Within
the Castle, and incorporating parts of its gatehouse, stands Castle House –
both of which are Grade 1 listed buildings – when the stiffest regulatory protection
is given to a structure.
 |
| Usk River Walk - photo c/o Mike Longridge The Usk Valley Walk |
The
Romans established a Legionary fortress here before relocating it south to
Caerleon (historically very interesting).
It is
thought that the Normans too ‘left out’ Usk before building a castle in the early
1100s – Monmouth and Abergavenny Castles having been constructed earlier.
Usk Castle
is one of the Welsh Marcher castles and was under constant threat of capture by
one side or the other ... with many battles being won or lost in the process,
including the loss of various Marcher Lords at the time.
 |
| The Garrison Tower from the Inner Ward |
Allegiances
and patron’s influences affected the ups and downs of the holders of Usk Castle
through the early part of the Middle Ages ... I leave the English-Welsh history buffs to clarify
this ...
However
Owen Glendower makes an appearance again (see Croft Castle) as he instigated a
fierce and long-running, but ultimately unsuccessful revolt against the English
rule of Wales.
This
English castle, built by the Normans, witnessed some turbulent times before
passing into the hands of the Royal Duchy of Lancaster in the late 1400s;
 |
| Castle House, Usk - originally the gatehouse, now a private residence |
... once stability under the Duchy had been restored, the castle needed no further
redevelopment or refortification, and was allowed to gradually decay.
It
passed through the English Civil War with only some slighting (destruction);
then the castle was eventually redeveloped, and a change of use occurred when
it was modified into a house in the 1680s.
Today it remains as a private residence.
It is
possible to have a fairy tale wedding here – there’s the north tower, the Drum
Tower Gazebo – holding very select few guests underneath!, but plenty outside;
 |
| Horse riding in the woods |
.... the
Gatehouse, the Tithe Barn (still decorated with old artefacts from its
agricultural days) and the Oak Dining Room – panelled in oak rescued from a
Jacobean house in Shrewsbury ...
The
woods and fields to the east of the castle are all part of the old hunting
chase from Medieval days.
 |
| Field Archery |
Interestingly
there’s The Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Meadow – exactly that – perfect for
simple burials in beautiful natural surroundings ...
Different
sections of the woods are open for the Hacking Club, motorcycle sports (Enduros – long distance cross-country time
trials), Field Archery, Carriage Driving and simulated game shooting
...
 |
| 'Fairy' Events - perhaps? c/o Usk Castle site |
... the
avenues and rides, within the woods, are lined with Red Oak or Lime ... making
for a really special walk, while there is a circular footpath passing the Usk
river on its way round.
The
castle has many interesting points such as the dovecot tower, with many participatory
events being held during the summer months.
That is
U for Usk Castle, Monmouth, Wales - a hidden gem worth visiting despite the
substantial ruins ... part of the ABC
series Aspects of British Castles.
Bob
Scotney’s castle yesterday was Taunton Castle, Somerset
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
Letters Inspirational Stories
27 comments:
I am amazed just how many castles there are in the UK, I would love to come over and 'do' a castle tour one day. Trouble is there is so much to see here first!! I would love to go out riding around the beautiful countryside there. Diane
I mist admit Hilary I had never heard of Usk before, having said that it looks a lovely place and the pictures superb.
Have a good day,
Yvonne.
Oh it's great that it's now a family home! How lovely and after such a turbulent history too!!
Is it pronounced "Oosk"? "Aask?"
Take care
x
It staggers me just how many castles there are in the UK as well. Being an ex pat Brit I had no idea. I guess we tend to take such things for granted.
I was rather disappointed neither of you chose Upnor which used to be at my back door many years ago.
@ Diane .. there are loads of castles - and actually I'm sure there are just as many in France.
But your history in France is just so wonderful, different, yet the same -but the French culture and traditions I'd love to be around!
Riding along these trails would be brilliant wouldn't it ..
@ Yvonne - many thanks - glad I've enlightened you as to another and different castle.
@ Old Kitty - Usk .. as in 'busk' or 'tusk' - perhaps the turbulence curtailed its name?! I don't think so.
Both are family homes I think, but the old battlements are there within the grounds and being made good use of.
@ Jo - lots hidden away .. and possibly you're right - we do take them for granted, or think of them all as the same or similar.
In fact if you'd mentioned Upnor - I'd have done that Castle .. it's the only Elizabethan one I've come across!! So sorry I missed it.
Many thanks - great to see you all .. cheers Hilary
There are so many wonderful castles in that bit of the country - but of course they were highly necessary in the past.
I like ruins, I don't feel they are in any way a drawback to a landscape, and are worth visiting for themselves.
Amazing that this is now a family home, what a beautiful place. I'd love to go horseback riding there!
Hilary, you have one I would never have thought of. This is all totally new to me and one to add to my list.
I actually really enjoyed your castle stories Hilary and amazed at their names.
Hilary, my blog has a new address and it is on my profile. Thank you Hilary.
Sounds like another beautiful place you can actually visit and tour. On horseback, even! (Can't quite imaging you touring the area on a Harley...)
I think it would be so romantic to have a wedding here. And, someday I would like to try archery.
another gorgeous castle--take me away!
Have never heard of this one, but sounds like it's an interesting one.
Hi Hilary
There are so many beautiful castles in that bit of the country. Thank you for sharing this amazing work with us!
Warmly
Marinela
Now, this territory looks familiar (we had a vacation in the Brecon Beacons year before last), although I know we didn't see the castle. The Usk Valley walk, in particular, looks familiar, and that beautiful bridge! I wonder if we passed through, somehow? I'm eager to see what castles you come up with for the last beastly letters of the alphabet!
Hilary that is an impressive find for the U post. I can't wait to see what you have for Z!
Hi Hilary! What an amazing post for the letter U.
@ Jenni - there are aren't there - the Welsh border country - I agree with you re ruins .. and quite often they're in beautiful countryside as here.
@ Julie - carriage riding, horseback riding in the Usk valley must be wonderful .. and to have a family home there as you say must be wonderful.
@ Bob - I'm amazed that we're still selecting different castles - I'd have done Jo's Upnor if it had come to light - sounds a different type of castle again. But I'm glad I did the Usk .. as I've learnt!!
@ Ocean Girl - delighted to read you're enjoying the castles .. ok thanks for updating me re your site ..
@ Susan - the river trails are wonderful I gather .. I've been through, but not stopped or stayed for long: I must go back!
The motorbike time trials would appeal to many - but the Harley Davidson thought is an interesting one!
@ Clarissa - the setting sounds glorious for a wedding doesn't it .. and yes I'd like to try Archery too ..
@ Lynn - the Welsh border country is just stunning ..
@ Richard - thanks for coming by again .. glad you enjoyed it.
@ Marinela - there are castles all around Wales .. fascinating history - glad you're enjoying the posts ..
@ Susan - I'm glad you recognise this area - and had the pleasure of long walks when you were on holiday .. it is a beautiful part of Britain.
XYZ beastly letters of the alphabet - have a slight change of tone .. and I have yet to write them!
@ Chuck - glad you enjoyed the Usk .. it's gorgeous down there .. as I mentioned above to Susan .. XYZ beastly letters - a different take!
Cheers everyone .. lots of catching up to do .. as connection was down yesterday .. see you soon - Hilary
Nice setting for this castle, and I like the fairy!
Another castle I'd like to see! Lovely.
@ Juliet and Lynn .. many thanks - good to see you both .. cheers Hilary
I sometimes think I'd like to live in one of those castles, but can you imagine the upkeep! I think it's why so many open the places up to tours and weddings, to help pay the cost of operation. And thank goodness they do, so we can all enjoy these wonderful historic buildings.
I love those first two pictures. What a bridge! That fairy girl looks just like my daughter at that age. It's uncanny!
@ Luanne - yes the upkeep must be prodigious .. we see it occasionally when they do tv programmes trying to help historic places reinvent themselves .. ie before they have to foreclose.
But those Castles that have been able to utilise their grounds and buildings effectively - good on them and we can enjoy as many of them as we can get to see.
@ Theresa - the Usk valley is extremely picturesque .. ah! - I'm glad I posted the little girl - she does look sweet doesn't she - nice memories!!
Cheers and thanks for leaving a comment .. Hilary
What an awesome family home. That field archery looks like so much fun. I want to see a fairy. ;-)
Hi Robyn .. this does look a very interesting Castle and estate .. I'd like to try the field archery and if a fairy came my way I'd be happy too!!
Cheers Hilary
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