Present-day Trellech is little more than a slumbering village lying midway between Chepstow and Monmouth, but during the late 13th and 14th centuries this ranked among the principal towns of Wales and outshone more familiar names like Carmarthen, Abergavenny and Swansea. Trellech is an outstanding example of a shrunken medieval settlement. For many years the location of the almost 400 burgages recorded in the 1280s was a mystery. As a result of work over the last 20 years, the location of the Medieval town is becoming clearer.
We will walk through the village, discuss the layout and function of the Medieval town and visit the extensive excavations of the ‘Lost City of Trellech’ Project which has uncovered a high-status Medieval house; the motte of the 11th century castle (and, if time permits, the prehistoric ‘Harold’s Stones’) and other sites where remains of the Medieval town have been discovered; finishing at the 14th century church of St Nicholas (Grade 1 listed).
Reference: Ian Soulby, The Medieval Towns of Wales.
Meet at 2pm at the public car park in Trellech (NGR SO 50083 05290) right hand side of road, next to the chapel immediately north of the junction of the Chepstow and Catbrook Roads. Walk distance, approx. 1 mile, all on paved roads and paths.
If anyone has a requirement for transport please contact Keith Stenner on 01275 541512. Every effort will be made to find lifts for people requiring them, but no guarantee can be given that transport will be available.
Contact on the day: Mike Gwyther (07580 076734).