The next two instalments in Peter Bere’s exploration of Monmouthshire through the ages.
The first image features Monnow Bridge in Monmouth, Wales, which is the only remaining fortified River Bridge in Great Britain, with its gate tower standing on the bridge.
Such bridge towers were common across Europe from medieval times, but many were destroyed due to urban expansion, diminishing defensive requirements and the increasing demands of traffic and trade.
The historical and architectural importance of the bridge and its rarity are reflected in its status as a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building. The bridge crosses the River Monnow 500 metres above its confluence with the River Wye.
Monmouth had been a significant border settlement since the Roman occupation of Britain, when it was the site of the fort of Blestium. The River Wye may have been bridged at this time but the Monnow, being easily fordable, appears not to have had a crossing until after the Norman Conquest.
According to the local tradition, construction of Monnow Bridge began in 1272 to replace a 12th-century Norman timber bridge.
The second image features Monmouth Shipyard. For a small inland town, Monmouth built extremely large sea-going ships in the 19th century.
The oiled lateral launching ship in the foreground is the ‘Monmouth’ built for merchants in Bristol, voyaging to the West Indies in the 1830s and 40s, but was lost off the coast of Cuba in 1852. In the background, under construction on the right bank is the 299-ton Agincourt.
This boat building area was called ‘The Gamblings’ and is now Monmouth Boys’ School playing fields. The shipbuilders had to wait for floodwater and high tides to navigate these huge vessels downstream over the weirs and shallows before reaching the open water of the Severn.
A terrible accident occurred in 1825 when the 210-ton Monmouth was launched. She lurched sideways throwing people into the water; including two young boys who were drowned.
If you have any questions or information regarding either image, you can contact Peter via email on [email protected]
