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'{{hatnote|The city of [[Chester]] was also historically called Caerleon. For the champion racehorse, see [[Caerleon II]]}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Use British English|date=January 2017}} {{Infobox UK place | country = Wales | static_image_name = Caerleon vue.jpg | static_image_alt = A photograph taken from a house window on Caerleon Road in St Julians and is full of a-holes. The view crosses the river Usk and in the distance is the Caerleon Golf Club, and behind it, the settlement of Caerleon, on the hill with rows of houses visible. At the far right are the visible buildings of Caerleon Comprehensive School and its sports facilities. | static_image_caption = Caerleon from [[St Julians, Newport|St Julians]] | area_total_sq_mi = 9.03 | area_total_km2 = 14.53 | area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |title=Caerleon Profile |year=2017 |edition=final |url=http://www.newport.gov.uk/documents/One-Newport/Caerleon-Profile-Final-2017.pdf}}</ref> | population = 8,061 | population_ref = <ref>Census, 2011</ref>{{full citation needed|date=September 2021}} | population_density = 893/sq mi (345/km2) <ref>[[List of Welsh principal areas by population density]]</ref> | population_demonym = Caerleonite | os_grid_reference = ST336909 | map_type = Wales Newport | map_alt = A map of Newport, Wales, showing the location of the town of Caerleon as a red dot | coordinates = {{coord|51.615|-2.959|display=inline,title}} | post_town = NEWPORT | postcode_area = NP | postcode_district = NP18 | dial_code = 01633 | constituency_westminster = [[Newport West (UK Parliament constituency)|Newport West]] | london_distance_mi = 122 | london_distance_km = 196 | london_distance = | london_direction = eastwards | cardiff_distance_mi = 13 | cardiff_distance_km = 21 | cardiff_distance = | cardiff_direction = westwards | welsh_name = Caerllion | community_wales = [[List of communities in Wales#Newport|Caerleon]] | unitary_wales = [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] | lieutenancy_wales = [[Gwent (county)|Gwent]] | constituency_welsh_assembly = [[Newport West (Senedd constituency)|Newport West]] | language = English | language1 = Welsh | website = {{cite web |title=Newport City Council |website=newport.gov.uk |url=http://www.newport.gov.uk/SplashScreen/splashPages/NCC-Splash-Home.aspx}} }} '''Caerleon''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ər|ˈ|l|iː|ə|n}}; {{lang-cy|Caerllion}}) is a town and [[Community (Wales)|community]] in [[Newport, Wales]]. Situated on the [[River Usk]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Leisure-Tourism/Attractions/Caerleon/Caerleon.aspx |title=Caerleon - Newport City Council |website=www.newport.gov.uk |access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/398132 |title=The River Usk, looking downstream |quote=(c) Roger Cornfoot |website=Geograph (geograph.org.uk) |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> it lies {{convert|5|mi|0}} northeast of [[Newport city centre]], and {{convert|5.5|mi|0}} southeast of [[Cwmbran]]. Caerleon is of [[archaeological]] importance, being the site of a notable [[Roman Empire|Roman]] legionary [[Castra|fortress]], [[Isca Augusta]], and an [[Iron Age]] [[hillfort]]. Close to the remains of Isca Augusta are the [[National Roman Legion Museum]] and the [[Roman Baths Museum]]. The town also has strong historical and literary associations: [[Geoffrey of Monmouth]] elevated the significance of Caerleon as a major centre of British history in his ''[[Historia Regum Britanniae]]'' (c. 1136), and [[Alfred Lord Tennyson]] wrote ''[[Idylls of the King]]'' (1859–1885) while staying in Caerleon. ==History== ===Pre-Roman history=== The area around Caerleon is of considerable [[archaeological]] interest with a number of important [[Neolithic]] sites. By the [[British Iron Age|Iron age]], the area was home to the powerful [[Silures]] tribe and appears to have been the centre of a wealthy trading network, both manufacturing and importing [[La Tène culture|La Tène]] style goods.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Peterson |first1=R. |last2=Pollard |first2=J. |last3=Morris |first3=E. |year=2006 |chapter=Prehistoric Pottery |title=Lodge Hill Camp, Caerleon, and the Hillforts of Gwent |publisher=British Archaeological Reports |location=Oxford |series=BAR British Series |volume=407 |pages=33–37 |isbn=978-1841719351}}</ref> Since the fifth century BC, the town was the location of a great Iron Age hillfort crowning a hill overlooking the Usk and what would become the Roman port. The Hillfort at Lodge Wood Camp is defended by three lines of massive ramparts and ditches and is the largest fortified enclosure in South Wales.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wiles |first=J. |title=Lodge Wood Camp |url=https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/93396?term=caerleon%20lodge |website=Coflein |access-date=29 July 2021}}</ref> The excavation in 2000 found that the hillfort had been continuously occupied from its founding in the fifth century BC until the construction and occupation of [[Isca Augusta]] around 78AD. There is no evidence that the fort was taken militarily and the abandoning of the fort may have been part of the terms of peace.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Howell |first1=R. |last2=Pollard |first2=J. |title=Caerleon, Lodge Wood Camp |journal=Archaeology in Wales |year=2000 |issue=40 |pages=81–83}}</ref> The fort was reoccupied during the Roman period and remained in use following the [[End of Roman rule in Britain]], suggesting some version of the Pre-Roman society survived the occupation. ===Roman Era=== {{Main|Isca Augusta}} [[File:Roman Legions camps - AD 80.png|thumb|A map of Roman legionary camps in Europe with Caerleon (3) noted|alt=|left]] Caerleon is a site of considerable [[archaeological]] importance as the location of a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] legionary fortress or ''[[castra]]''. It was the headquarters for [[Legio II Augusta]] from about 75 to 300 AD, and on the hill above was the site of an [[Iron Age]] [[hillfort]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/93396/details/LODGE+WOOD+CAMP/ |title=Lodge Wood Camp |publisher=[[Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales]] |access-date=27 March 2016 |date=14 March 2007}}</ref> The [[Roman Britain|Romans]] called the site ''Isca'' after the River Usk (Welsh ''Wysg''). The name ''Caerleon'' may derive from the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] for "fortress of the [[Roman legion|legion]]"; around 800 AD it was referred to as ''Cair Legeion guar Uisc''.<ref>Hywel Wyn Jones, ''The Place-Names of Wales'', University of Wales Press, 2005, p.19, {{ISBN|0-7083-1458-9}}</ref> [[File:Aerial view of Caerleon Roman amphitheatre.jpg|thumb|left|An aerial view of Caerleon's Roman amphitheatre site in 2005]] Substantial excavated Roman remains can be seen, including the military [[amphitheatre]], ''[[thermae]]'' (baths) and barracks occupied by the [[Roman Legion]]. In August 2011 the remains of a Roman [[harbour]] were discovered in Caerleon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/9210919.Caerleon_Roman_harbour_find_hailed/ |title=Caerleon Roman harbour find hailed |publisher=southwalesargus.co.uk |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> According to [[Gildas]], followed by [[Bede]], Roman Caerleon was the site of two [[early Christian]] [[martyrdom]]s, those of [[Julius and Aaron]]. Recent finds suggest Roman occupation of some kind as late as AD 380.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/history/dig/2008/index.html |title=Priory Field Caerleon dig |year=2008 |publisher=Cardiff University and UCL |first1=Peter, Dr. |last1=Guest |first2=Andrew, Dr. |last2=Gardner |website=caerleon.net |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> Roman remains have also been discovered at [[The Mynde (Caerleon)|The Mynde]], itself a distinctive historical site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/mynde |title=The Mynde, Caerleon, Wales |website=caerleon.net |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> ===Middle Ages=== During the [[Middle Ages]], Caerleon or nearby [[Venta Silurum]] (now [[Caerwent]]) was the administrative centre of the [[Kingdom of Gwent]]. The [[parish church]], [[St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon|St Cadoc's]] was founded on the site of the legionary headquarters building probably sometime in the 6th century. A [[Norman architecture|Norman]]-style [[motte and bailey]] [[castle]] was built outside the eastern corner of the old Roman fort, possibly by the Welsh Lord of Caerleon, [[Caradog ap Gruffydd]]. The [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 recorded that a small colony of eight [[carucates]] of land (about 1.5 square miles) in the jurisdiction of Caerleon, seemingly just within the Welsh Lordship of [[Gwynllwg]], was held by [[Turstin FitzRolf]], standard bearer to William the Conqueror at Hastings, subject to [[William d'Ecouis]], a magnate of unknown antecedents with lands in Hereford, Norfolk and other counties.<ref name=domesday>{{cite web |url=http://www.domesdaybook.co.uk/ |title=The Domesday Book Online |website=www.domesdaybook.co.uk}}</ref> Also listed on the manor were three Welshmen with as many ploughs and carucates, who continued their Welsh customs (''leges Walensi viventes'').<ref name=domesday/> Caerleon itself may have remained in Welsh hands, or may have changed hands frequently.<ref name="caerbaer">{{cite web |last=Jermyn |first=Anthony |year=2010 |title=4: Caerleon through the centuries to the year 2000 |url=http://www.acanterthroughcaerleon.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=58 |access-date=13 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620143235/http://www.acanterthroughcaerleon.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=58 |archive-date=20 June 2013}}</ref> From the apparent banishment of Turstin by William II, Turstin's lands were transferred in 1088 by [[Wynebald de Ballon]], brother of [[Hamelin de Ballon]] who held [[Abergavenny]] further up the River Usk. At about the same time as Wynebald's lands may have passed via his daughter to Henry Newmarch,<ref>B.L. Harley 4757, f.7</ref>{{full citation needed|date=September 2021}} possible illegitimate son of [[Bernard de Newmarch]],<ref>{{cite report |last1=Newmarch |first1=George Frederick |last2=Newmarch |first2=Charles H. |title=The Newmarch Pedigree |quote=Verified by public records, authentic manuscripts, and general and local histories |place=Cirencester, UK |year=1868 |p=2}} Contains scanty information, not sourced to any ancient records.</ref> c. 1155 the Welsh Lord of Caerleon, Morgan ab Owain, grandson of King Caradog ap Gruffudd, was recognized by [[Henry II of England|Henry II]].<ref name=hywel>{{cite book |last=Jenkins |first=Robert Thomas |year=1959 |section-url=http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/s-MORG-APH-1210.html |section=Morgan ap Hywel |title=[[Dictionary of Welsh Biography]] |publisher=Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion |access-date=12 April 2016}}</ref> Subsequently, Caerleon continued in Welsh hands, subject to occasional battles with the Normans. Caerleon was an important market and port and possibly became a [[borough]] by 1171, although no independent charters exist. In 1171 Iorwerth ab Owain and his two sons destroyed the town of Caerleon and burned the Castle. Both castle and borough were seized by [[William Marshal]] from [[Morgan ap Hywel]] in 1217 and Caerleon castle was rebuilt in stone. The remains of many of the old Roman buildings stood to some height until this time and were probably demolished for their building materials. ===Glyndŵr Rising=== [[File:Caerleon-Round Tower.jpg|thumb|upright|Round Tower at The Hanbury Arms in 2010]] During the [[Glyndŵr Rising]] in 1402 [[Rhys Gethin]], General for [[Owain Glyndŵr]], took Caerleon Castle together with those of Newport, Cardiff, Llandaff, Abergavenny, Caerphilly and Usk by force.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = The Bull Inn, Caerleon, June 2007 | url = http://www.thebellatcaerleon.co.uk/info/glyndwr.htm | title = Owain Glyndwr, the Bell at Caerleon | access-date = 9 October 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120306204225/http://www.thebellatcaerleon.co.uk/info/glyndwr.htm | archive-date = 6 March 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> This was probably the last time Caerleon castle was ruined, though the walls were still standing in 1537 and the castle ruins only finally collapsed in 1739 - their most obvious remnant is the Round Tower at the Hanbury Arms public house. The Tower is a [[Grade II* listed building]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-2996-tower-to-the-south-west-of-and-attached-to|title=Tower to the south west of, and attached to, The Hanbury Arms |first=Good|last=Stuff|publisher=britishlistedbuildings.co.uk |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> ===English Civil War=== Across the [[Afon Lwyd]] from Caerleon, in the region of Penrhos Farm, are two [[English Civil War|Civil War]] forts. In 1648 [[Oliver Cromwell]]'s troops camped overnight on [[Christchurch, Newport|Christchurch Hill]], overlooking Newport, before their attack on [[Newport Castle]] the next day. ===18th and 19th centuries=== [[File:Goldcroft_Common,_Caerleon.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|Goldcroft Common in Caerleon, Wales. In the background is Caerleon Town Hall.]] The old wooden bridge was destroyed in a storm in 1779 and [[Caerleon Bridge|the present stone bridge]] was erected in the early 19th century. Until the [[Victorian era|Victorian]] development of the downstream docks at [[Newport Docks]], Caerleon acted as the major port on the River Usk. The wharf was located on the right bank, to the west of today's river bridge which marked the limit of navigability for masted ships. A [[tinplate]] works and mills were established on the outskirts of the town, in Ponthir, around this time, and Caerleon expanded to become almost joined to Newport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/archive/literature/glh/49tin.htm |title=Caerleon Mills and Ponthir Tinplate Works |first=Eija |last=Kennerley |series=Gwent Local History |publisher=Caerleon.net |date=Autumn 1980 |access-date=27 March 2016}}</ref> A plaque on the Mynde wall in High Street references the [[Newport Rising]] of 1839 in which [[John Frost (Chartist)|John Frost]] of Newport was a prominent figure in the [[Chartism|Chartist]] movement. John Jenkins, owner of Mynde House and owner of Ponthir Tinplate Works, built the wall to keep demonstrators out. The name of the former Drovers' Arms on Goldcroft Common bore witness to the ancient [[drovers' road]] on the old road from [[Malpas, Newport|Malpas]]. It is thought that the common itself was once the site of a cattle market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/archive/literature/glh/37market.htm |title=Caerleon Market Hall |first=Eija |last=Kennerley |series=Gwent Local History |publisher=caerleon.net |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> {{clear}} ===Mari Lwyd=== {{main|Mari Lwyd}}[[File:Carleon.jpg|thumb|Caerleon in 1800, from the south and showing the bridge|alt=]] Writing in 1951, local historian and folklorist [[Fred Hando]] described the traditional journey through Caerleon of the Mari Lwyd or "Venerable Mary", a tradition similar to that of [[Hoodening]] found in [[Kent]], [[Padstow]] and [[Cheshire]], and involving a man dressed with a horse's skull. The jaw of the skull could be made to move, with the aid of rods. Hando's informant, Gus Sergeant of Bulmoor, reported that the Mari Lwyd had not been seen in the town for at least 20 years, but he was still able to describe it: <blockquote> "We filled the eye-holes with wadding and '[[Marble (toy)|pop alleys]]' and fixed great ears made of wadding stiffened with cardboard; then we stuck rosettes on the sides of the skull and strung long coloured ribbons as reins." </blockquote> One man acted as leader of the Mari, holding the ribbons, and then came the Mari itself draped in a white sheet. It was followed by three singers, who sang in [[Welsh language|Welsh]] although "they didn't understand the words". On occasion, the procession of the Mari Lwyd would start as far north as [[Newbridge-on-Usk]] and proceed through the town, ending as far south as [[Goldcliff]]. The party would be invited into houses along the way and given "money and home-made cakes and gallons of beer". Another of Hando's informants provides a description, dated 1841, of the Yuletide tradition: <blockquote> "The custom of chaunting at their neighbours' doors on the [[twelfth night]] ... on which occasion they are fantastically dressed with ribbons of various colours. One of the party carries a horse's head decorated in the same manner. Representations of trees, to which are appended apples and oranges, are also carried about, and on one of the branches an artificial bird, called "Aderyn Pica Llwyd" (the grey hobgoblin bird) is placed."<ref>{{cite book |editor-link=Fred Hando |editor-last=Hando |editor-first=F.J. |year=1951 |work=Journeys in Gwent |first=R.H. |last=Johns |title=Newport |chapter=Chapter&nbsp;2 - The Mari Llwyd at Caerleon}}</ref> </blockquote> ==In Welsh Mythology and Literature== ===Welsh Mythology=== Caerleon features frequently in various works connected with [[Welsh mythology]] and [[Medieval Welsh literature]]. In book three of his ''[[The History of the Kings of Britain|Historia Regum Britanniæ]]'', [[Geoffrey of Monmouth]], gives the founder of the city as [[Belinus]], the mythical [[King of the Britons]]. According to Geoffrey, Belinus repaired and founded many cities during a period of great wealth, he named this city "''Caerosc''" ([[Caer]] on the [[River Usk]]), and it became the most important of all the new cities he founded. Geoffrey also states that Belinus' son and heir, [[Gurguit Barbtruc]] was buried in Caerleon, which he fortified with walls and ornamented with new buildings.<ref>{{cite book |last=Giles |first=J.A. |title=Six Old English Chronicles |series=Geoffrey's British History |volume=Book&nbsp;XII |year=1848 |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Six_Old_English_Chronicles/Geoffrey%27s_British_History/Book_12}}</ref> Caerleon often features as a religious centre and it was the setting for the [[Synod of Victory]] in 569. The site is associated with the Welsh Saint [[Dubricius]] and is stated to be one of the earliest [[Metropolitan See]]s in the Province of Britannia. As such, Dubricius is most often depicted holding two [[crosiers]] (representing the [[Diocese of Llandaff|Bishopric at Llandaff]] and the Bishopric at Caerleon). In the ''[[Prophetiae Merlini]]'', Geoffrey stated that "[[St David]]'s shall put on the pall of the City of Legions", And most accounts state that Dubricius gave the see of Caerleon to St David voluntarily. David then transferred the Bishopric to ''Mynyw'', now known as [[St David's]]. Indeed in describing St David's death, Geoffrey describes him as "The pious archbishop of Legions, at the city of Menevia (Mynyw)."<ref>{{cite book |last=Toke |first=Leslie Alexander St. Lawrence |title=Catholic Encyclopedia |year=1913 |volume=4 |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/St._David}}</ref> === Arthurian legend === In his 1191 ''[[Itinerarium Cambriae]]'', written about a tour of Wales in 1188 to recruit for the [[Third Crusade]], the author [[Gerald of Wales]] says of Caerleon, "the Roman ambassadors here received their audience at the court of the great king Arthur."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Cambrensis_Tour/7 |series=Gerald of Wales |at=Book I, Ch. 5 |title=Usk and Caerleon |website=Vision of Britain |access-date=27 March 2016}}</ref> Geoffrey makes Arthur's capital Caerleon and [[Thomas Malory]] has Arthur re-crowned there. The still extant [[amphitheatre]] at Caerleon has been associated with Arthur's '[[Round Table (Camelot)|Round-Table]];<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ottaway |first1=Patrick |first2=Michael |last2=Cyprian |title=A traveller's guide to Roman Britain |year=1987 |publisher=Historical Times |isbn=978-0-918678-19-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MtkOAAAAQAAJ&q=++%22round+table%22&pg=PA35 |page=35}}</ref> and has been suggested as a possible source for the legend.<ref>{{cite book |last=Castleden |first=Rodney |title=King Arthur: The truth behind the legend |year=1999 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-19575-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F28cAoRntJwC&q=caerleon+%22round+table%22&pg=PA148 |page=148}}</ref> :"For it was located in a delightful spot in [[Glamorgan]], on the River Usk, not far from the [[Severn]] Sea. Abounding in wealth more than other cities, it was suited for such a ceremony. For the noble river I have named flows along it on one side, upon which the kings and princes who would be coming from overseas could be carried by ship. But on the other side, protected by meadow and woods, it was remarkable for royal palaces, so that it imitated Rome in the golden roofs of its buildings ... Famous for so many pleasant features, Caerleon was made ready for the announced feast." (''[[Historia Regum Britanniae]]'') Though the huge scale of the ruins along with Caerleon's importance as an urban centre in early medieval [[Kingdom of Gwent]] may have inspired Geoffrey, the main historical source for Arthur's link with "the camp of the legion" is the list of the [[Sites and places associated with Arthurian legend#Reputed Arthurian battle sites|twelve battles of Arthur]] in the 9th-century ''[[Historia Brittonum]]''. However the ''"urbs legionis"'' mentioned there may be [[Chester]] &ndash; or even [[York]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Keith |last=Fitzpatrick-Matthews |title=The Arthurian Battle List |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/35181158/The-Arthurian-Battle-List-of-the-Historia-Brittonum-July-2010 |url-status=dead}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> "Camelot" first appears in [[Chrétien de Troyes]]' ''Lancelot'', though Chrétien also mentions Caerleon. [[File:Machen plauque.jpg|thumb|upright|Plaque at birthplace of [[Arthur Machen]], The Square, High Street]] Caerleon also has associations with later Arthurian literature as the birthplace of the writer [[Arthur Machen]] who often used it as a location in his work. [[Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson|Alfred Tennyson]] lodged at The Hanbury Arms while he wrote his ''Morte d'Arthur'' (later incorporated into his ''[[Idylls of the King]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/history/arthur/page7.htm |title=King Arthur - Caerleon and the Legend |publisher=caerleon.net |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> Today Caerleon has a modern statue of a [[knight]], "The Hanbury Knight", in reflecting [[stainless steel]] by Belgian sculptor Thierry Lauwers.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thierry-lauwers.net/cv_nederlands/cv_nederlands.html |title=cv nederlands |publisher=thierry-lauwers.net |access-date=15 December 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180412214953/http://www.thierry-lauwers.net/cv_nederlands/cv_nederlands.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In [[Michael Morpurgo]]'s novel ''Arthur, High King of Britain'', Caerleon is the castle where Arthur unknowingly commits [[incest]] with his half-sister Morgaine, resulting in the conception of his son [[Mordred]] who will later bring about his downfall. [[Mary Stewart (novelist)|Mary Stewart]]'s account of the Arthurian legends also mentions Caerleon as a place where Arthur held court. In that telling, the incest took place at [[Luguvalium]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Wicked Day |last=Stewart |first=Mary |year=1983 |location=USA |publisher=Ballantine Books |at=[https://archive.org/details/wickedday00stew_1/page/143 143, 147] |isbn=0-449-20519-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/wickedday00stew_1/page/143}}</ref> ==Modern Caerleon== ===Overview=== [[File:Caerleon-Goldcroft Common.JPG|thumb|Goldcroft Common in 2010|alt=|left]] [[File:Caerleon_War_Memorial_Garden.jpg|thumb|The War Memorial Garden, erected 1921 for the 1914-1918 Great War and later the 1939-1945 Second World War.]] Caerleon is centred around a small [[common land|common]]. Goldcroft Common is the only remaining of the seven commons of Caerleon. Most of the small businesses of Caerleon are near the common as is the Town Hall which has a [[World War I]] and [[World War II]] memorial garden. Caerleon library is located within the Town Hall and is associated with [[Newport Central Library]]. The intersection of High Street and Cross Street is known as The Square. Buildings of note are [[St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon|Saint Cadoc's Church]], the [[National Roman Legion Museum]], the [[Roman Baths Museum]], [[The Mynde (Caerleon)|The Mynde]], The Priory Hotel, [[Julius and Aaron|Caerleon Catholic Church]] and Rectory, [[Caerleon Endowed Junior School|Caerleon Endowed School]], the Round Tower, the Toll House at [[Caerleon Bridge]], The Malt House hotel, former [[University of South Wales]] Caerleon Campus and [[St Cadoc's Hospital]]. There are 86 listed buildings in Caerleon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caerleon, Newport |website=British Listed Buildings(britishlistedbuildings.co.uk) |url=https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wales/caerleon-newport#.XHafN6SnyaM |access-date=27 February 2019}}</ref> The historic remains of the Roman Legionary Fortress [[Isca Augusta]] is popular with tourists and school parties and there is a marked heritage trail in the town. The Millennium Wildlife Garden is a small nature garden on the banks of the River Usk. The hilltop vantage point at [[Christchurch, Newport|Christchurch]] provides panoramic views of the [[Vale of Usk]] and [[Bristol Channel]]. The municipal playing fields are at Caerleon Broadway and a children's playground is in Cold Bath Road. Private sport and leisure facilities are available at the [[Celtic Manor]]. Caerleon has a few restaurants, cafés and take-away food outlets and many [[public houses]] that have restaurant facilities. Ffwrrwm Arts and Crafts Centre is a small specialist shopping courtyard with a gallery restaurant and an eclectic display of sculpture. ===Governance=== [[File:Caerleon Town Hall.JPG|thumb|Caerleon Town Hall in 2010|alt=]] Caerleon is an [[Ward (politics)|electoral ward]] of [[Newport City Council]]. The ward includes [[Christchurch, Newport|Christchurch]] and [[Bulmore]]. Caerleon is within the [[United Kingdom constituencies|UK Parliamentary constituency]] of [[Newport West (UK Parliament constituency)|Newport West]], the [[Senedd]] [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|constituency]] of [[Newport West (Senedd constituency)|Newport West]]. Until January 2020 it was within the [[Wales (European Parliament constituency)|Wales European Parliament Constituency]]. The community includes [[Christchurch, Newport|Christchurch]] and the Afon Gardens area of [[Ponthir]].{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} ===Geography=== The centre of Caerleon sits in the Vale of Usk and the River Usk forms part of the community's southern boundary. In the north-west part of the town, across the railway bridges, the land rises sharply up to Lodge Wood and its [[hill fort]]. The community's western boundary is formed by the [[A4042 road]] (Heidenheim Drive) and the northern boundary partly by the Malthouse Road and partly by the [[Afon Llwyd]] river which flows southwards to the River Usk along the town's eastern side. Across the River Usk from Caerleon, to the south-east and east, St Julian's Park, the village of [[Christchurch, Newport|Christchurch]] and the upland region around Christchurch Hill as far as the [[M4 motorway]] and the [[A449 road]] are also within the community, along with the hamlet of Ultra Pontem. ===Transportation=== ====Road==== Caerleon is {{convert|3.5|mile}} from [[Newport city centre]] and {{convert|5.5|mile}} from [[Cwmbran]]. Caerleon is {{convert|2|mile}} north of the [[M4 motorway]]. The B4596 (Caerleon Road) links Newport city centre to Caerleon via M4 Junction 25, crossing [[Caerleon Bridge]] into Caerleon High Street. The B4236 (Ponthir Road) links Caerleon to Cwmbran. The Usk Road links Caerleon to [[Usk]]. A regular bus service links Caerleon to Newport city centre and Cwmbran. There is a limited [[City Sightseeing]] open-top bus service in summer months. A cycle and pedestrian walkway alongside the River Usk links Caerleon to [[Malpas, Newport|Malpas]] and [[Newport city centre]] at [[Crindau]], route&nbsp;88 of the [[List of National Cycle Network routes|National Cycle Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/9074267._Vital__Caerleon_cycle_link_opens/ |title='Vital' Caerleon cycle link opens |publisher=southwalesargus.co.uk |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> ====Rail==== Trains pass through Caerleon on the [[Welsh Marches Line]], but do not stop at the closed [[Caerleon railway station]]. The nearest passenger stations are [[Newport railway station]], and [[Cwmbran railway station]]. Transport for Wales have announced that Caerleon is a potential future station as part of the [[South Wales Metro]] project.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-06/south-wales-metro-summary-brochure.pdf |date=June 2018 |title=South Wales Metro summary brochure |website=gov.wales |access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> ===Education=== Education is generally conducted in the English language in schools but at least a mandatory [[Welsh language]] content must be provided under the Welsh education curriculum. There are no [[Welsh-medium education|Welsh-medium]] schools in Caerleon but there are three primary schools elsewhere in Newport; ''Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon'' in [[Brynglas]], ''Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd'' in [[Ringland, Newport|Ringland]] and ''Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael'' in [[Bettws, Newport|Bettws]]. The nearest Welsh-medium secondary school is ''[[Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw]]'' in [[Trevethin]], [[Pontypool]]. ====Primary schools==== The primary schools are Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School (one of the largest Church Primary Schools in Wales) and Lodge Hill Primary School.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charleswilliamsprimary.org/ |title=Charles Williams Primary |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleonlodgehillprimary.org/ |title=Caerleon Lodge Hill Primary School |website=www.caerleonlodgehillprimary.org |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> '''Secondary education'''{{main|Caerleon Comprehensive School}}'''Higher education'''[[File:Caerleon Campus.jpg|thumb|left|Caerleon Campus in 2007]] A former campus of the [[University of South Wales]] is located in Caerleon. The campus closed on 31 July 2016. The campus was the main campus of the [[University of Wales, Newport]] and the second largest campus of the [[University of South Wales]] after the merger of universities in 2013. It hosted a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including education, sports and photography. The campus had extensive sports facilities, library, students' union shop, students' union bar and accommodation blocks. During September&nbsp;2014, It was announced by the University of South Wales that the Caerleon campus would close in 2016<ref>{{cite web |title=Campus changes |url=http://campuschanges.southwales.ac.uk/ |website=University of South Wales Campus Changes |access-date=8 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117054031/http://campuschanges.southwales.ac.uk/ |archive-date=17 November 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> with courses being integrated into the remaining campuses. The University intends to sell the campus for housing development but there is strong opposition to the proposed re-development from local residents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Campus Changes |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14422303.Mistrust_and_anger_at_public_meeting_over_university_s_homes_plan_for_Caerleon_campus/ |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> The Caerleon Civic Society has asked [[Cadw]], the body that looks after historic monuments and buildings in Wales, to give the [[Edwardian Era|Edwardian]] main building Grade&nbsp;II [[Listed building]] status to save it from demolition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Open Letter |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14530481.Caerleon_group_write_open_letter_to_re_assess_Caerleon_campus__39__main_building_for_listing/ |access-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> In August&nbsp;2016, the [[Welsh Government]] announced that they would recommend that the main building, gatehouses, and gate piers be listed as 'buildings of special architectural and historic interest'. The University of South Wales expressed their continued opposition to the proposed listing but the announcement was welcomed by local politicians and the Caerleon Civic Society.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lifeline for part of Caerleon Campus after minister says building should be listed |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14667552.Lifeline_for_part_of_Caerleon_Campus_after_minister_says_building_should_be_listed/ |access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> Grade&nbsp;II listing of the Main Building, the Principal's Residence, Gate Piers and Caretaker's / Gardener's Lodge was confirmed on the 3&nbsp;March 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Historic Caerleon college campus given listed status by Cadw |newspaper=South Wales Argus |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/15132072.Caerleon_campus_building_given_listed_status/ |access-date=4 March 2017}}</ref> ===Housing=== Historically housing was largely located on the west bank of the River Usk between Caerleon Bridge and Caerleon Common with a small number of houses on the east bank. A number of substantial housing developments have been created to the West of Caerleon: Lodge Hill, Home Farm, Roman Reach, Trinity View, Brooklea, and the Brades, as well as smaller cluster developments near the centre of the town. Substantial housing developments in nearby [[Ponthir]] and Cwmbran have increased traffic congestion in Caerleon. ===Pubs and restaurants=== [[File:The_Priory,_Caerleon.jpg|alt=|thumb|147x147px|The entrance to The Priory, a historic restaurant and pub in Caerleon, Wales]] [[File:Minstrels_Sports_Bar.jpg|alt=|thumb|147x147px|Minstrels Sports Bar, a popular pub in Caerleon, Wales.]] The town has long been a well-known spot for nightlife and eateries, with a number of [[coaching inn]]s opening in the early 19th century. Today there are thirteen pubs, bars or restaurants, including: * The Priory (an Abbey was first built here in 1179)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/intro/heritage.htm |title=Caerleon Heritage Trail ISCA Wales UK |website=www.caerleon.net |access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref> * Olde Bull Inn (15th Century)<ref name=":1"/> * The Hanbury Arms (1565)<ref name=":1"/> * The Bell (originally built as a chapel in 1814)<ref name=":1"/> * The White Hart (a hotel later becoming a pub in 1815)<ref name=":1"/> ===Sport=== Caerleon has been home to a number of sporting competitions. ====Newport Half Marathon==== {{Main|Newport Half Marathon}} It is a part of the [[Newport Half Marathon]] route, entering the town via the [[National Cycle Route 88]] path, into the historic village centre past the Amphitheatre, over Caerleon Bridge and onto Caerleon Road back towards the city centre finish.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cityofnewporthalfmarathon.com/race-information/the-route/ |title=The Route |website=The Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon |language=en-GB |access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref> ====Tour de Gwent==== {{Main|Tour de Gwent}} On 8 July 2018 the [[Velothon Wales]] included Caerleon on a 140&nbsp;km route, as well as two shorter routes of 125&nbsp;km and 60&nbsp;km. In 2019 it was announced the Velothon Wales would not resume.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/17244142.disappointed-the-velothon-wales-wont-be-happening-next-year-sign-up-to-the-tour-de-gwent-instead/ |title=Disappointed the Velothon Wales won't be happening next year? Sign up to the Tour de Gwent instead |website=South Wales Argus |language=en |access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref> Instead, the [[Tour de Gwent]] will be the main cycling event for South Wales each year, with a 93&nbsp;mile route and other distances for different ability levels on offer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tourdegwent.org/#routes |title=Tour de Gwent |website=tourdegwent.org |access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref> It will again start in Caerleon and head to Abergavenny, returning to Caerleon via the Wye Valley. ====Tour of Britain 2017-2018==== {{Main|2017 Tour of Britain}} Caerleon has twice hosted the British national cycling tournament, in 2017 and 2018. It has welcomed international riders including [[Julian Alaphilippe]], [[André Greipel]], [[Tony Martin (cyclist)|Tony Martin]], and [[Geraint Thomas]] to the popular cycle routes in the area. It includes a category&nbsp;2 climb at Belmont Hill which has proven popular with organisers. On 10&nbsp;September 2017 the [[Tour of Britain]] came to Caerleon along the 180.2&nbsp;km (112&nbsp;mi) western route from Worcester to the competition's finish in Cardiff city centre. The peak of the British domestic cycling calendar, it saw a dramatic breakaway over Belmont Hill by riders [[Gorka Izagirre]] ([[Movistar Team (men's team)|Movistar]]) and [[Mark Stewart (cyclist)|Mark Stewart]] ([[An Post–Chain Reaction|An Post-Chain Reaction]]) which is a Category 2 climb and has been a feature of the Tour with a 9% average gradient. The riders were only eventually caught by the peloton near Cardiff at the close of the stage. The stage was won by [[Edvald Boasson Hagen]] of [[Dimension Data (cycling team)|Team Dimension Data]].{{Main|2018 Tour of Britain}} On 2 September 2018 Caerleon again hosted the Tour of Britain route as it headed east from [[Pembrey]] to [[Newport, Wales|Newport]], a flat stage of 175&nbsp;km (109&nbsp;mi). The event was Welsh [[Tour de France]] champion Geraint Thomas' first competition following his success in France, with the route following near his birthplace in Cardiff. The stage was won by André Greipel of [[Lotto–Soudal]]. The event organisers sent riders from Newport city centre to Caerleon via Sustrans [[National Cycle Route 88]], which was mostly flat along the Usk riverside. The route passed the Roman fortress towards the countryside around the Celtic Manor Resort, and then into Usk. The [[King of the Mountains]] stage was again set at nearby Belmont Hill, with Tour de France winner Thomas famously describing the climb as 'too steep'<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/sep/02/geraint-thomas-tour-of-britain-andre-greipal |title=Geraint Thomas finds climb near home too steep in Tour of Britain|last=Fotheringham |first=William|date=2018-09-02 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=2019-02-27 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> after he lost lead position in the peloton to climber Alaphilippe. ====2010 Ryder Cup==== {{Main|2010 Ryder Cup}} [[File:Caerleon_Cricket_Pavillion.jpg|alt=|thumb|The Cricket Pavilion in Caerleon, Wales. In the background is Caerleon Comprehensive School.]] The local ward golf club was included in promotional material for the [[2010 Ryder Cup]] which was hosted at the nearby [[Celtic Manor Resort]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.ryderdiary.com/dates-for-the-2010-ryder-cup-announced |title=Dates for the 2010 Ryder Cup Announced |website=Ryder Cup Diary (ryderdiary.com) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530000853/http://www.ryderdiary.com/dates-for-the-2010-ryder-cup-announced/ |archive-date=30 May 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 October 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Caerleon Golf Club is owned by the Celtic Manor Resort, and is a 9&nbsp;hole municipal golf course, [[driving range]] and golf clubhouse. During winter months the golf course is prone to flooding due to its location alongside the River Usk. ====Other sports==== Caerleon [[Bowls]] Club has a good quality outdoor green and recently became home of the city's Newport Athletic [[Bowls]] Club which moved from [[Rodney Parade]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10364182.community-destroyed-as-newport-bowls-club-turfed-out-after-100-years/ |title='Community destroyed' as Newport bowls club turfed out after 100&nbsp;years |website=South Wales Argus |language=en |access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref> The association football club [[Caerleon A.F.C.]] is based in Caerleon along with two [[rugby union]] clubs; [[Newport High School Old Boys RFC]] and [[Caerleon R.F.C.|Caerleon RFC]] whose grounds are less than a mile apart. Both rugby clubs have large junior sections and Caerleon Junior Youth Football Club is a substantial junior football club. Bulmore Lido was opened in Caerleon in July&nbsp;1934 land with an open-air swimming pool, cafe and restaurant,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caerleon.net/archive/photos/bulmore.htm |title=The Bulmore Lido, Caerleon also Bullmore Bullmoor |publisher=caerleon.net |access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref> closing in the 1980s. Newport Racecourse staged the Welsh Grand National on Easter&nbsp;1948 the only time the race was held at the course. Following the closure of the course the race was transferred to Chepstow. ===Culture and community=== [[File:Caerleon Tree Sculpture.JPG|thumb|upright|Tree sculpture in Caerleon]] ====Caerleon Arts Festival==== {{Main|Caerleon Arts Festival}} Caerleon has hosted an [[arts festival]] in July each year since 2003, established initially to welcome participants and sculptors from around the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caerleon Arts Festival 2003 |url=http://www.caerleon-arts.org/ |website=Celf Caerleon Arts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030718074616/http://www.caerleon-arts.org/ |archive-date=18 July 2003}}</ref> Many of the sizeable sculptures are retained around Caerleon as a [[Sculpture park]] and local landmarks. The arts festival coincides with the Roman military [[Historical reenactment|re-enactment]] in the amphitheatre which demonstrates Roman military armour, [[Roman infantry tactics|infantry tactics]], cavalry tactics, equipment and [[siege engine]]s such as [[ballista]]e. Recent developments with the festival have seen expansion, with the inclusion of a literary festival, food and drink offerings, and a 'Big Free Weekend' of entertainment and [[visual arts]] staged at venues including the open-air Roman amphitheatre, which hosts plays in the summer. ====Other events==== * An informative and wide-ranging history of Caerleon was published in 1970 by local amateur historian Primrose Hockey [[Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|MBE]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Hockey |first=Primrose |year=1981 |title=Caerleon Past and Present |place=Risca, UK |publisher=Starling Press |ISBN=0-903434-43-1}}</ref> who was a founder member of Caerleon Local History Society. An archive of her local history collection is kept by the [[Gwent Record Office]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/onlinelists/GB0218%20D4165.pdf |title=Gwent Record Office, Primrose Hockey Collection, ca. 1915-1993, D4165 at nationalarchives.gov.uk |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> *[[St Cadoc's Hospital]] in Caerleon has been featured as a location of episodes in the [[BBC]] television programmes [[Doctor Who]] and [[Being Human (UK TV series)|Being Human]]. * The former campus of the [[University of South Wales]] located in Caerleon was one of the filming sites of the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Sex Education (TV series)|Sex Education]]''. ==Notable people== {{See also|Category:People from Caerleon}} Notable people who were born, resided or were schooled in Caerleon, include the following: {{div col}} * [[The Darling Buds]], alternative rock band, formed in Caerleon<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/the-darling-buds |title=The Darling Buds - MTV UK |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> * [[John Byrne (VC)|John Byrne]] (1832–1879), [[Victoria Cross]] recipient * [[Roger Freestone]], Wales international footballer * [[Len Hill]] (1941–2007), footballer and cricketer * [[Gary Hocking]], motorcycle racer * [[Arthur Machen]], author * [[James May]], television presenter * [[Lyndon Mustoe]], Wales international rugby union player * [[Tyler Morgan]], Welsh international rugby player * [[Banita Sandhu]], actress<ref>{{cite news |last=Waheed |first=Alia |title=Banita Sandhu – the London undergrad moonlighting as a Bollywood star |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/30/banita-sandhu-the-london-undergrad-moonlighting-as-a-bollywood-star |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=30 March 2018 |location=London, UK}}</ref> * [[Carl Sargent]], author * [[Caroline Sheen]], actress * [[Ashton Hewitt]], Newport Gwent Dragons player * [[James Sommerin]], chef * [[Wendy van der Plank]], actress * [[Nigel Vaughan]], Wales international footballer * [[Nick Walne]], Wales international rugby union player * Violet Lawrence (1908–2014), in 2010 became Britain's oldest surviving police widow<ref>{{cite news |title=Caerleon lady marks 105th birthday with five generations |newspaper=South Wales Argus |date=20 June 2013 |url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/10498290.Caerleon_lady_marks_105th_birthday_with_five_generations/ |access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Briant |first=Nathan |date=1 September 2014 |title=One of Newport's oldest residents passes away |newspaper=South Wales Argus |location=Newport, UK |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/11443864.one-of-newports-oldest-residents-passes-away/}}</ref> {{div col end}} ==See also== * [[Caerleon II]], racehorse * [[Caerleon Urban District]] * [[HMS Caerleon]], ship * [[Pontypool, Caerleon and Newport Railway]] * [[Usk Valley Walk]] * [[Brigandine (video game)]] in which Caerleon is a playable country ==References== {{reflist|25em}} ==Bibliography== * {{cite book |last=Hockey |first=Primrose |year=1981 |title=Caerleon past and present |publisher=Starling Press |isbn=9780903434430}} * {{cite book |last=Barber |first=Chris |year=1996 |title=Arthurian Caerleon: In literature and legend |publisher=Blorenge Books |ISBN=1-872730-10-8}} * {{cite book |last=Brewer |first=Richard J. |year=2000 |title=Caerleon and the Roman Army: The Roman Legionary Museum, a guide |edition=2nd |place=Cardiff, UK |publisher=National Museum Wales Books |ISBN=0-7200-0488-8}} {{cite book |edition=1st |title=Caerleon - Isca: the Roman Legionary Museum |year=1987}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Caerleon}} * {{cite web |title=Photos of Caerleon and surrounding area |website=Geograph (geograph.org.uk) |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=3026960 }} * {{cite web |title=Roman Caerleon & King Arthur |url=http://wales.red/national-roman-legion-museum.html }} * {{cite web |title=National Roman Legion Museum |url=http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/roman |url-status=dead <!-- presumed --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703003338/http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/roman |archive-date=2012-07-03 }} * {{cite web |title=Academy of Historical Fencing |url=http://www.historicalfencing.co.uk/ }} * {{cite encyclopedia |title=Caerleon |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9018518/Caerleon }} * {{cite web |title=Caerleon Arts |url=http://www.caerleon-arts.org/ }} * {{cite web |title=Caerleon Net |url=http://www.caerleon.net/ }} {{Caerleon, Wales}} {{History of Caerleon, Wales}} {{City of Newport}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Caerleon| ]] [[Category:Archaeological sites in Monmouthshire]] [[Category:Locations associated with Arthurian legend]] [[Category:History of Monmouthshire]] [[Category:History of Newport, Wales]] [[Category:Wards of Newport, Wales]] [[Category:Culture in Newport, Wales]] [[Category:River Usk]] [[Category:Towns in Newport, Wales]]'