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Monmouth Castle, Wales

Monmouth Castle was originally a Norman castle, built by William Fitz Osbern between 1067 and 1071. Fitz Osbern, a master builder of Norman castles, was also responsible for Chepstow Castle. Like the better preserved Chepstow Castle, Monmouth was one of the few Norman castles built in stone, allowing partial survival in its original form.

Monmouth had a long and largely uneventful history, serving as a symbol for its resident lords, as most castles do. This symbolic role was confirmed in popular consciousness in 1387 when Henry the Fifth was almost certainly born in the Great Tower. Henry of Monmouth was to carry the name of the castle with him, and in a sense it became part of his image as a great hero. This image was important. Following what might be seen as a lucky win against the odds at Agincourt in 1415, it was Henry's reputation for invincibility, as much as any real military skill he might have had, that made him so formidable. His reputation reminds me of impressive castle walls, the daunting sight of which makes people think twice before attacking them.

Little now remains of Monmouth Castle. Much of the building was destroyed in the Civil War, and now only the Great Tower and Hall are left standing. Large quantities of the original stone were used to build Great Castle House, which is now the officers' mess of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. The regimental museum next to Great Castle House describes military history in the area of Monmouth for the last 2000 years.

Agincourt Square: this image is copyright free

Henry the Fifth is commemorated in Monmouth with a statue in Agincourt Square.

Opening Times: for the regimental museum: April (or Easter) to October, daily opening, 2pm - 5pm. November to March, weekend opening only, 2pm - 4pm.

Directions: Monmouth Castle is in Monmouth, south Wales off the A40. There is no dedicated car park. Park in the town. Click here for an interactive map centred on Monmouth Castle.

Access: there is a steep climb up Castle Hill towards the castle.

 

 

 

Contact: For Castle and Regimental Museum

web site: http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/rw_common/themes/bravo/images/top_grad.png