donbgeek: Monmouth, Wales

Shakespeare is justly renowned as perhaps the most brilliant writer the English language has ever seen. Certainly he took use of the language to a new level and there are very few people who would not recognize many of the words and expressions that he created.

In terms of his plays and characters in them, my favorite is Harry of Monmouth, Prince Hal of Henry IV. He becomes King Henry V at the end of Henry IV Part 2 and goes on to be the hero of Henry V. Hal's father, King Henry IV was in the unenviable position of usurping the kingdom of Richard II and living with the burden of a kingdom rent by rebellion, during his reign. Hal's character arc is fascinating: from his calculated association with low characters (Jack Falstaff, Bardolph, Nym and Pistole), redeeming himself in his defeat of Hotspur in the battle of Shrewsbury, becoming a king bent on the conquest of France and eventually seeking peace when the costs and brutality of war become apparent. Through these three plays, this amazing character grows tremendously more mature.

So it's not too surprising that places related to this character became a central theme of the places visited during this trip.We saw a world class performance of Henry IV Part 1 in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Near the end of the trip, our tour of Westminster Abbey included the viewing of Henry V's tomb. And we visited Monmouth castle in Wales, where he was born.

Monmouth has the only surviving fortified bridge in Britain with the gate tower on the bridge. Immediately adjacent to a pub that provided food and shelter during pouring rain, when we first arrived.

They also apparently have Hobbits. Or maybe elves...

Monmouth is justifiably proud of their association with Prince Hal. A 20th century native was also co-creator of the Rolls-Royce company (the statue of in front).