Neighbourhood 33 Whitecross Street, Monmouth

view southwest side of st james square monmouth war memorial, installed 1921, , indian bean tree, planted c.1900



33 whitecross street (far left), st james house (right), , public library (centre)

there lovely spots in town centre, none prettier st james s square, old war memorial in shadow of romantic-looking tree. description of st james square (pictured) in monmouth, wales appeared in telegraph of 25 february 2006. monmouth war memorial installed in square in 1921 work of sculptor w. clarke of llandaff. 33 whitecross street located @ eastern end of whitecross street, terminates @ roundabout encircling triangular st james square. record held royal commission on ancient , historical monuments of wales gives building alternate address, 33 st james square, on west side of square. romantic-looking tree reference catalpa or indian bean tree planted on square around 1900. catalpa, considered 1 of best examples of species in britain, became focus of controversy in 2005 when monmouthshire county council condemned tree.

33 whitecross street (pictured) grade ii listed on 15 august 1974. listed building 3 storey house centrally positioned entrance. porch has 6 panelled door, narrow cast iron columns flanking entry. right of entrance, there canted bay window turn of 20th century. of windows on 3 bay elevation of plate glass, although on uppermost floor smaller. roof of welsh slate, , steeply pitched @ rear elevation 2 storeys. 2 red brick chimneys present. painted, roughcast façade remarkable 2 band courses. building listed due special architectural interest , location in neighbourhood of other historic buildings. dwelling have been constructed in 18th century.

in january 2009, monmouthshire county council reported approval had been granted 2 new extensions of 33 whitecross street. notice given archaeological watching brief required. watching brief undertaken firm of monmouth archaeology in july 2009. subsequent report of archaeological excavation issued on 13 august 2009. team of archaeologists conducted excavation included stephen clarke, jane bray, dave hancocks, , colin harris. conclusion indicated there evidence of prehistoric (neolithic), roman, medieval, , post-medieval activity @ 33 whitecross street. following year, in november 2010, bbc news reported team of local archaeologists had discovered mesolithic artefacts @ st james square , wyebridge street. discovery remarkable because represented first evidence of mesolithic human settlement in monmouth.