Historic Monmouth
A pretty market town with a rich history
Take a virtual tour of the town
Interesting places to see, slightly off the beaten track...
Geoffrey of Monmouth
One of the most influential writers of the medieval period. Born around 1100, Geoffrey is best known for his seminal work, "Historia Regum Britanniae" (The History of the Kings of Britain), which has had a profound impact on the legend of King Arthur and the mythology of Britain.
Although details about his early life are sparse, it is believed that Geoffrey may have been born and educated in Monmouth, and spent his formative years in the region. His deep connection to the area is reflected in his writings.
Henry V
Born in Monmouth Castle in 1387, Henry became one of England's most celebrated monarchs, known for his military successes during the Hundred Years' War, particularly the Battle of Agincourt.
Admiral Lord Nelson
Nelson visited the town in 1802 while travelling down the Wye with Sir William and Lady Emma Hamilton.
He visited the Naval Temple on the Kymin, had lunch in the Beaufort Arms Hotel, and took tea in the Nelson Garden.
Notable People
Chartist Leaders
John Frost, Zephaniah Williams and William Jones were tried for Treason at the Shire Hall, Monmouth following the Newport Rising.
All three were found guilty and became the last men in Britain sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. These sentences caused public outcry and were commuted to transportation for life to Van Diemen's Land: modern day Tasmania.
Charles Stewart Rolls
The co-founder of Rolls-Royce, born at The Hendre near Monmouth, was a pioneering aviator and motorist whose legacy is commemorated in the town. aviator and motorist whose legacy is commemorated in the town.
William Wilson Allen, VC
An English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Boer Wars, in January 1879. This is the highest and most prestigious award for valour in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
William died of pneumonia in 1890 and is buried at Monmouth Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh at Brecon.
The artist, De Neuville, based the painting (above) on eye witness accounts. (Wikicommons)
The Birthplace of Legends
Is a fitting designation for the Town, stemming from its significant historical events, influential literary figures like Geoffrey of Monmouth, and its role in popularising some of the most enduring legends in British history. The town's rich tangible and intangible heritage, artistic and cultural hub, historic landmarks, and natural beauty continue to captivate and inspire, keeping its legendary status alive.
Roots to Neolithic times
Evidence of a Bronze Age boat-building community, including three 100-foot-long (30-metre) channels adjoining the site of a now-vanished lake, was discovered in September 2013, during archaeological investigations by the Monmouth Archaeological Society.
Roman Beginnings
Monmouth was originally established as a Roman fort, Blestium, taking advantage of its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers.
Medieval Era:
The town flourished in the medieval period, with the construction of Monmouth Castle around 1067. The castle is famously the birthplace of King Henry V in 1387.
Monnow Bridge
This iconic structure, built in the 13th century, is the only remaining fortified river bridge in the UK. It symbolizes Monmouth's historical significance and enduring legacy.
Tours are available of the gatehouse above the bridge. Please contact Monmouth Shire Hall for more details.
Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)
Is the oldest regiment of the British Army Reserve, with a history dating back over 400 years. The regiment traces its origins to the Militia Act of 1539, during the reign of King Henry VIII, which mandated the creation of local militia forces across England and Wales for defence against foreign invaders. Following the Restoration of King Charles II, the Monmouthshire Militia was formally established as a county regiment, primarily responsible for local defence and maintaining order.
Originally an Infantry Militia charged with home defence, the Royal Monmouthshire Light Infantry became a Royal Engineer unit in 1896. The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) is therefore the only unit with two “Royals” in its title and the only Royal Engineer unit whose members wear the Prince of Wales Division cap-badge.
It maintains its headquarters at Castle House, next door to Monmouth Castle, symbolizing its deep-rooted connection to the local community. The regiment stands as a testament to the enduring importance of militia forces in British military history, evolving from a local defence force to a highly skilled engineering unit within the modern Army Reserve.
The Shire Hall and Museum
Built in the 16th century, it served as a centre for local government and justice. Following the Newport Rising, on November 4 1839, a large group of Chartists marched on Newport, resulting in a violent confrontation with authorities. 12 men were arrested and then tried in Monmouth at the Shire Hall including several leaders, notably John Frost, Zephaniah Williams, and William Jones. The trials proved to be a landmark event in the struggle for democratic reforms in Britain.
Today, the Shire Hall operates as a museum and cultural hub, offering insights into Monmouth's storied past. It is also home to the Town Council and Tourist Information Centre. https://www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/the-shire-hall/
Monmouth's history is not just confined to its buildings; the town has been a centre for markets, fairs, and cultural exchanges for centuries.
Rock Legends
Rockfield Studios began its commercial recording life in 1961 and in 1965 was acknowledged to be the first residential recording studio in the world.
They have played host to many of the world’s biggest artists – Queen, Oasis, Coldplay, Black Sabbath, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop, Nigel Kennedy, Simple Minds, Paolo Nuttini and Rush.
The Castle and Regimental Museum
Tells the story of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.
The artefacts on display cover the Militia System, the importance of the Dukes of Beaufort, and such regimental distinctions as the Double Royal title, the colours, the Freedoms, and the present status as Senior Regiment of the Reserve Army. Small sections touch on changing exhibitions, the Home Front, HMS Monmouth, and the wars in The Balkans and Iraq.
Nelson Garden
This hidden, secluded walled garden in the centre of Monmouth is registered by Cadw as being a garden of special historic interest.
The Nelson Garden contains a fine memorial pavilion, thought to date from the 1840s, in which Lord Nelson, Lord and Lady Hamilton took refreshment during their visit to the town. A rare example of an eighteenth-century
hot-wall is at the northern boundary of the Garden.
The Kymin
(A National Trust property)
The eighteenth century buildings and landscape of The Kymin provide stunning views across to the Brecon Beacons.
The Round House, was built in 1796 as a gentlemen’s dining club.
The adjacent Naval Temple, completed in 1801, boasts a painting of The Battle of the Nile and celebrates sixteen admirals and their naval victories.
The Poppy Trail
You can learn some of the story of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and their engagement in World
War One and other conflicts
by taking the Poppy Trail,
which starts at the memorial
garden next to Monmouth
Castle and ends at Monnow
Eyecare in Cinderhill Street.
Blue Plaque Trail
The Monmouth Heritage Trail, compiled by Monmouth Civic Society in 2009, consists of 24 historic and interesting buildings .
Heritage Interpretation
There are informative panels throughout Monmouth from Monnow Bridge up to Monmouth Castle and Church Street detailing the town's diverse history.