Usk
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- This is about the town in Monmouthshire. For the hamlet in British Columbia, see Usk, British Columbia. For the German software rating organization, see Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle.
Usk (Welsh: Brynbuga) is a small picturesque town in Monmouthshire, Wales, situated 10 miles northeast of Newport. The River Usk flows through the town and is spanned by an ancient, arched stone bridge at the southern entrance to the town. A castle above the town overlooks the ancient Anglo-Welsh border crossing - the river can usually be waded on foot even today. Usk won the Large Village award in the 2005 Britain in Bloom awards.
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[edit] Amenities
The current population is less than 2,500 and the town is known for its unusually abundant supply of pubs and restaurants and, for some reason, antique shops. Many people will make the drive from Newport and even further afield for a quiet meal away from the bustle of the city. The main street, which is the A472 road, is a narrow collection of old houses, restaurants, pubs, shops and businesses (some dating back to the 15th century), and it passes a tranquil town square.
"Usk Island" is a park named after the small, incidental island in the middle of the river. It is mostly laid to grass, with surrounding woodland. The park is popular for a picnic or stroll, and also has a substantial adventure playground.
[edit] Twin town
Usk was twinned with the German town Graben-Neudorf in Baden-Württemberg in 1980 and over the past few years there have been numerous visits between the two towns, with the Usk Youth Brass Band making its most recent visit in autumn 2006. In 2006 the colour scheme of Usk in Bloom was based on those within the crests of both Usk and Graben-Neudorf.
[edit] History
Usk was founded in AD 55 as the Roman legionary fortress of Burrium and was a thriving market town through Victorian times. It takes its name from the river - a name of uncertain origin but resembling many others in Britain (e.g. Exe, Esk). It may be related to Scottish uisge ("water"), and therefore to "whisky". As with some other towns in Wales (e.g. Abergavenny) it was assigned an unrelated Welsh name Brynbuga during the latter 20th century.
Usk Castle, whilst hidden from view by its surrounding trees (planted in the early 20th century), is one of the few castles still privately owned and occupied. In 2005, the 600th anniversary of the battle of Pwll Melyn was commemorated by a son-et-lumiere show.
Usk was the birthplace of Adam of Usk. During the 'Welsh Revolt', in 1403, Owain Glyndŵr burnt Usk to the ground. The Battle of Usk (Pwll Melyn) in 1405 occurred when English forces routed their Welsh opponents causing much loss of life, including the execution of several hundred Welshmen. In 1678, Usk was the site of St David Lewis' martyrdom for his alleged part in the bogus Popish Plot of Titus Oates.
