PROFILE: Abergavenny

NESTLING in the foothills of the Black Mountains, the picturesque market town of Abergavenny well deserves its long-held title of 'The Gateway to Wales'.

Although evidence exists of Neolithic settlements, The Romans were the first to truly recognise the benefits of living beneath the shelter of the town's seven hills, calling their fortress town, Gobannium.

Later in around 1190 the Normans occupied the site, building the first stone castle and establishing the town in its shadow. Over the next 900 years the town grew and thrived enjoying a brief spell as a spa town as well as becoming a centre for wig making, tanning and the flannel industry.

Today the signs of this tubulent history can be seen all over the town, with many original buildings still surviving. Among them is the historic St Mary's Priory Church, known as 'The Westminster of Wales' thanks to its collection of important monuments which includes a priceless Jesse Tree, displayed recently at The Tate Gallery in London.

A busy market town, Abergavenny boasts a wide range of both high street chains and smaller independent shops, which attract visitors from a wide area. It is also well blessed with some fine eating places, which are highlighted during the annual Food Festival, which over the past decade has attracted a world wide reputation. Abergavenny is also home to a thriving theatre, which has a name as one of the finest small venues in Wales and the surrounding area is known for its fine golf courses and easy access to the beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

With convenient links to both the M4 and M5 Abergavenny is served by main line railways to London and the north and also offers convenient access to airports at Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham. In short, Abergavenny truly offers the chance to enjoy all the benefits of country life within easy reach of town.