PAST MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS: 21st March - 1st June, 2008: Nine Places in Monmouthshire - An exhibition of artwork by Bernard O' Higgins. Sharing the Treasures 1st December 2006 - 31st August 2007. The Museum has been undergoing a programme to improve environmental and security conditions which will allow future exhibitions to include borrowed items of national importance. While work was going on for this project, the museum continued to display items from the permanent collection. The refurbishment of the museum shop is now complete.

13th June - 29th October 2006: Father Ignatius, a self styled Anglican monk who set up a monastery in the Llanthony Valley. For more information about Ignatius go to www.fatherignatius.com. Bluebells and Beech Wood: Welsh landscape photographs by Frances Baines and fine turned wood by Keith Fenton. Something Brewing in Abergavenny which coincided with the publication of Frank Olding's book 'The Pubs of Abergavenny'. Roman Abergavenny: Gobannium the Roman fort, the people who were living here when the Romans arrived, what the Romans ate, drank and the clothes they wore. Also on show for one day was the Abergavenny Leopard Cup now owned by the National Museums and Galleries of Wales. The Leopard Cup was found near the town and is an artefact of national importance. For more information go to Leopard Cup. Other exhibitions have included the story of St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny; Abergavenny and its Theatres; the story of Abergavenny as a market town; an exhibition showing works of caricaturist Gerald Scarfe; a smaller display of World War II memorabilia to coincide with the publication of the Abergavenny Local History Society's booklet A Town Remembers: Memories of Wartime Abergavenny 1939-1945 (see booklist page). A series of Welsh cultural events was also held throughout summer 2002 celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Lady Llanover.

RECENT EVENTS IN THE CASTLE GROUNDS: The castle's grounds are one of the major venues for the popular Abergavenny Food Festival held in mid September each year. Other concerts and plays are held in the grounds each summer.

One popular event on August 28th 2005 featured the 'King' arriving the South-Western towers outside the castle walls by helicopter and then driving through the early 15th century gatehouse in a stretch limousine:

King of the Castle
Elvis and the Memphis Mafia' took Abergavenny Castle by storm on August 28th with an 'electrifying' performance backed by 'The Sweet Inspirations'. Elvis, aka Keith Davies, flew in by helicopter to the outer lawn near the south-western towers, below left. There he was met by the Memphis Mafia before taking a stretch limo through the early 15th century gatehouse to the castle bailey where he was greeted by his legions of fans.
The event was organised by the Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

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• Regular special exhibitions.
• Quizzes and workshops for children.
• Pre-booked education groups are free.
• Museum shop.

SCHOOLS: There is a programme of events suitable for school visits. Please contact the curator for details. The museum recently held an exhibition of schools' work, featuring Llanfoist, Park Street, Harold Road and Our Lady and St Michael's schools. The aim of the session was to let the children find out more about how the museum cares for its artefacts.

The display featuring the interior of Basil Jones' shop

EVENTS: The museum is host to a variety of events, such as theatre productions during the summer in the castle grounds. Look out for details of other events. Contact the curator Rachael Rogers, 01873 854282 for further details.

VISITS: Groups are always welcome. It's a small museum, so if possible please let staff know in advance of your visit. Why not have a walk around the castle grounds, before visiting the museum? Access is possible for wheel chair users with some assistance.

Abergavenny has a rail and bus service; the museum is sign-posted with brown heritage signs from the A40 and car parking is available.

The Welsh Victorian farmhouse kitchen

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Castle's landmark tree has been felled

The large copper beech tree, pictured right, which grew within the South West tower at Abergavenny Castle has now been felled.

A recent tree inspection identified a serious fungal infection which had affected the tree by attacking the heartwood. The tree was felled as soon as the appropriate permission was granted because of the potential danger to members of the public

Local groups and societies who have a connection with the castle have been informed, as well as the Abergavenny branch of Gwent Wildlife Trust, CADW, and the Nevill Estate, the owners of Abergavenny Castle grounds.

Rachael Rogers, the museum curator, said, "We are all saddened by this news, as the tree is a well loved feature, which is familiar to all our visitors. However it will be replaced and we are currently deciding where in the grounds it is most appropriate to replant a tree, which can be enjoyed now and by future generations".

It is not clear when the tree was planted or whether it was planted deliberately or took root itself. The historic picture, right, is from a postcard sent in 1904. It is clear that at this time the tree wasn't there but the size of the tree indicates it has been in place for some time.

Ms. Rogers said, "We are keen to use some of the timber, if possible, to produce something which will serve to commemorate the tree. Beech is not suitable for outdoor use, so we have contacted Wentwood Timber Centre about potential indoor uses for the wood".

If you would like any further information, Rachael Rogers, the Museum Curator, will be happy to supply it. She can be contacted on 01873 854282. The museum has its own website on www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk/