TWO hundred visitors marked the official reopening of Monmouth’s Naval Temple, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, following an £85,000 restoration project.

The event was held to celebrate the restoration of the memorial at The Kymin, built by public conscription in honour of the Royal Navy in 1800 and nowowned by the National Trust.

The temple and Round House were built by the “gentlemen of Monmouth” to commemorate 16 of Britain’s greatest 18th century admirals, one of whom was Lord Horatio Nelson, and dedicated to the Duchess of Beaufort, the chief local landowner.

The temple’s condition deteriorated over the years, most notably in the 19th century, when many of its features were lost.

The restoration took three months and was carried out by specialist contractors who repaired the roof while local painter, Laura Vale Stephens recreated the two paintings that were missing from the triumphal arch. Britannia’s missing trident was also reinstated and the sculpture itself replaced with the help of Cadw, the Monmouth Royal Navy Association and Anna Tribe, Lord Nelson’s descendant.

Local people and servicemen were among those to hear Commodore T D Elliot, OBE, declare the monument open before Reverend McGladdery, Vicar of Monmouth, gave a blessing.

During the afternoon visitors enjoyed a picnic and a performance from Monmouth Town Band.

Activities for children included a nautical-themed fancy dress competition.

Custodian, Sara Szwer said: “It was fantastic to see 200 visitors joining the celebrations of the work done to this unique monument and to see the work the Trust does here.”