Gwent in South Wales covers approximately just over 500 square miles and has a population of just over 550,000. It consists of the formerly independent counties of Monmouthshire and part of Brecon.

Gwent was one of Wales' ancient kingdoms and from 1974 to 1996 was the county of the south east of Wales. In ancient times, the two kingdoms of Gwent and Glywysing were combined into what had been the single kingdom of Morgannwg, now known as Glamorgan.

Gwent is the gateway between England and South Wales. The county is basically a plain in the centre, with valleys including the beautiful Wye Valley to the east and west and mountains to the north. It has a diverse economic base, including agriculture and manufacturing.

The county has some magnificent scenery and a wealth of historic treasures - such as world famous Tintern Abbey and the time-ravaged castles of the Welsh borderlands.

The city of Newport boasts a Norman Cathedral, ruined Castle and Tredegar House, possibly the finest Restoration house in Wales, and is the main population centre in Gwent.

Other places to visit in Gwent include

• Abergavenny, traditional Gateway to Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park, an ancient and welcoming town surrounded by the wonderfully named Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Mountains
  
  
• Caerphilly, where the famous Norman castle has a tower that leans further than the one in Pisa
  
  
• Caldicot, whose castle was used as a location for Robin of Sherwood
  
  
• Chepstow, historic walled border town and ancient port
  
  
• Cwmbran, a post war new town
  
  
• Ebbw Vale, birthplace of Labour politician Aneurin Bevan
  
  
• Monmouth, a border market town in the heart of the Wye Valley and birthplace of Henry V
  
  
• Usk, a lovely town situated on the river of the same name whose reputation is built on its glorious floral displays

For more information about Gwent and links to other relevant sites visit
www.thisisgwent.co.uk