Monmouth (Trefynwy)

Introducing Monmouth (Trefynwy)

Against a background of pastel-painted Georgian prosperity, the compact market town of Monmouth bustles and thrives. It sits at the confluence of the Rivers Wye and Monnow, and has hopped in and out of Wales over the centuries as the border shifted back and forth. Today, it feels more English than Welsh.

The town is famous as the birthplace of King Henry V, victor at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, and immortalised by Shakespeare. Other locals who have passed into history include Geoffrey of Monmouth, the 12th-century historian, and Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-Royce.

In modern times Monmouth’s main claim to fame is the nearby Rockfield recording studio, a few miles to the northwest. Established in the 1960s, the studio has produced a string of hit albums including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Iggy Pop’s Soldiers and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis, and has been used by bands from Mott the Hoople to Coldplay. It’s not unknown for rock stars to be spotted in Monmouth’s pubs and restaurants.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009