Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire stretches from the River Severn estuary in the south to the Black Mountains in the north, with Usk as its administrative center. The terrain includes river valleys, rolling hills, and mountain landscapes at varying elevations.

Romans built a fortress at Caerleon and a town at Caerwent around 75 CE, holding control until the late fourth century. After Roman withdrawal, Welsh and Norman influences shaped the county's further development.

The region hosts the Abergavenny Food Festival, showcasing local produce and culinary developments from across Wales. Agricultural traditions still shape daily life in the valleys and hills throughout the county.

The county offers regular bus connections and railway stations linking larger towns to Cardiff, Newport, and other Welsh cities. Visitors find exploring by car most convenient, as many places lie outside main routes.

Only around nine percent of residents speak Welsh, reflecting the county's historical position between English and Welsh influences. This linguistic particularity sets the region apart from many other parts of Wales.

Location: Wales

Capital city: Usk

Shares border with: Herefordshire, Forest of Dean, Blaenau Gwent County Borough, South Gloucestershire, Newport, City of Bristol, Gloucestershire, Powys, Torfaen

Website: http://monmouthshire.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.78333,-2.86667

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:44