Hanbury Arms facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hanbury Arms |
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The Hanbury Arms with the Norman tower (c. 1219) visible at the left, adjoining the main building
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | |
| Town or city | Caerleon, Newport |
| Country | Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°36′30″N 2°57′07″W / 51.608459°N 2.951936°W |
| Completed |
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The Hanbury Arms is a very old and famous building in Caerleon, a town near Newport, Wales. It is known as a historic inn, which is a place where travelers could stay and eat. Many years ago, in the 1800s, a famous poet named Alfred, Lord Tennyson stayed here. He even started writing one of his most important poems, called Idylls of the King, while he was visiting.
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What the Hanbury Arms Looks Like
The Hanbury Arms has been around for a very long time. It has gone through many changes, but its strong stone walls and old stone fireplace are still there. The roof is made from special local Welsh slate. The windows were updated in the 1800s, but the inside still looks like it did in the Tudor period.
A Special Building
The building is made from local stone and has a light, painted finish. It is a Grade II listed building. This means it is a very important historical building that needs to be protected. The old tower next to it is even more special, listed as Grade II*.
A Look Back at History
Caerleon, where the Hanbury Arms is located, has a long and interesting past. It started as a fort built by the Silures, an ancient tribe, during the Iron Age. Later, the Romans built a big fortress called Isca Augusta here. This fortress was very important for moving goods and people along the River Usk.
The Mysterious Tower
The oldest part of the Hanbury Arms site is a Norman tower, built around the year 1219. People have two ideas about what this tower was used for. One idea is that it worked with another tower across the River Usk. Together, they might have held a chain to control boats going up and down the river. Another idea is that it was part of the outer walls of a castle.
From Townhouse to Inn
In the 1600s, Caerleon's port became busy, just like the Roman docks had been long ago. This is when the Hanbury Arms building was first established by the river. It was originally a large house for a rich family called the Morgans. The oldest parts of the building date back to 1219, and the main building itself was built in 1565.
Later, in the 1600s, the building was used as a court where local officials made decisions. At that time, people thought the old tower was Roman. It was used to hold people who were accused of crimes.
The Hanbury Family and Famous Visitors
The Hanbury family took ownership of the building in the 1720s. Around the 1750s, it became an inn and was named the Hanbury Arms, using the family's special symbol. For many years, the inn even made its own beer!
In 1856, the famous poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson stayed at the Hanbury Arms. He was so inspired by the old tower and the town of Caerleon that he started writing his epic poem, Idylls of the King, during his visit. The poem mentions the medieval tower and Caerleon many times.
Modern Times at the Hanbury Arms
Over the years, the Hanbury Arms brewery joined with other companies. In 2001, a company called SA Brain bought it. Today, the Hanbury Arms is still a lively place. It often has live music from local and international artists, especially during the yearly Caerleon Arts Festival in the summer.
Images for kids
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Caerleon-Round Tower
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John Skinner Prout - Caerleon
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River and woods view, Caerleon - geograph.org.uk - 1594564
