LAST week’s Now and Then picture was of High Street, Caerleon.

The old wooden Caerleon Bridge was destroyed in a storm in 1779 and the present stone version was erected in the early 19th century. Until the Victorian development of the downstream docks at Newport Docks, Caerleon acted as the major port on the river Usk.

The wharf was located on the right bank, to the west of today’s river bridge, which marked the limit of navigability for masted ships. A tinplate works was established on the outskirts of the town around this time and Caerleon expanded to become almost joined to Newport.

The name of the Drovers’ Arms on Goldcroft Common bears witness to the ancient drovers’ road on the old road from Malpas. It is thought that the common itself was once the site of a cattle market Nowadays Caerleon is centred around a small common. Goldcroft Common is the only remaining of the seven commons of Caerleon. Most of the small businesses of Caerleon are near the common, as is the Tourist Information Office and Town Hall, which has a World War I and World War II memorial garden. The intersection of High Street and Cross Street is known as The Square.

Buildings of note are Saint Cadoc’s Church, the National Roman Legion Museum, the Roman Baths Museum, The Mynde, The Priory Hotel, Caerleon Catholic Church and Rectory, Caerleon Endowed School, the Round Tower, the Toll House at Caerleon Bridge, University of Wales, Newport Caerleon Campus and St Cadoc’s Hospital. The historic remains of the Roman Legionary Fortress Isca Augusta is popular with tourists and school parties and there is a marked heritage trail in the village.

This picture portrays Caerleon High Street, near the post office. This spot is a hive of activity. Also near is the Roman museum.

Jim Dyer Newport

The Now and Then picture is of Caerleon High Street. The picture shows The Bull, one of the many pubs in the area, others of note are The Priory, The Red Hart and The Hanbury, to name just a few.

Jack Hartshorne, Newport

The picture show the High Street, Caerleon. I have many childhood memories as I used to live along by the river before moving to the High Street by the Catholic church. I used to go to school in Caerleon, I was married in the church and in later years worked at both The Priory and The Hanbury Arms. I still visit relatives there.

Miss Smith, Newport