PROFILE: Monmouth

Monmouth is set in the heart of The Wye Valley, which has been officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is a town for all season's and all types of people. The markets and shops are busy and the choice is wide. The centre is Agincourt square intersected by a wide main street and a lattice of narrow lanes and courtyards which lead to more many interesting shops and cafes. It has a strong historical aspect. The town is world famous for its 13th Century Monnow Bridge, now pedestrianised. It is also renowned as the birthplace of HENRY V, and Charles Rolls, co founder of Rolls Royce, and for the visits to the town by Lord Nelson.

The area is a very popular due to its location and easy access to the motorway network.Properties are sought after by a whole range of clients. There is easy access to the Midlands, The North, South Wales, and with both Severn bridges access to the rest of England is quick. It constitutes an excellent base for the commuter.

Monmouth boasts an excellent Comprehensive School and the family of Haberdashers Schools.

The very first MONMOUTHSHIRE BEACON was published on October 14th, 1837 priced at 41/2d and was printed by Thomas Farror at Castle Hill, and published in his offices in Agincourt Square. Even with fierce competition from other newspapers The Beacon flourished and in 1839/40 produced a 200 page report on the trial at Monmouth's Shire Hall of John Frost, the Chartist leader.

In March 1963 the BEACON premises were in the news as a fire broke out and the offices were completely gutted. The paper transferred to Monnow Street in 1987 and now resides in Cornwall House, a historic listed building. It is one of the oldest established county journals in South Wales. There are regular reports from the Chamber of commerce, local members of parliament , local news , traffic, weather and entertainment, events in and around the area, and many varied features. There is an extensive property section , well supported by all the local estate agents. There is also the most important jobs section. The property and jobs are now online at www.latesthomes.co. uk and www.jobs-today.co.uk.