Monmouthshire is a historic county located in the southeast corner of Wales, bordering England to the east. It is bordered by Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and the Welsh counties of Powys and Blaenau Gwent. The River Wye runs along its eastern boundary.
Monmouthshire | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 5th centuries
The region that is now Monmouthshire was part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans established settlements, roads and fortifications in the area, connecting it to the broader Roman network. The town of Caerwent, known was Venta Silurum in Roman times, was a significant Roman settlement in the region. It served as an important administrative and trading center.
Post-Roman Period | 5th – 7th centuries
With the decline and withdrawal of Roman authority from Britannia in the early fifth century, the region entered a period of transition. The Roman infrastructure gradually fell into disuse. Like much of Britain, Monmouthshire faced incursions by Anglo-Saxon tribes during this time. The Anglo-Saxons established settlements, and the local British population faced both migration and resistance.
Early Medieval Period | 7th – 9th centuries
The region that would become Monmouthshire was part of the territory historically associated with the Welsh kingdoms. The Kingdom of Gwent, which included parts of Monmouthshire, was one of the early medieval kingdoms in the area.
The Welsh kingdoms, including Gwent, faced struggles for independence against the expanding Anglo-Saxon influence. Battles and conflicts characterized this period, with the Welsh rulers resisting encroachment.
Viking Raids | 8th – 9th centuries
In the late eighth and early ninth centuries, Viking raids and invasions affected various parts of Britain, including the Welsh borderlands. The Vikings targeted monasteries and settlements, and trade routes. The Viking incursions had a significant impact on the local communities, contributing to a period of insecurity and leading to changes in political and social structures.