When people were isolated during the pandemic, and missing the familiar things in their neighbourhood, we started the #15 Minute Heritage project to connect communities in Monmouth with the hidden history in their area. We talked to people about their favourite places and collected their stories of Monmouth’s past. Some were recorded on Zoom during lockdowns, others filmed socially distanced when freedoms returned.
Weaving together their words, with archive images from the collections of Monmouth Museum, the result is a series of short films and podcasts which tell a personal history of Monmouth. The past shapes our present and, in the fullness of time, these photographs, films and podcasts, cared for by MonLife Museums Service, will become the archive images of the future.
#15 minute heritage Monmouth is a Wye Valley National Landscape project in partnership with Monmouth Rotary Club and Cycling Without Age, Monmouth Museum / MonLife Heritage. It was funded by the Heritage Fund / National Heritage Memorial Fund and Cadw. We would like to thank all those people whose enthusiasm made this project happen during difficult times. Also thanks to Anne Rainsbury and the Museums Service for the use of archive images from their collections.
Hayden explores Monmouth’s links to naval history and Admiral Nelson at The Naval Temple.
Penny ponders Dixton’s history and why people love to sit and contemplate in the churchyard.
Bread and milk delivered by boat and chickens living in the attic are Nesta’s memories of the 1947 floods.
Enjoy stories and memories of Monmouth’s rich past as told by local people on this #15 minute heritage trail around the town. Download the accompanying trail leaflet and map and to follow the stories around Monmouth.
Howard and Stephen remember the buzz of market day and gruesome details of the slaughter houses on Priory Street, whilst Penny ponders peaceful Dixton Church’s history and why people love to sit and contemplate in the churchyard. Nesta recalls childhood freedoms living on Drybridge Street and the sense of belonging to this community, especially when bread and milk were delivered by boat during the floods of1947. Hayden explores Monmouth’s links to naval history and Admiral Nelson at The Naval Temple and Sara, Martin, Hayden and Nicholas talk about lavish banquets held by the Monmouth Picnic Club at The Round House on the Kymin, a much loved local landmark which stands watch looking out over the town.
Sue Miles and Sue Amos talk about one of Monmouth’s hidden gems – the Nelson Garden – a delightful place tucked away behind Monnow Street, which has fascinating links to Admiral Nelson.
