Wikipedia project to cover life in Monmouth

by **BobHelm** » December 30, 2011, 6:35 pm

As the town where I spent the first few years of my married life when still a youngster

it will be interesting to see exactly where this project goes...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-sout ... s-16359364

Certainly a great deal of historical interest about & near the town...

by **Ray.Charles** » December 30, 2011, 8:31 pm

Bob, I didn't realize that we are almost related. I spent most of my adult life in Monmouth County, New Jersey, consistently rated as 2nd or 3rd Best County in the U.S. to live in. Of course Udon Thani is much , much better. We have history too. Some residents, a few years before my time beat the Red Coats in the battle of Monmouth. No gratitude whatsoever -- the county seat Freehold is named as such because the Red Coat's king gifted the land to the settlers.
I still have a Post Box there # 7398 to receive New Year's gifts.

by **BobHelm** » December 30, 2011, 8:59 pm

Ah, I think Monmouth, Gwent has rather an older history than its' namesake in the USA, Ray.

It would appear to have originally been built as a Roman Fort to keep the Celts in Wales which would have been about 200 AD. It was well established & so, of course, appears in the Doomsday Book commissioned by William of Normandy when he became just about the last successful person to invade the UK in 1066.
Still using today a 13th. Century gated bridge that has allowed humans & sheep to cross the River Monnow since that time.
In 1605 James the First granted the town a charter & in 1840 the last men to be publically executed by being hung, drawn & quartered also met their end there after the famed 'Newport Riots'.
Lord Nelson also spent a considerable amount of time there, rumor has it with Lady Hamilton, while selecting timber from the nearby Forest of Dean for the English men of war that defeated Napoleons' navy.

Just a brief bit of the history, but plenty more available on the net.....including a number of battles & residence by a number of English Kings plus The Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell....

Wikipedia project to cover life in Monmouth