A Wale(s) of a Time (Part II)

It's deja vu all over again - Yogi Berra

Photo 1: Clock Tower, Twyn Square, Usk (Nov 25)

A few days after arriving back in Hereford from our weekend break in Llanbister, we were heading off to Wales again for a short one-night stay in Usk or Brynbuga in Welsh. The main reason for staying in Usk, apart from it being a pretty little town, was a visit to the pantomime, Brynbugadoon. This is always a family-friendly pantomime presented by the Usk Panto Players with a script written by local author, Julie McGowan.

We stayed in a lovely cottage a short walk from the town centre. But I'm getting ahead of myself because before arriving in Usk we visited Raglan Castle, a few miles to the north of Usk.

Photo 2: Raglan Castle (Nov 25)

As members of English Heritage, we get free entry to Cadw properties. We unfortunately arrived as it started to rain so our visit was necessarily brief. This is a compact and interesting castle dating from the 15th Century with later additions.

Photo 3: Moat, Raglan Castle

CADW have made an effort with some interesting artefacts located around the castle ruins. For example, this one is placed where the library used to be ...

Photo 4: Library, Raglan Castle

... and this contraption (designed and built by one of the castle owners) was an early version of a tray warmer designed to keep the food warm.

Photo 5: Early English Renaissance Plate Warmer

We attended the panto in the evening and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. Another bonus: we won another raffle prize!

The following day we had a look around Usk itself. Unfortunately, the museum was closed for the winter but the locals were very friendly. We wandered up and down the high street visiting Twyn Square where this Georgian House (Photo 6) was available to buy for £1,000,000 ...

Photo 6: Grade 2 Listed Georgian House, Twyn Square, Usk

We strolled up to the privately-owned Usk Castle but this was also closed for the winter ...

Photo 7: Entrance to Usk Castle

... and it was difficult to get a good view of the castle remains (Photo 8) ...

Photo 8: Usk Castle from the Car Park

The ruins do not appear to be as extensive as those of Raglan Castle but the gardens are apparently worth visiting.

Before going back to the car for the journey home, we popped into the Priory Church of St Mary where the organist was playing (Video 1) the Gray & Davison organ (built 1861) that was relocated from Llandaff Cathedral in 1900.

Video 1: Gray & Davison Organ, Priory Church, Usk

The organ is rather unusual (to my eyes) with its horizontal pipes (Photo 9) ...

Photo 9: Horizontal Pipes of the Gray & Davison Organ, Usk

... but I don't know much about pipe organs.

Just one night away but a nice break.