Join us on a fascinating journey through a Medieval landscape as Tony Hopkins leads us through a pivotal period in the development of the Gwent Levels.

The Gwent Levels have a rich medieval history shaped by their location on the coastal lowlands and their proximity to the English border. The latter ensured that Gwent was one of the first areas of Wales to be invaded by the Normans.

From their English bases, Norman lords arrived here both by land and sea soon after the conquest of England in 1066. Moreover, the Levels’ lowland location was well suited to Norman agriculture and the resulting development of the landscape here has been an enduring one. Arguably nowhere else in Wales experienced a deeper Norman imprint than the eastern and southern zones of Monmouthshire.

The Normans and their medieval successors have left a lasting legacy that can be seen today in buildings, settlements, field and place-names.

Tony was formerly County Archivist at Gwent Archives; now semi-retired and working as an archivist. He is editor of Gwent Local History and co-editor of The Monmouthshire Antiquary and has published a range of books and articles on Monmouthshire and South Wales history.