Cadw open doors events in Monmouth

So this has taken me a long time to write as I just didn't know where to start. So many places to explore, nineteen to be exact. But in one day it was not possible to get to all of them and get the whole experience. As you may have read about already The kymin just outside of the city centre was where we started. After a quick stop to eat we started our trek on the rest of Monmouth. 

On the list were many churches to visit so, we tried to go to as many as we could. The first one we visited was Monmouth Baptist church. A warm welcome was given as we walked through the door and they had even had their own leaflet produced. Recently refurbished it was a pretty modern church but keeping some of its original features. The baptism pool was open on display that could be filled in little as one hour. Around the edges, there is information about the church but as we were pushed for time we didn't get a chance to read them all. 

Another church we visited was the St Thomas church. The doors are wide open for you to go in but there is no one in sight. This allowed us to explore but if we had any questions we were stumped. We had a small snippet of a leaflet to give us just the basics on the church instead. When you first walk in the spectacular stain glass window stands in all its glory. As shown in the first picture above you could look at it for hours. This church though has kept many of its original architectural features. 

We soon moved on and came across the shambles. Running along the river's edge on Priory street stands the arches. These arches once belonging to slaughterhouse and butchers shops. The architecture still stands and there are hopes of getting these restored. 

As we carried on our mission we came across the Priory as a place with a lot of history. Now used mostly as a community centre this was once owned by Benedictine monks. The most outstanding claim to fame though is the connection with Geoffery of Monmouth. The gentleman who created the legend of King Arthur. As you go upstairs a window named after him and a plaque explaining the story. The architecture of the building inside and out is mesmerising and I'd highly recommend a visit. 

Then it was time to move on to another building. Next on the trail was the Nelson museum. A huge collection of Lord Nelson's memorabilia for all to explore. From model ships to clothing and weaponry there is tones to see. For kids, there is even a trial to follow throughout the museum to keep them interested. As we didn't have much time I think a return visit is needed to digest all the information available. 

One place I was extremely interested to have a nose at was the Masonic Hall. As soon as your approach clear symbols associated with the Freemasons are displayed on the hall. As you enter you are warmly welcomed and shown through to the hall. Any questions you have are answered very thoroughly and the room is explained. For example the rotating of high figures and where they sit as well as the explanation of the symbols. Also the explanation of the decorative starry ceiling. I would highly recommend visiting as this is a place that's not normally open to the public. 

The last place we then visited was Ty Price which is linked to St Thomas church. Recently redeveloped and named after a former much-loved vicar. As we entered we were warmly welcomed and brought teas. We were then told about all the great things held in the building. The gardens that had been redone were also beautiful. Even outside the centre was a little fairy door, created into a geocache. 

We had then had to call it a day where had the time gone 5 pm and the end of open doors. The bridge gatehouse was getting shut up as we crossed. Another great opportunity to walk up the tower and look out along the river. 

As we only went for the one day we ran out if time to visit all the places. Missing out on gems such as great castle house, shire hall and the Malthouse. These are just a few we missed out on. With most places only being open 2-5 it was a tight schedule to fit them all in. The open doors booklet that was created by the community was a great tool and I will definitely be returning next year. The volunteers so friendly and their passion was great to see. So many more places Monmouth has to offer and I hope they don't disappoint.