Usk - <>

Usk is a small town in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, situated 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. A castle above the town overlooks the ancient crossing point. It developed as a small market town, with some industry including the making of Japanware, and a notable prison. In recent years Usk has become known for its history of success in Britain in Bloom competitions, winning the Large Village award in 2005. The resident population of the town in 2001 was 2,318, increasing to 2,834 at the 2011 census.English and Welsh namesThe town takes its English name from the River Usk - a name derived from an ancient Brythonic word for river which may also mean "abounding in fish". The name resembles that of many other rivers in Britain (e.g. Exe, Esk), and is related to Scottish Gaelic uisge or uisce in Irish Gaelic ("water"), and therefore to "whisky". The Welsh name Brynbuga, (Buga's Hill), was first recorded in the 15th century.

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