Castle and Regimental Museum, Monmouth

Great Castle House stands on Castle Hill in Monmouth, the highest point in the town centre. It is a 17th-century grade I listed building, built from the ruins of Monmouth Castle by the 1st Duke of Beaufort. The house is part of the Monmouth Heritage Trail and one of 24 blue plaque buildings along the route. A 19th-century wing extends from the main house and now holds the Castle and Regimental Museum. The museum focuses on the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, the most senior regiment in the British Territorial Army. The regiment itself is based in Great Castle House. The museum was founded in 1989 by the Duke of Gloucester and has received the Prince of Wales Award. It is run entirely by volunteers and holds the regiment’s records from 1786 to 1991. The archives show how the regiment’s name changed over centuries, from the Monmouthshire Militia to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. The unit has served in conflicts including Operation Herrick in Helmand Province. After returning from Afghanistan, soldiers were honoured with a parade through Monmouth and a church service. Inside, the museum displays a fireless cooking pot found on Castle Hill, a late 19th-century regimental drum, and World War II canned cake rations. Outside, a British armoured fighting vehicle and the regiment’s war memorial stand on Castle Hill. Exhibits cover the regiment’s double ‘Royal’ title, its colours, and its role in recent wars. The museum also recognises the medieval walls and defences of Monmouth through archaeological displays. Visitors can see uniforms, gas masks, and cigarette packages alongside larger military equipment.