<g>Monmouth</g>, the Blestium of Antoninus, is supposed to have been the site of a Roman station. We know, from historical records, that it was a fortress in early times, and one of the strongholds occupied by the Saxons to maintain their conquests between the Severn and the Wye, and check the incursions of the Welsh. The town appears to have been fortified with a wall and a moat, except where it was secured by the river. At the Leland’s Survey, parts of the dilapidated walls were still remaining, the moat entire, the four gates standing, which he calls the Monk’s Gate, to the north; the Eastern Gate; the Wyegate; and the Monnow or Western Gate. At present there are few or no distinct vestiges of the walls; and the only part of the moat which can be traced, was pointed out as that stretching from the back of Whitecross Street to the remains of an ancient gateway, and thence to the Wye. Of the four gates mentioned by Leland, that called the Monk’s Gate, which stood near the Hereford road, is now demolished. Parts of two round towers which flanked the eastern gate are visible. Of the latter no traces are left. But that over the Monnow, as shown in the preceding cut, is nearly entire, and bears the marks of very great antiquity. It was the opinion of a celebrated historian of the place, that the circular arches, the massive solidity of the structure, and some minuter features, were sufficient to remove all doubts as to its Saxon origin; and that the alterations it underwent in the time of the first Edward, were only repairs executed in conformity with the original plan. But as this is not a field for antiquarian disquisitions--but only a record of opinions generally received--we are content to follow the popular belief, and assign to it a date somewhat anterior to that of the Conquest. Of Monmouth, Churchyard sings:-- “The Kinge here borne did prove a peerless Prince; He conquered France and reigned nine yeares in hap; There was not here so great a victor since, That had such chaunce and fortune in his lap. For he by fate and force did covet all, And, as turn came, stroke hard at Fortune’s ball, With manly mind, and ran a reddie waye To lose a feint, or winne the gole by playe. If Monmouth bring such princes forth as this, A soyle of grace it shall be call’d of right; Speake what you can, a happie seat it is, A trim shiere town for noble Baron or Knight; A cittie sure, as free as is the best, Where ’Size is kept, and learned lawyers rest; Such auncient wise, in meete and wholesome ayre, Where the best sort of people do repayre.” <g>Kymin Hill</g>, on the south-east side of Monmouth, commands one of the finest views in the kingdom. To this enchanting prospect, the celebrated lines by Dyer may be applied with little alteration:--