Welsh Journals

The right to excavate was only won after detailed negotiations with developers and even led the Society to construct foundations and sewer trenches for one new building themselves, following a successful commercial tender so as to ensure the work was done with the least possible damage under the gaze of knowledgeable eyes. The excavations have uncovered vital information about Monmouth's Roman, post-Roman, pre-Norman and Medieval history. More 11th and 12th century pottery was recovered beneath 69-71 Monnow Street than has been found in the rest of Wales. Evidence of Medieval metal-working was also unearthed and a 13th or 14th century forge identified. Also, thousands of animal, fish and bird bones uncovered will provide a valuable insight into the diet and health of Monmouth's early population. Publications, both academic and popular, will follow this work. The finds, when duly processed will be displayed at Monmouth Museum and the National Museum of Wales. Congratulations to all those involved in the hard work, we look forward to reading the results of your toils. 1989 is the 150th Anniversary of the Chartist uprising of 1839. We take for granted the right to vote, secret ballot and the present parliamentary system but it was only a short time ago that these rights were still being fought for. To celebrate the Chartist Movement and the tragic march on Newport the Newport Local History Society has published a Chartist Special News (see Recent Publications) and in conjunction with Newport Borough Council an illustrated Guided Walk through Newport following the last part of the Chartists' march and visiting other sites of interest. In 1986 after much detective work in Bristol and Newport on the part of Richard Frame (Newport Local History Society secretary) and Derek Priest (Society member) the unmarked grave of John Frost was tracked down to Horfield Parish Church in Bristol. A gravestone commemorating him as the Chartist leader was donated by Newport Borough Council and a dedication ceremony took place on October 9th when it was unveiled by Neil Kinnock M.P. leader of the Labour Party. Members of Newport Local History Society also revived an old Newport tradition of placing red roses on the north side of the graveyard of St. Woolos Cathedral in memory of the ten chartists who were buried there in unmarked graves after the slaughter in Westgate Square. The custom began in 1840 when flowers were left anonymously by sympathisers, accompanied by a Chartist verse, but lapsed after a few decades. The revival took place on the night of November 3rd 1986. By reviving the tribute the Society hopes to keep alive the memory of those who fought and died in Newport for principles and rights, which are today taken for granted by most of us.