Wednesday 22 December 2010

Medieval Gate House

No gaming or painting going on at the moment with Christmas looming, my painting kit back in London and withdrawal symptoms starting to bite. However, I thought this little bit of trivia may be of interest to one or two of you out there during the festive ruck...

During the usual Christmas round of visiting family and friends, the other half and I stayed in  the town of Monmouth, South Wales, which is near my parents' home. The town, among other things is the birth place of Henry V (we stayed at a pub in Agincourt Square) and still has a strong medieval feel about it, and along with a Norman castle built shortly after the conquest, boasts this fortified gate house.


Built in 1270 to protect the approach to the town across the River Monnow, it is the only surviving example of its kind left in Britain. During its lifetime it has served as a gatehouse, gaol and town mint.  Seen here from the western approach to Monmouth, it  still represents an imposing and impressive sight.



The view from the town side of the Monnow bridge, the gate house's large, heavy wooden doors are no longer present now; however, one can imagine them being slowly drawn open by the sentries once any due tolls have been paid etc prior to leaving town - brilliant stuff!

Well, that ends my tenuous 'festive' entry in lieu of any real gaming updates and only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

All the best,

Monty 


2 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas Monty. See you on the Battlefield Academy battlefield.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You will, Paul - look forward to it :) have a good one, mate!

    All the best,
    Monty

    ReplyDelete