article)
Created | Updated Apr 22, 2002
Monmouth is a small town in the county of Momouthshire (formerly Gwent) in South Wales. It's a good place to go if you fancy a holiday in the country with added historical interest. It forms part of the beautiful Wye Valley, and is not far from the Forest of Dean.
Monmouth - the past
There is a lot to interest the historically minded: Monmouth was the Birthplace of King Henry V and is mentioned by Shakespeare in the play of that name. The remnants of the castle in which he was born can be still be seen. Admiral Nelson stayed here and was delighted with the town and there is a museum dedicated to him on Priory street.
There is evidence of even earlier inhabitants, the local archaeology society have spent much time unearthing the foundations of earlier buildings in Monnow Street: the Romans named the Town Blestium. Fragments of the old town wall can be seen here and there and Monmouth boasts one of the only bridges with a gatehouse in this country.
Monmouth - The present
Monmouth is a Market Town, although it was badly affected by the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001, but the cattle market is thankfully still flourishing.
Monmouth also boasts two recording studios: Rockfield Studios built with assistance of musician Dave Edmunds; and Monnow Valley, which have seen the likes of Oasis, The Charlatans, Stereophonics, Simple minds, Judas Priest, Paul Weller and a bunch of other bands that never got discovered (!) Rockfield studios was where Freddie Mercury had a row with his manager which led to the writng of Bohemian Rhapsody.
