Community Assembly of Usk

Community Assembly of Usk

Serving, supporting and protecting our local community

The Community Assembly of Usk (Welsh: Brynbuga ) is located in a town and community in Monmouthshire, Wales, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Newport. It is located on the River Usk, which is spanned by an arched stone bridge at the western entrance to the town.

Usk Castle, above the town, overlooks the ancient crossing point. It developed as a small market town, with some industry including the making of Japanware. Japanning is a type of finish that originated as a European imitation of East Asian lacquer work. It was first used on furniture, but was later used on small items in metal. In recent years, Usk has become known for its history of success in Britain in Bloom competitions, winning the 'Wales in Bloom' competition 35 times in a row between 1982 and 2016. 6.8% of the population are recorded as being able to speak Welsh.

The origin of the Welsh name Brynbuga (Welsh: [ brɨ̞nˈbɨ̞ga ]) is not certain. The local Brythonic name adopted into Latin as Burrium or Burrio was recorded as Brunebegy and Burenbegie in the 15th century. It has been suggested the name derives from Bryn Buga (Buga's Hill) or Bryn Bugeilio (Shepherding Hill). The Roman legionary fortress of Burrium was founded on the River Usk by the military commander Aulus Didius Gallus, around AD 55. It was the earliest legionary fortress in Wales and although the site was constricted by hills, subject to flooding, and not on a navigable river, it did offer good communications inland up the river.