One of my acrylic paintings this one is of the seawall at goldcliff here in Newport.
protecting the Gwent Levels, has a long history of reclamation and repair, originating with Roman soldiers around 100 CE. Following a period of disrepair, the wall was rebuilt and managed by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages. The modern, stone-faced embankment, heavily reinforced and featuring a concrete wave-return wall, was rebuilt from 1953 to 1974 to protect against severe storms and rising sea levels.
Key Historical Periods:
Roman (c. 100 CE): Soldiers from the 2nd Augustan Legion at Caerleon built the first embankments to drain the fertile salt marsh, creating a "sea wall" that was likely a series of low embankments. The "Goldcliff Stone" (c. 2nd-3rd century) indicates organized construction.
Medieval Period: After being largely abandoned when the Romans left, the defenses were reclaimed by monks from Goldcliff Priory between 1070 and 1350, establishing much of the present-day layout.
Modern Era (1953-1974): Rebuilt to combat erosion, the current embankment runs from the Usk to the Severn Bridge, with substantial works commemorated by a 1974 plaque.
