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==Etymology==
The name Monmouth is an [[English language|English]] contraction of 'Monnow-mouth'. The Welsh name for the river, ''Mynwy'', which may originally have meant "fast-flowing", was [[anglicisation|anglicised]] as [[River Monnow|Monnow]]. The town was originally known in Welsh as ''Abermynwy'' ("mouth of the Monnow"), replaced by ''Trefynwy'' ("Monnow town" - the initial ''m'' of ''Mynwy'' [[Lenition|mutating]] in Welsh to ''f'') by the 17th century.<ref>Hywel Wyn Owen, ''The Place-Names of Wales'', 2000, [[University of Wales]] Press, ISBN 0-7083-1458-9, p.63</ref> -->
{{wide image|MonmouthfromKymin.jpg|1200px|alt=View of Monmouth from Kymin|Urbs Monemuta a colle ''Kymin'' visa}}
==History==
Excavations undertaken by the [[Monmouth Archaeological Society]] on sites along Monnow Street have uncovered a wealth of information about the early history of the town. Indeed, the [[Council for British Archaeology]] have designated Monmouth as one of the top ten towns in Britain for archaeology.<ref name=kissack>[[Keith Kissack]], ''Monmouth and its Buildings'', Logaston Press, 2003, ISBN 1-904396-01-1</ref>
===Roman times===
The first known settlement at Monmouth was the small [[Roman Britain|Roman]] fort of ''[[Blestium]]'', one of a network of military bases established on the frontiers of the Roman occupation. This was connected [[Roman road|by road]] to the larger Roman towns at ''[[Glevum]]'' ([[Gloucester]]) and ''[[Isca Augusta]]'' ([[Caerleon]]). Archaeologists have found [[Ancient Roman pottery|Roman pottery]] and [[Roman currency|coins]] within the modern town centre. During the later Roman period, between the 2nd and late 4th centuries, it appears to have been a centre for [[iron working]], using the local [[iron ore]]s and [[charcoal]] also worked at nearby ''[[Gobannium]]'' ([[Abergavenny]]) and ''[[Ariconium]]'' (near [[Ross-on-Wye]]).<ref name=ggatlandscape/><ref name=newman>John Newman, ''The Buildings of Wales: Gwent/Monmouthshire'', 2000, ISBN 0-14-071053-1, pp.393–412</ref><ref name=briefhistory>[http://www.monmouth-south.co.uk/South_Monmouth_Weather_Station/Brief_History.html A Brief History of the Town of Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
===The Middle Ages===
[[File:Monmouth Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1373622.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Monmouth Castle]], part of which remains in use as a regimental headquarters and museum]]
[[File:The only known example of an original 'Monmouth Cap',dating from the 16th century.jpg|thumb|140px|The only known example of an original [[Monmouth Cap]], dating from the 16th century, on display at [[Monmouth Museum]]]]
After the [[end of Roman rule in Britain]], the area was at the southern edge of the [[Welsh people|Welsh]] kingdom of [[Ergyng]]. The only evidence of continuing settlement at Monmouth is a record of a 7th century church, at an unknown location within the town, dedicated to the Welsh [[saint]] [[Cadoc]]. In 1056, the area was devastated by the Welsh prince [[Gruffydd ap Llywelyn]], on his way with an army of Welsh, [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxons]] and [[Danes]] to defeat [[Ralph the Timid|Ralph]], [[Earl of Hereford]] and sack the Saxon ''[[burh]]'' at [[Hereford]], {{convert|18|mi}} to the north.<ref name=briefhistory/>
Following the [[Norman conquest of England]] in 1066, the earldom of Hereford was given to [[William fitzOsbern]] of [[Breteuil, Eure|Breteuil]], [[Normandy]], one of [[William the Conqueror|King William]]'s closest allies, who was responsible for defending the area against the Welsh. [[Monmouth Castle|A new castle]] was built at Monmouth, holding commanding views over the surrounding area from a sound defensive site and exerting control over both river crossings and the area's important resources of farmland, timber and minerals.<ref name=ggatlandscape/> Initially it would have been a [[motte and bailey]] [[castle]], later rebuilt in stone, and refortified and developed over time. A town grew up around it, and a [[Benedictine]] [[priory]] was established around 1075 by [[Withenoc]], a [[Breton people|Breton]] who became lord of Monmouth after [[Roger de Breteuil, 2nd Earl of Hereford|Roger]], the son of William fitzOsbern, was disgraced.<ref name=ggatlandscape/> The priory may have once been the residence of the [[monk]] [[Geoffrey of Monmouth]], who was born around 1100 and is best known for writing the chronicle ''[[Historia Regum Britanniae]]'' ("History of the Kings of Britain").
The town was recorded in the [[Domesday Book]], and expanded thereafter. There was early [[burgage]] development along Monnow Street, and the [[suburb]] of [[Overmonnow]], west of the river, began to develop by the 12th century.<ref name=ggatlandscape>[http://www.ggat.org.uk/cadw/historic_landscape/wye_valley/english/wyevalley_features.htm Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Historic Landscape Characterisation: Lower Wye Valley]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Charters from the period refer to the town's trade in [[iron]], and to [[forge]]s making use of local [[iron ore|ore]] and [[charcoal]]. The [[cinder]]s produced by the forges formed heaps, and were used in building foundations; the name of Cinderhill Street in Overmonnow dates from this period.<ref name=kissackmedieval>{{cite book|last=Kissack|first=Keith|title=Mediaeval Monmouth| publisher = The Monmouth Historical and Educational Trust|year= 1974| page=24}}</ref>
During the period of turmoil between the supporters of King [[Henry III of England|Henry III]] and the barons who sought to curtail his power, the town was the scene of a major [[Battle of Monmouth (1233)|battle in 1233]], in which the king's forces were routed by the troops of [[Richard Marshal]], [[Earl of Pembroke]]. Later, the castle was extended by Henry's son [[Edmund Crouchback]], after he became [[Earl of Lancaster]] in 1267.<ref name=ggatlandscape/> In about 1300, town walls were built, and the [[Monnow Bridge|bridge over the Monnow]] was [[fortification|fortified]]. The bridge, now [[pedestrianisation|pedestrianised]], remains in place today, the only such fortified bridge in Britain and reputedly one of only three similar crossings in Europe.<ref name=newman/><ref name=tchistory>[http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/monmouth.asp Monmouth Town Council: History of the town]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
King [[Edward II of England|Edward II]] was briefly imprisoned at Monmouth Castle in 1326 after being overthrown by his wife [[Isabella of France|Isabella]] and her lover [[Roger Mortimer of Wigmore|Roger Mortimer]], the Earl of March.<ref name="Mary Saaler 1997, p. 134">Mary Saaler, ''Edward II: 1307-1327''. Rubicon Press, Norwich, 1997, p. 134</ref> In the mid 14th century, the castle and town came into the possession of the [[House of Lancaster]] through the marriage of [[John of Gaunt]] to [[Blanche of Lancaster]]. John of Gaunt strengthened the castle, adding the Great Hall, and the castle became a favourite residence of the House of Lancaster. In 1387, John of Gaunt's grandson was born to [[Mary de Bohun]], in the Queen's Chamber within the gatehouse of Monmouth Castle, while his father [[Henry Bolinbroke]] was [[hunting]] in the area. The boy was known as Henry of Monmouth before his coronation as [[Henry V of England|Henry V]]; supported by [[longbowmen]] from the area, he won the [[Battle of Agincourt]] in 1415. Monmouth's links with Henry are commemorated in the naming of the main town square, Agincourt Square, and in the statue of Henry on the front of the [[Shire Hall, Monmouth|Shire Hall]].
From the 14th century onwards, the town became noted for the production of [[wool]]len [[Monmouth cap]]s.<ref name=tchistory/> However, as a border town, its prosperity suffered after nearby areas, including [[Battle of Pwll Melyn|Usk]] and [[Grosmont, Monmouthshire|Grosmont]], were devastated through [[Glyndŵr Rising|attacks]] by supporters of [[Owain Glyndŵr]] around 1405, though Monmouth itself did not come under attack.<ref name=briefhistory/>
===Post-mediæval times===
[[File:Old map of Monmouth, Wales.jpg|thumb|350px|1610 Map of Monmouth by [[John Speed]]]]
In 1536, [[Henry VIII]] imposed the [[Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542]], abolishing the powers of the [[Marcher Lords]] and integrating the administration of [[England and Wales]]. A new [[shire]] was created covering the area west of [[Gloucestershire]] and [[Herefordshire]], and Monmouth became its county town. The town gained representation in the [[English Parliament]] at the same time, and the its priory was [[Dissolution of the Monasteries|dissolved]]. In 1605, [[James I of England|James I]] granted Monmouth a [[town charter]] by [[letters patent]]. The granting of the charter included the charge that the town "at all perpetual future times ... be and remain a town and borough of Peace and Quiet, to the example and terror of the wicked and reward of the good".<ref name="monmouth.gov-history">{{cite web|url=http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/monmouth.htm|title=Monmouth Town Council|accessdate=1 February 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060507183021/http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/monmouth.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 7 May 2006}}</ref> The layout of the town as depicted in Speed's map of 1610 would be easily recognisable to present day inhabitants, with the layout of the main axis clearly visible from the castle via the main street, Monnow Street, to the bridge. Monnow Street is a typical market street, in being wide in the middle (for those selling) and narrow at each end, to help prevent livestock escaping.<ref name=briefhistory/>
[[Monmouth School]] was founded by [[William Jones (haberdasher)|William Jones]] in 1614. The castle changed hands three times during the [[English Civil War]], and [[Oliver Cromwell]] passed through on his way to retaking [[Chepstow Castle]] and laying siege to [[Pembroke Castle]] in 1648.<ref>Peter Gaunt, ''Oliver Cromwell'', Oxford, Blackwell, 1996, p. 93. ISBN 0-631-18356-6</ref> Monmouth castle was [[slighting|slighted]] after the wars ended, but the town itself grew in prosperity. [[Great Castle House]], built in 1673, is now the home of the [[Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)]], the oldest regiment in the [[British Army]]. The [[Shire Hall, Monmouth|Shire Hall]] was built in 1724, and was used for the local [[Assizes]], with the area beneath the building serving as the town market.<ref name=tchistory/>
By the end of the 18th century, the town had become a popular centre for visitors undertaking the "Wye Tour", an excursion by boat through the scenic [[Wye Valley]] taking in the [[picturesque]] sights of Ross-on-Wye, [[Goodrich Castle|Goodrich]], [[Tintern Abbey|Tintern]], [[Chepstow Castle|Chepstow]] and elsewhere.<ref name=briefhistory/> Poets [[William Wordsworth]], [[Samuel Coleridge]], and [[Robert Southey]], as well as painter [[J. M. W. Turner]], were among those who visited the area.<ref name=tchistory/><ref>Elisabeth Whittle, "All These Inchanting Scenes: Piercefield in the Wye Valley", ''Garden History'', Vol. 24, No. 1 (Summer 1996), pp. 148–161.</ref>
===The 19th and 20th centuries===
{{The Railways of Monmouth}}
[[File:Charles Rolls statue.jpg|thumb|left|160px|[[Statue of Charles Rolls, Monmouth|Statue]] of [[Charles Rolls]] at Shire Hall]]
The town was visited in 1802 by [[Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson|Admiral Horatio Nelson]], who knew the importance of the area's woodland in providing timber for the [[British Navy]] and approved a Naval Temple built in his honour on the nearby [[Kymin Hill]].<ref name="Horatio Nelson">{{cite web|url=http://www.monmouth.org.uk/History/nelson.aspx|title=Horatio Nelson in Monmouth|accessdate=20 November 2009}}</ref> In 1840, at Monmouth's Shire Hall, [[Chartism|Chartist]] protesters [[John Frost (Chartist)|John Frost]], [[Zephaniah Williams]] and [[William Jones (Chartist)|William Jones]] became the last men in Britain to be sentenced to be [[hanged, drawn and quartered]] after being found guilty of [[treason]] following [[Newport Rising|riots in Newport]] that led to 20 deaths. The sentences were later commuted to [[Penal transportation|transportation]] to [[Van Diemen's Land]].<ref name=briefhistory/> Four railways were built to serve Monmouth between 1857 and 1883: the [[Coleford, Monmouth, Usk and Pontypool Railway]], the [[Ross and Monmouth Railway]], the [[Wye Valley Railway]], and the [[Coleford Railway]]. All of these closed between 1917 and 1964.<ref name=handley&dingwall>B. M. Handley and R. Dingwall, ''The Wye Valley Railway and the Coleford Branch'', 1982, ISBN 0-85361-530-6</ref>
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Monmouth had close links with the Rolls family, who built a mansion at [[The Hendre]] just outside the town. In 1904, [[Charles Rolls]] established a new [[Rolls-Royce Limited|car making business]] with [[Henry Royce]], but in 1910 he was killed in an aeroplane crash at the age of 32; he is commemorated by a [[Statue of Charles Rolls, Monmouth|statue in Agincourt Square]]. St Mary's Church contains a memorial to the men of who lost their lives in [[HMS Monmouth (1901)|HMS ''Monmouth'']], which was sunk with all hands on 1 November 1914, by German cruisers [[SMS Scharnhorst|SMS ''Scharnhorst'']] and [[SMS Gneisenau|SMS ''Gneisenau'']] off the [[Chile|Chilean Coast]] at the [[Battle of Coronel]]; the church hosts an annual service in remembrance.<ref name="HMS Monmouth">{{cite web|url=http://www.coronel.org.uk/monmouth.php|title=HMS Monmouth|accessdate=2 December 2009}}</ref> Seven [[Royal Navy]] ships have been named after the town, including a [[Type 23]] frigate launched in 1991 which is still in operation.
Monmouth remained a relatively sedate and quiet small town for most of the 20th century; its passenger rail services ended in 1959, but its road connections greatly improved with the new A40 bypassing the town in 1966, and later connecting the town to the motorway system. These improved communications contributed to the development of the town, with suburbs extending beyond the rivers [[River Wye|Wye]] and [[River Monnow|Monnow]] to the south-east, west and north of the old town centre.<ref name=briefhistory/>
==Geography==
[[File:Monmouth Floods Wonastow Road 1929.jpg|thumb|right|300px|floods in Monmouth, Wonastow Road, 1929]]
Monmouth is located in an area of [[Devonian]] [[old red sandstone]], at the point where the [[River Wye]] is joined by its tributary, the [[River Monnow]], and immediately north of the point at which the smaller [[River Trothy]] flows into the Wye from the west. Immediately to the south, the Wye enters its gorge, incised into sandstone and, in particular, [[carboniferous limestone]]. The town is surrounded by wooded hills to its north, east and south, including Buckholt Wood ({{convert|230|m}}), [[The Kymin]] ({{convert|260|m}}), and The Graig ({{convert|258|m}}), with more gently undulating terrain to the west.<ref name=peterken>George Peterken, ''The New Naturalist Library: Wye Valley'', Collins, 2008, ISBN 978-0-00-716069-3, pp.31 et seq.</ref> The town centre itself is sited on a low-lying spur between the [[floodplain]]s of the Wye and Monnow, and has frequently suffered from severe flooding.<ref>[http://www.jstor.org/pss/1568771 Keith Kissack, ''Monmouth and the Floods'', Architectural History, Vol. 44, 2001]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The [[water meadow]]s to the north and south of the town centre, known respectively as [[Vauxhall Fields, Monmouth|Vauxhall Fields]] and [[Chippenham Park, Monmouth|Chippenham]], have generally remained free of development.<ref>[http://www.edenvaleyoung.com/projects/descriptions/monmouth_strategic_floodrisk_mapping.php Edenvale Young: Monmouth Strategic Flood Risk Mapping]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
In climatic terms, the town is located between those areas around the [[Severn estuary]] which show a maritime influence, and the cooler and drier conditions of the [[Midlands (England)|Midlands of England]] further inland.<ref name=peterken/> The nearby [[Ross-on-Wye]] [[weather station]] shows average daily maximum temperatures ranging from {{convert|7.3|°C|°F}} in January to {{convert|22.0|°C|°F}} in July, with 1504 hours of sunshine per year, and an average annual rainfall of {{convert|706|mm}}.<ref>[http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/ross_on_wye.html Met Office: Ross-On-Wye 1971–2000 averages]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
==Transport==
[[File:Monmouth Troy railway station 2180845 175388bb.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Monmouth Troy railway station]], November 1958]]
Monmouth is located beside the [[A40 road|A40]] [[dual carriageway]] road that links the [[M4 motorway]] at [[Newport]] in [[South Wales]] with the [[M50 motorway (Great Britain)|M50 motorway]] at [[Ross-on-Wye]]; this connects in turn with the [[M5 motorway]] south of [[Worcester]] in the [[West Midlands region|West Midlands]]. The A40 passed through the town centre until 1966, when it was reopened as a relief road on land between the town centre and the River Wye.<ref name=briefhistory/> South of the town, the road passes through a short tunnel beneath Gibraltar Hill; to the north east of the town, it follows the line of the Wye valley. The town is linked to Chepstow in the south and Hereford in the north by the [[A466 road]]. Regular bus services run between the town and Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, [[Coleford, Gloucestershire|Coleford]], Chepstow, Newport and [[Abergavenny]].<ref>[http://www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnshowl.asp?L1=MON003 Travel Search: Listing of bus and coach services from Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The nearest major airports to Monmouth are at [[Bristol Airport|Bristol]] ({{convert|41|mi}}) and [[Cardiff Airport|Cardiff]] ({{convert|49|mi}}). [[London Heathrow Airport]] is {{convert|120|mi}} away.
Since 1964 Monmouth has been without rail services.<ref name=handley&dingwall/> Monmouth's main [[railway station]], known as [[Monmouth Troy railway station|Monmouth Troy]], was a coal distribution depot and a base for heavy goods vehicles for many years after its closure as a part of the rail network, but the building has now been dismantled and re-erected at [[Winchcombe railway station]] on the [[Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gwsr.com/about-the-gwr/history/chronology.aspx|title=Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Website|accessdate=16 June 2009}}</ref> The other station at Monmouth was [[Monmouth Mayhill railway station|Monmouth May Hill]] on the [[Ross and Monmouth Railway]], built on the opposite bank of the [[River Wye]] to the town centre. This operated for many years as Monmouth Sawmills and Gas Works after its closure as part of the rail network.
==Governance==
Monmouth is administered by [[Monmouthshire County Council]], one of the 22 [[Local government in Wales|unitary local authorities in Wales]] formed in 1996. Its offices were located until 2012 at the former Gwent County Hall at [[Croesyceiliog]], [[Cwmbran]]; most staff are now located in offices at Usk and [[Magor, Monmouthshire|Magor]]. The town elects four county councillors, for the wards of Dixton with Osbaston, Drybridge, Overmonnow, and Wyesham; currently, all four councillors are [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]]s.<ref>[http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/councillors Monmouthshire Council: Councillors]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The town also has its own [[Town Council#United Kingdom|Town Council]], comprising 16 councillors elected every four years.<ref>[http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/town_council.asp Monmouth Town Council: Town Councillors and Council Meetings]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
[[File:Shire Hall Monmouth.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Shire Hall, Monmouth|Shire Hall]] in Agincourt Square, completed in 1724, as a court of [[assizes]] and [[quarter sessions]], scene of the famous [[Chartism|Chartist]] trial in 1840.]]
Monmouth had a [[Mayor of Monmouth|mayor]] and [[Burgess (title)|burgess]]es in mediæval times, and the town gained its first charter, from [[Henry VI of England|Henry VI]], in 1447.<ref>[http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/town_council.asp Monmouth Town Council: The Mayoralty of Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> It was included within the [[Skenfrith (hundred)|Hundred of Skenfrith]] after the [[Monmouthshire (historic)|county]] of Monmouthshire was formed.<ref>[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/MON/Monmouth/index.html ''The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland'', 1868, at genuki.org.uk]. Accessed 17 January 2012</ref> Following the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835|Municipal Corporations Act]] of 1835, the town elected a [[Municipal borough|Borough Council]], comprising a mayor, aldermen and councillors. In 1974 that Corporation was abolished, and the town became part of the much larger [[Monmouth (district)|Monmouth District]] (becoming Monmouth Borough in 1988), which until 1996 formed one of the five districts of [[Gwent (county)|Gwent]].<ref>[http://anws.llgc.org.uk/cgi-bin/anw/search2?coll_id=76791&inst_id=36&term=Local%20government%20|%20Wales%20|%20Monmouth Gwent Record Office: Monmouth Borough Council, records]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
The town was first represented in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in 1536, when it was allocated one seat and [[Monmouthshire (historic)|the shire]] two further seats.<ref name=eb1911/> By the late 17th century, the electorate of the three seats comprised the resident [[freedom of the city|freemen]] of Monmouth, [[Newport]] and [[Usk]], and after the [[Great Reform Act]] of 1832 the constituency was generally referred to as the [[Monmouth Boroughs (UK Parliament constituency)|Monmouth Boroughs]]. The [[Representation of the People Act 1918]] led to [[Newport (Monmouthshire) (UK Parliament constituency)|Newport]] becoming a [[parliamentary borough]] in its own right, and Monmouth was included in the new [[Monmouth (UK Parliament constituency)|Monmouth]] [[county constituency]]. The town has remained part of the Monmouth constituency in subsequent elections, although the constituency boundary has changed several times. Notable [[Member of Parliament|MPs]] for the area have included the industrialist [[Crawshay Bailey]] from 1852 to 1868; [[Peter Thorneycroft, Baron Thorneycroft|Peter Thorneycroft]], [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]] in 1957–58 and [[Chairman of the Conservative Party]] 1975–81, who was the town's MP from 1945 to 1966; and [[John Stradling Thomas]], MP from 1970 to 1991. The constituency has returned a [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] MP at most recent elections; the current member is [[David T C Davies (Welsh politician)|David Davies]], first elected in 2005. In elections for the [[Welsh Assembly]], the town is part of the [[Monmouth (Assembly constituency)|Monmouth constituency]]; the current [[Member of the National Assembly for Wales|AM]] is [[Nick Ramsay]] (Conservative). Monmouth is within the [[Wales (European Parliament constituency)|Wales constituency]] for the [[European Parliament]].
The [[Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542|Laws in Wales Acts]] created an anomaly in that, although Monmouthshire was noted as being in the 'Country or Dominion of Wales', it was made directly responsible to the courts of [[Westminster]] rather than falling under the [[Court of Great Sessions in Wales]]. Ecclesiastically, until 1836 the town of Monmouth fell within the [[diocese of Hereford]], rather than that of [[Diocese of Llandaff|Llandaff]].<ref name=eb1911>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Monmouthshire Monmouthshire in 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> These anomalies gave rise to the widespread belief that the area was part of England rather than Wales, although most legislation for Wales was applied to it using the phrase "Wales and Monmouthshire".<ref name=Davies>[[John Davies (historian)|John Davies]], ''A History of Wales'', 1993, ISBN 0-140-28475-3</ref> Following the [[Welsh Church Act 1914]], the [[Church in Wales]] established the [[Diocese of Monmouth]] in 1921, and in 1949, Monmouthshire was included within the remit of the [[Council for Wales and Monmouthshire]], an appointed precursor of the [[Welsh Office]].<ref>[http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1949/apr/26/council-for-wales-membership Statement by Clement Attlee on the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The issue of whether Monmouth should be considered as part of Wales for administrative purposes was finally clarified in law by the [[Local Government Act 1972]], which incorporated Monmouthshire within Wales.<ref>Local government Act 1972 (c.70), sections 1, 20 and 269</ref>
==Economy==
[[File:Monnow Street, Monmouth.jpg|thumb|250px|Monnow Street, historically the site of the town's market and now its main shopping street]]
[[File:Monmouth Monnow St 1918.jpg|thumb|250px||Monnow Street in 1918]]
Monmouth developed primarily as a market town, and [[agricultural]] centre, rather than as a centre of industry. The [[wool]] industry was important in its early growth, and the town was a centre for the production of the very popular [[knitting|knitted]] and [[felt]]ed [[Monmouth cap]]s, from the 15th century onwards.<ref name=gtj>[http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/small/item/GTJ01788/ Gathering the Jewels: Monmouth cap, 16th century]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Historically, Monmouth also had iron and [[tinplate]] works, together with paper and corn mills. The town was also an important river port, with warehouses and wharves along the Wye later removed for the building of the A40 relief road.<ref name=ggatlandscape/><ref name=eb1911/>
Monmouth is now primarily a centre for [[service industries]] and [[tourism]], and its good road communications have encouraged [[commuting]] to larger centres in the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]], [[South Wales]], and [[Bristol]].<ref>[http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/2467/draft_economic_development_strategy Monmouthshire County Council: Draft Economic Development Strategy]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce represents businesses in the town and aims to support and encourage their development.<ref>[http://www.mdctc.co.uk/ Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
The town has a variety of both national and independent shops, many of which are located in Monnow Street. Supermarkets include [[Waitrose]], [[Cooperative Food]], [[Marks & Spencer]] Food, [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]], and (at Wyesham) [[Lidl]]. The town also has a full range of banks and many independent cafes and restaurants. Church Street, a cobbled pedestrianised street, contains craft shops, a book shop, a traditional greengrocer, chemist, coffee shops and restaurants.<ref name=welcome/> Monmouth has been a [[Fairtrade]] town since 2005.<ref>[http://www.monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk/FairtradeForum/index.htm Monmouth Fair Trade Forum]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> A regular market takes place close to the Monnow Bridge, and occasionally in the traditional market place in Agincourt Square. There are numerous [[public house]]s in the centre of the town, including the Old Nags Head, the [http://www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk/ Queen's Head], the Punch House, the Griffin, the Gloucester, the Vinetree, the [[King's Head Hotel, Monmouth|King's Head]] ([[Wetherspoon]]), the Three Horseshoes, the Green Dragon and the Gatehouse.
According to the 2001 census,<ref>[http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=284294&c=Monmouth&d=140&e=15&g=421081&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1326147045774&enc=1&dsFamilyId=27 ONS, Neighbourhood Statistics: Monmouthshire 004, Industry of Employment]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Monmouth had relatively high proportions of its population working in the retail and wholesale sectors of the economy (19.5%, compared with 16.3% for Wales as a whole), education (11.8%, compared with 8.1% across Wales), and property services (10.8%, compared with 8.5% across Wales). The proportion working in manufacturing was lower than the average (16.5% compared with 17.3% across Wales), as was the proportion in public administration (4.3% compared with 6.8% across Wales). In terms of occupational groups,<ref>[http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=284294&c=Monmouth&d=140&e=15&g=421081&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1326147045774&enc=1&dsFamilyId=33 ONS, Neighbourhood Statistics: Monmouthshire 004, Occupation Groups]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> the proportion of residents in managerial and professional posts was higher than average (30.1% compared with 22.7% across Wales), and the proportions in administrative and processing work were lower (8.7% in each group, compared with 12.2% and 10.2% respectively across Wales).
==Demography==
The usual resident population in the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 census]] was 8,877.<ref name=onsage/><ref name=planningpolicy>[http://www.planningpolicy.monmouthshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/256/town_and_community_council_statistics_report Monmouthshire County Council: Town and community council statistics]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Of that total, 1,760 (19.8%) were aged 15 or younger; 1,227 (13.8%) between 16 and 29; 1,687 (21.1%) between 30 and 44; 1,849 (20.8%) between 45 and 59; 1,386 (15.6%) between 60 and 74; and 968 (10.9%) aged 75 or over.<ref name=onsage>[http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=284294&c=Monmouth&d=140&e=15&g=421081&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1326393607191&enc=1&dsFamilyId=276 ONS Neighbourhood Statistics: Area: Monmouthshire 004, Age Structure (KS02)]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The [[median]] age of residents was 42, in comparison to a Wales-wide median age of 39.<ref name=onsage/> The town's population increased from 5,504 in 1961 to 8,877 in 2001, a growth of 61% over forty years.<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10189070&c_id=10001043&add=N Vision of Britain: Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
[[File:Monmouth School.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Monmouth School]], an independent secondary school founded in 1614]]
==Education and health==
The town is served by Monmouth [[Comprehensive School]], on Old Dixton Road,<ref>[http://monmouth.monmoodle.co.uk/ Monmouth Comprehensive School]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> with over 1,600 pupils. There are [[primary schools]] at Kymin View, Osbaston, and Overmonnow, with most areas served by both [[Infant School|infants]] and [[Junior School|junior]] schools.<ref>[http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5873/list_of_schools Monmouthshire Council: List of schools]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> There are also two [[independent school]]s, [[Monmouth School]] and [[Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls]]. [[:Category:People educated at Monmouth School|Former pupils of Monmouth School]] have included politicians [[Colin Moynihan]] and [[Derek Ezra, Baron Ezra|Derek Ezra]]; international [[rugby union|rugby]] players [[Eddie Butler (rugby player)|Eddie Butler]] and [[John Gwilliam]]; and show jumper [[David Broome]]. Former [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] and [[British and Irish Lions|British Lions]] rugby player [[John Bevan (rugby)|John Bevan]] now teaches at the school. Secondary students wishing to learn through the medium of Welsh are bused to {{Lang|cy|[[Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw]]}} in [[Pontypool]]. There is a Welsh-language parent-and-toddler group - {{Lang|cy|"Cylchoedd Ti a Fi" Trefynwy}} - which operates under the umbrella of {{Lang|cy|[[Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin]]}}. {{Lang|cy|[[Coleg Gwent]]}} offers short courses at their "Learn IT Centre."
Health care services in Monmouth, as part of the [[NHS Wales|National Health Service]], are provided by the [[Aneurin Bevan Health Board]]. [[Monmouth Hospital]] closed in 2006, and health services are now provided at the Monnow Vale Integrated Health and Social Care Facility, a [[Private_finance_initiative#National_Health_Service_.28NHS.29|private finance initiative hospital]]<ref>[http://www.partnershipsuk.org.uk/PUK-Case-Study.aspx?Region=Wales&SubRegion=&Project=11959 Partnership UK website]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> located beside [[Drybridge House]].<ref>[http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/866/page/40474 Aneurin Bevan Health Board: Monnow Vale]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
==Religion==
In the 2001 census, 74.2% of the town's resident population gave their religion as [[Christianity|Christian]], with 16.7% stating "no religion". Minority religions included [[Muslim]] (0.2%), [[Sikh]] (0.2%), and [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] (0.2%).<ref>[http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=284294&c=Monmouth&d=140&e=15&g=421081&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&r=1&s=1326322243839&enc=1 ONS, 2001 Census, Key Statistics, Monmouthshire 004]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
Monmouth contains [[church (building)|church]]es of several [[Christian denomination|denomination]]s. Within the [[Church in Wales]], the Monmouth Group of Parishes includes the [[Priory Church of St Mary, Monmouth|Priory Church of St Mary]],<ref>[http://www.monmouthparishes.org/index.php?page=St-Marys-Priory-Church "St Mary's Priory Church" at monmouthparishes.org]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> which holds regular weekly services.<ref name=monmouthgroupofparishes>[http://www.monmouthchurchestogether.org.uk/index.php?page=monmouth-group-of-parishes Monmouth Group of Parishes]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> The church was founded as a [[Benedictine]] [[priory]] around 1075. It fell into ruin after the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in 1536, but was rebuilt as a [[parish church]] in 1737, and then completely rebuilt again in 1882. The church spire is prominent in views of, and within, the town.<ref name=newman/> Other [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] churches in the local group of parishes are [[Church of St Thomas the Martyr, Monmouth|St Thomas]]' at Overmonnow, and the churches at [[Mitchel Troy]], [[Wonastow]] and [[Buckholt, Monmouthshire|Buckholt]].<ref name=monmouthgroupofparishes/> The [[Diocese of Monmouth]], the cathedral of which is the [[Newport Cathedral|Cathedral Church of St Woolos]] in Newport, is one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales. The churches at Wyesham and [[Dixton]], though within the boundaries of Wales, are administered by the [[Church of England]], and fall within the [[Diocese of Hereford]].<ref>[http://www.achurchnearyou.com/result.php?query=monmouth Church of England: Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
[[St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Monmouth|St Mary's Roman Catholic Church]] was the first [[Catholicism|Catholic]] church to be built in Wales after the [[Reformation]], and its construction followed the [[Papists Act 1778|relaxation of laws against Catholics]] in 1778. The building was extended on several occasions in the 19th century.<ref name=mcs>Monmouth Civic Society, ''Monmouth Heritage Blue Plaque Trail'', n.d.</ref> [[Monmouth Methodist Church]] is noted for both its exterior and interior architectural features.<ref name=newman/> The [[Monmouth Baptist Church|Baptist Church]] was founded in 1818, though the current church was not constructed until 1907.<ref>[http://www.monmouthbaptistchurch.co.uk/history.htm Monmouth Baptist Church: History]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> There is a Christian Fellowship church at Wyesham.<ref>[http://www.monmouthchurchestogether.org.uk/index.php?page=wyesham-christian-fellowship Wyesham Christian Fellowship]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
==Culture and regular events==
[[File:The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth - geograph.org.uk - 1070497.jpg|thumb|right|Entrance to the [[Savoy Theatre, Monmouth|Savoy Theatre]], the oldest working theatre in Wales]]
The town's small traditional theatre and cinema, the [[Savoy Theatre, Monmouth|Savoy Theatre]], on Church Street, is believed to be the oldest working theatre in Wales.<ref>[http://www.savoytrust.org.uk/ Savoy Theatre]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Monmouth is also home to the [[Blake Theatre, Monmouth|Blake Theatre]], which opened in 2004.<ref>[http://www.theblaketheatre.org/ The Blake Theatre]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> Local performance groups include the Off Centre Theatre Company, Monmouth Operatic Society, Monmouth Choral Society, and the Merlin Society, one of the largest music societies in the country.<ref name=welcome/> Presently, it is the only town within the region not to have some form of nightclub or predominant music venue.{{citation needed|date=January 2012}}
The [[Monmouthshire Show]] (formerly the Monmouth Show) has been held each year, traditionally on the last Thursday of August, since 1919, though its history can be traced back to 1857. Prior to that there had been an agricultural society in the town dating back to the 1790s, which held ploughing competitions. The show is now the largest one-day agricultural show in Wales, with over 350 trade stands.<ref>[http://www.monmouthshow.co.uk/General/History.aspx Monmouthshire Show: History]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref><ref name=townguide>[http://www.mdctc.co.uk/Monmouth-Town-Guide Monmouth Town Guide], p.21. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
The [[Monmouth Festival|Monmouth Music Festival]], a free nine day music festival, has been running every year since 1982. The town also regularly holds the Monmouth Women's Festival. An annual regatta is held, each May, and a raft race takes place each year for the St David's Foundation.<ref>[http://www.monmouthfestival.co.uk/ Monmouth Festival]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.mdctc.co.uk/images/FILES/Monmouth_Town_Guide.pdf Monmouth Town Guide], p.27. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
The [[Monmouth Museum]], formerly the Nelson Museum, is home to one of the largest collections of [[Horatio Nelson|Nelson]] material, bequeathed to the town by Lady Llangattock, mother of Charles Rolls. It also displays the only known example of an original [[Monmouth Cap]], dating from the 16th century.<ref>[http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=474&pageNumber=5 Monmouthshire County Council: Monmouth Museum]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref> A small Regimental Museum established in 1989 is housed in [[Great Castle House]], a former town house built on the site of part of [[Monmouth Castle]].<ref>[http://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-2217-great-castle-house-monmouth Regimental Museum], British Listed |Buildings, accessed 2012</ref>
Monmouth is [[town twinning|twinned]] with the [[France|French]] town of [[Carbonne]], and [[Waldbronn]] in [[Germany]].<ref name=welcome>[http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/pages/monmouth.asp Monmouth Town Council: Welcome to Monmouth]. Accessed 11 January 2012</ref>
The [[Shire Hall, Monmouth|Shire Hall]] and surrounding area were used as a location for the 2008 [[Dr Who|Doctor Who]] [[Christmas by medium|Christmas special]]<ref>[http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/shirehall Doctor Who Locations], accessed February 2012</ref> and in 2011 The Interactives<ref>[http://www.theinteractives.com The Interactives accessed February 2012]</ref> graphic novel.
==Sport, leisure and tourism==
[[File:Nelson Museum Monmouth.jpg|thumb|The [[Market Hall, Monmouth|Market Hall]] contains council offices and [[Monmouth Museum]].]]
Monmouth is home to [[Monmouth Town F.C.]], a football club founded around 1905 and currently enjoying a relatively successful run of form. Monmouth Town F.C. currently plays in the [[Welsh Football League Division Two]] at the Chippenham Sports Ground, located at Blestium Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monmouthtownfc.com/4.html |title=Monmouth Town F.C.'s official website with directions to the grounds. |publisher=Monmouth Town F.C. |accessdate=4 January 2012 }}</ref>
The town has a leisure centre, on the site of the comprehensive school, and a swimming pool. There is an 18-hole [[golf course]] on the edge of the town, as well as the Rolls Golf Club at The Hendre. Monmouth is also home to [[Monmouth Rowing Club]], taking advantage of the River Wye. There are also cricket, bowls and rugby clubs.<ref name=welcome/>
Monmouth has been established as a tourist centre for some 200 years. It is located in close proximity to the [[Forest of Dean]] and Wye Valley. Tourist attractions within the town include the castle, the [[Monmouth Museum|museum]], and the Shire Hall where the [[Tourist Information Centre]] and visitor centre is located. The area is also attractive to walkers, with both the [[Offa's Dyke Path]], a long distance footpath beginning in Chepstow and finishing in [[North Wales]], and the [[Wye Valley Walk]] passing through the town.<ref name=welcome/>
==Monmouthpedia==
{{Further2|[[WP:GLAM/MonmouthpediA|MonmouthpediA]]}}
Monmouth is the focus of [[WP:GLAM/MonmouthpediA|MonmouthpediA]], the first [[Wikipedia:GLAM]] project to cover a whole town, creating Wikipedia articles on interesting and notable features and aspects of the town. It is intended to display [[QR code]]s that use [[QRpedia]] where appropriate to deliver articles to users, in alternative languages including [[Welsh language|Welsh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Wikipedia project to cover life in Monmouth |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-16359364 |newspaper=BBC News |date=30 December 2011 |accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Monmouth chosen to star in unique Wikipedia experiment |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/12/31/monmouth-chosen-to-star-in-unique-wikipedia-experiment-91466-30035724/ |newspaper=WalesOnline |date=31 December 2011 |accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref>
==Notable people==
People associated with Monmouth include [[Geoffrey of Monmouth]], the [[Oxford]]-based cleric, born in about 1100 and believed to be originally from the area, who wrote ''[[Historia Regum Britanniae]]'', the "History of British Kings".<ref>Chris Given-Wilson, ''Chronicles. The Writing of History in Mediæval England''. London, Palgrave Macmillan, 204, p.3.</ref> [[Gilbert de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford|Gilbert de Clare]], [[Gilbert de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford|Earl of Hertford]] and Guardian of England, died at the castle in 1295,<ref>Gilbert de Clare, 8th earl of Gloucester. In ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. Retrieved 21 November 2009, from ''Encyclopædia Britannica Online''</ref> and King [[Edward II of England|Edward II]] was briefly imprisoned there in 1326.<ref name="Mary Saaler 1997, p. 134"/> The future [[Henry V of England|Henry V]], the victor at the [[battle of Agincourt]] in 1415, was born in the castle in 1387.<ref>J. Endell Tyler, ''Henry of Monmouth: Memoirs of the Life and Character of Henry the Fifth'', 2 vols., London, Richard Bentley Publishers, 1838.</ref> [[Philip Evans and John Lloyd|Philip Evans]], [[Jesuit]] priest and [[martyr]], was born in the town in 1645.<ref name="Philip Evans">{{cite web|url=http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/National/Wales2.shtml|title=Liturgy Office of Wales|accessdate=20 November 2009}}</ref>
[[Rockfield Studios]], situated just outside the town, are where the band [[Queen (band)|Queen]] recorded parts of their hit single "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" in 1975, and where [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] recorded their multi-million selling album ''[[(What's the Story) Morning Glory?]]'' in 1995. Musician [[Dave Edmunds]], a "permanent fixture" at Rockfield Studios for twenty years, lives in the town.<ref name="Dave Edmunds">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast/halloffame/showbiz/dave_edmunds.shtml|title=Dave Edmunds in Monmouth|accessdate=19 November 2009}}</ref> Other former or current residents of the area have included poet and singer-songwriter [[Jake Thackray]], historian and TV presenter Professor [[Saul David]],<ref name="Saul David">{{cite web|url=http://www.sauldavid.co.uk/Biography.htm |title=Saul David in Monmouth|accessdate=19 November 2009}}</ref> and astrologer [[Russell Grant]]. -->
{{wide image|MonmouthfromKymin.jpg|1200px|alt=View of Monmouth from Kymin|View westwards over Monmouth from [[The Kymin]]}}
== Nexus externi ==
{{CommuniaCat|Monmouth}}
*[http://www.monmouth.org.uk/ TheSitus Monmouth Websiteurbanus]
*[http://www.monmouth.gov.uk/ MonmouthSitus Town Councilgubernii]
*[http://www.mdctc.co.uk/images/FILES/Monmouth_Town_Guide.pdf Monmouth Town Guide]
*[http://www.francisfrith.com/search/wales/gwent/monmouth/photos/monmouth_photos.htm Old photos of Monmouth]
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