Brecon Beacons & Southeast Wales - Wales - page 173

4 Nelson Museum & Local History Centre B1

5 Robin Hood Inn A2

6 Shire Hall B1

7 St Mary's Church C1

8 St Thomas the Martyr's Church A3

Activities, Courses & Tours

9 Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre D1

Sleeping

10 Monnow Bridge Campground A2

Eating

11 Misbah Tandoori B1

12 Thyme Out B2

Sights & Activities

Monnow Street
Monmouth's main drag, such that it is, starts at car-free Monnow Bridge, the UK's only
complete example of a medieval fortified bridge. It was built in 1270, although much of
what you see now was restored in 1705. Before you cross into town, it's worth poking
your head into St Thomas the Martyr's Church OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP . Parts of it date from
around 1180 - there's an impressive Norman Romanesque arch, and pews and a gallery
fashioned out of dark wood.
When Catholicism was banned in Britain, Monmouthshire was a pocket of resistance.
In the 16th century, secret Masses were held at the Robin Hood Inn OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (
01600-715423; 124 Monnow St) , which still stands at the foot of Morrow St; apart from its
historic connections, it's a great place for a pint or pub meal, with a big beer garden. In
1679 a Catholic priest, Fr (later St) David Lewis, was discovered, tried in Monmouth and
hung, drawn and quartered in nearby Usk. In 1793, after the Catholic suppression ended,
the first new Catholic church in Wales was built in Monmouth. Even then, St Mary's Church
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (St Mary's St) needed to be discreet and was hidden behind a line of
cottages; they're now removed, explaining why it's set back from the road.

STREET