Usk
Usk
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 Twyn Square and clock tower |
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 Usk
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| Usk shown within Monmouthshire | |
| Population | 2,834 |
| OS grid reference | SO375005 |
| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | USK |
| Postcode district | NP15 |
| Dialling code | 01291 |
| Police | Gwent |
| Fire | South Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament | |
| Welsh Assembly | |
Usk (Welsh: Brynbuga) is a small town in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, situated 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Newport.
It is located on the River Usk, which is spanned by an arched stone bridge at the western entrance to the town. A castle above the town overlooks the ancient crossing point. It developed as a small market town, with some industry including the making of Japanware, and a notable prison. In recent years Usk has become known for its history of success in Britain in Bloom competitions, winning the Large Village award in 2005. The resident population of the town in 2001 was 2,318, increasing to 2,834 at the 2011 census.
The town takes its English name from the River Usk - a name derived from an ancient Brythonic word for river which may also mean "abounding in fish". The name resembles that of many other rivers in Britain (e.g. Exe, Esk), and is related to Scottish Gaelic uisge or uisce in Irish Gaelic ("water"), and therefore to "whisky". The Welsh name Brynbuga, (English: Buga's Hill), was first recorded in the 15th century.
The Roman legionary fortress of Burrium was founded on the site of Usk by the military commander Aulus Didius Gallus, around AD 55. He moved his XX Valeria Victrix legion into the area from its earlier base at Glevum (Gloucester). It was the earliest legionary fortress in Wales. Although the site was constricted by hills, subject to flooding, and not on a navigable river, it offered good communications inland up the River Usk. However, by around AD 75 its disadvantages had become apparent and the Romans relocated their permanent military base south to Caerleon, leaving only a small auxiliary fort and civilian settlement at Usk.
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Wikipedia