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About
Welcome to Monmouth's Shire Hall Museum, a significant historic building in the heart of Monmouth, South Wales celebrating the history & heritage of Monmouth and the Wye Valley.
Shire Hall Museum is open 5 days a week (closed Wednesday and Sunday) from 11am – 4pm. Monmouth Town Council is open for business within the building.
The Shire Hall in Agincourt Square, Monmouth, Wales, is a prominent Grade I listed building in the town centre. Built in 1724, the Shire Hall was formerly the centre for the Assize Courts and Quarter Sessions for Monmouthshire. In 1839/40, the court was the location of the trial of the Chartist leader John Frost and others for high treason for their part in the Newport Rising. The Shire Hall is owned by Monmouthshire County Council and has audio-visual guides for visitors to Courtroom 1. It is currently used as a Tourist Information Centre and as the offices for Monmouth Town Council, and is open to the public in part.
The large rooms have also become an important part of Monmouth’s vibrant local community and hosts the local youth theatre group, various types of dance lessons, The Wye Valley artists and the Wyedean Embroiderers to name but a few.
Shire Hall was the scene of one of the most significant trials in British history when, in 1839/40, John Frost and other Chartists were tried for their involvement in the Chartist Riots in Newport. Courtroom 1 has been fully restored to how it looked in the 1840s and is fully interactive, allowing visitors to sit in the Judge’s chair and go down to the holding cells to experience first-hand the unpleasant conditions prisoners of the day had been subjected to.
Monmouth Nelson Museum and the Nelson Collection
MonLife Heritage is in the process of moving Monmouth Museum into the Shire Hall and is looking for which collections residents and visitors would like to see exhibited.
An online survey is now available to gather feedback on themes and activities that would attract visitors to the museum. Whether you’ve been before or have never visited, we want to create a museum full of history and activities for everyone.
Have your say - Shire Hall Museum (office.com)
Pre Visit Information
We have prepared information to tell you everything you need to know to plan a great visit.
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Events
5th July 2025 - 5th July 2025
Monmouth Medieval Festival 2025Medieval festival in the historic town of Monmouth.- more info
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Chepstow Museum, ChepstowChepstow Museum reveals the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre. It's open 11am - 4pm every day except Monday and Wednesday.
Monnow Gate and Bridge, MonmouthMonnow Bridge in Monmouth, Wales, is the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge in Great Britain with its gate tower still standing in place.
Group Visits to Monmouth Shire Hall, MonmouthCoach groups are welcome to Shire Hall. Guided tours can be arranged of the Assize Court and Holding Cells, but must be booked in advance.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Seating
- Accessible Toilet
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
- Free Entry
Catering
- On-site catering
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Postbox
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Glendower Street car park is located 0.2miles away from Shire Hall Museum. The Car Park is paid, for a maximum of two hours. Accessible bays are provided, with Blue Badge Holders having free parking in any bay.
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Public Transport Directions
Bus Stops are available along Agincourt Square, within 30 yards of the entrance.
Monmouth Bus Station is 0.3 miles away
