A NEW book exploring the life of Usk through the history of its inhabitants is due to be launched next month.
Usk Castle, Priory and Town discovers what can be learned about them from the buildings which still make up the town, as well as the archaeology of former times.
Virginia Hoselitz, Chair of Usk Castle Friends explained, "Contributors include Jeremy Knight, Professor William Manning, Professor Chris Given-Wilson and the late Geoff Mein. Other local contributors include Frank Olding, Keith Underwood and Sian Rees, as well as Jan and John Barrow whose books on Usk will already be well known to many people."
Andy Johnson of Logaston Press said, "The chapters start off by covering prehistoric and Roman Usk. Subsequent ones look at the Norman town and its hospital and almshouse, the building and life of the Priory with its community of nuns and its shrine to St Radegund, the long history of the construction of the Castle and the effect on the region of Owain Glyndwr's rising, seen through the eyes of one of Usk's most famous sons, Adam of Usk, first from a distance and then at firsthand as he became embroiled in the events that surrounded him. Later chapters reflect on life in Usk during the period of religious upheaval in the 16th and 17th centuries, telling the story of the town's own martyr, St David Lewis; and chart the development of the medieval town through the Georgian period, as well as the more recent transformation of the castle wards into a remarkable garden. Coming to more recent times, a chapter is devoted to Usk's secret Auxiliary Unit and its operational base, established in preparation for a German invasion in the early 1940s; whilst a final chapter considers current problems and highlights issues on which decisions need to be made to help ensure that Usk has a thriving future."
The book launch is open to all, and everyone is very welcome. So come along to the Session House in Usk on November 11, at 7.30pm and meet many of the contributors. Copies of the book will be available on the night or from Lindwalls or Mandalay Books of Usk, £17.50 hardback, £12.95 paperback.
You can also order direct from Logaston Press, Little Logaston, Logaston, Woonton, Almeley, Herefordshire HR3 6QH. Please send a cheque for the cover price, post and packing free, and don't forget to add your name and address.