taken during the civil wars. It is now held by Field-Marshal the Marquis of Anglesey as constable. On the outside of the town walls, a spacious terrace extends from the quay to the north end of the town. There is a fine view from the summit of the rock behind the Caernarvon Hotel. In the vicinity are numerous Druidical circles and ancient monumental stones. It is surrounded by the wildest of Snowdonian scenery. Caernarvon gives the title of Earl to a branch of the Herbert family. Pop. (1851) 8674. It joins with Conway, Criccieth, Pwllheli, Bangor, and Nevin, in returning 1 M.P. From Bangor you may proceed by Pen Maen Mawr to Aberconway, and return through the vale of Llanrwst to Cerniogau Mawr, and thence to Capel Curig (see pp. 180-181), or proceed through St Asaph and Holywell to Chester. The tourist may return to Bristol by Chirk, Oswestry, Welsh-Pool, Montgomery, Weobley, Hereford, and Monmouth. For a description of the road from Bangor to Oswestry, see pp. 180-181. The church is a venerable cruciform structure, containing an exquisitely carved screen and rood-loft, removed from the priory of Cherbury at the dissolution of that establishment. In the south transept is a sumptuous monument to the memory of the father of the celebrated Lord Herbert of Cherbury. The latter was born at Eyton in Shropshire in 1581. Montgomery was formerly surrounded by walls, and possessed a castle supposed to have been founded by Baldwin, lieutenant of the marches, to William the Conqueror. This fortress seems to have been held by the ancestors of Lord Herbert of Cherbury and was the principal residence of that family, and a branch of the Herbert family, Earls of Pembroke and Montgomery, derives the latter title from this place. During the civil wars, it was garrisoned for the King by Lord Herbert, who surrendered on the approach of the Parliamentary army. The Royalists attempted to take it, but were completely defeated. Only a few fragments of the building now remain. Not far from the castle, situated on a hill, is a very extensive British fort. Montgomery unites with Llanidloes, Welsh-Pool, Llanfyllin, Newtown, and Machynlleth, in returning one M.P. Pop. of Montgomery borough 1851, 1248. About two miles south-west stood Blackhall, once the hospitable residence of the Herbert family. It was consumed by fire. At a short distance is Lymore Park, one of the seats of the Earl of Powis. At the distance of 24 miles, on the Shrewsbury road, stands the priory of Cherbury, founded in the reign of King John. About 5 miles from Montgomery is the long mountain or Cefn Digol, celebrated as the spot where, in 1294, the last battle took place between the Welsh and the English. ON RIGHT FROM BRIST. LIX. BRISTOL.-CHEPSTOW.-MONMOUTH.-HEREFORD.-LUDLOW. SHREWSBURY.-CHESTER.-LIVERPOOL.-158 Miles. From Liverp. From Bristol. ON LEFT FROM BRIST. ON RIGHT FROM BRIST. From Liverp. From Bristol. ON LEFT FROM BRIST. On the other side of the Wye, Hardwicke House. St Lawrence. About a mile from Chepstow is Piercefield, a noble mansion, celebrated for the views obtained from its walks, which extend along the banks of the Wye for 3 miles. The ruins of Tintern Abbey, 4 miles from Chepstow, belonging to the Duke of Beaufort, form a remarkably beautiful and picturesque object. The monastery was founded in the year 1131 by Walter de Clare. At the dissolution, the site was granted to Henry second Earl of Worcester, ancestor of its present possessor. The ruins are seen to great advantage from a spot about half a mile down the river. 1411 cr. river Wye. CHEPSTOW, Monmouth. 17 Chepstow carries on a considerable trade in timber, coals, grindstones, iron, and cider. The most interesting object is the ruins of the castle, situated on the edge of a lofty precipice overhanging the Wye. The ruins are covered with ivy, and present a very picturesque appearance. Here Henry Martin, one of the regicides, was confined for more than twenty years. The oldest portions of the building were Jerected about 800 years ago by William Fitzosborne, Earl of Hereford. The church, which was formerly the chapel of a Benedictine Priory, contains the monument of Henry second Earl of Worcester, and the gravestone of Henry Martin. Pop. 1851, 4295. St Arvans. The tide rises here to a great height (on some occasions over 50 feet), and very suddenly. Clearwell Castle, Earl of Dunraven and Mountearl. The rides and walks in the vicinity of the town are peculiarly romantic. From the summit of Kymin hill, where a monument to Nelson has been erected, there is a prospect of remarkable extent and beauty. To Mitchel Dean by Coleford, 13 m. To Ross, 10 m. 1394 138 135 133 128 1261 19 Enter Monmouthshire. cr. river Wye. MONMOUTH. Monmouth, the capital of the county, is pleasantly situated at the confluence of the Monnow and the Wye. The principal objects are the town hall, the county gaol, the free school, St Mary's church, St Thomas's church, the ruins of the once celebrated castle, the remains of the ancient walls, &c. The inhabitants are chiefly em-| ployed in the iron and tin works in the neighbourhood. Monmouth, together with Usk and Newport, returns one M. P. to Parliament. Pop. of borough 1851,5710. Henry V. and Geoffrey of Monmouth, the historian or chronicler, were natives of this town. The view from the sum23 mit of Wyndcliff extends into nine counties, and is considered one of the most beautiful in England. 30 32 One mile and a half from Monmouth is Troy House, (Duke of Beaufort,) once famous for its gardens, which have been converted linto orchards. Here are shown the cradle of Henry V., and the sword which he bore at Agincourt. To Abergavenny by Dingestow and Tregare, 16 m., by Ragland, 17 m. To Usk by Ragland, 13 m. |