Caerleon is a suburban village that lies on the River Usk and is located in south-eastern Wales, within close proximity to the city of Newport. It is best known as a major archaeological site of the Roman fortress city of Isca, having extensive and well preserved remains of major buildings, amphitheatre and the comprehensive National Roman Legionary Museum. Its archaeological importance is appreciated when you consider that Isca was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain.
Caerleon means ‘the Camp of the Legion’ and is the place where the Roman 2nd Augustan legion was established in AD80, to subdue the inhabitants of the area. Six thousand troops were stationed here and, in its time, it ranked in importance with York and Chester, as a Roman military headquarters. Modern Newport encroaches a little on the site, destroying some of its character, but within the area of the 500 metres square fortress, you can still see the foundations of the barrack blocks, latrines, cookhouses and defensive ramparts. Of greater interest, are the remains of the nearby amphitheatre, which is the best of its kind in Britain. Later, Caerleon became a centre of Arthurian legend and is the place where, according to Geoffrey of Monmouth, in his 12th century (romantic) ‘British History’, Arthur was crowned.
Other sites, in the area, worthy of mention:
The Legionary Museum, contained in an attractive Victorian building, has an interesting display of Roman artefacts and inscribed stones, and is displayed in an interactive and child friendly environment. This building actually lies upon the site of the Roman fortress!!
Other places of interest with 30 kilometres;
Tintern Abbey, built in a quiet meadow in the bed of the River Wye and one of the finest relics of British Monastic life remaining.
Chepstow, with its great Norman Castle built on limestone cliffs, at the lowest crossing of the River Wye, has steep medieval streets and a 16th century town gate.
Raglan, a quiet village with the remains of the ruined Raglan Castle, a 15th century fortified house.
Abergavenny, gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park, with buildings dating from Tudor times and an 11th century ruined castle.
Did you know that – W. H. Davies, who was a hobo and peddler by choice, and the poet who wrote the famous lines ‘What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare’ was Newport’s most famous son?
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