First published on 18th October 1837, the Monmouthshire Beacon has a long history in the county.
In its early days the Beacon was there to chronicle the news when, in a time well before radio and television, the newspaper not only covered local stories but informed readers about events from around the world.
The newspaper was first published in Agincourt Square in Monmouth by Thomas Farror, and stayed there for nearly 40 years before moving to the Monmouth Market Hall in 1876.
It was here where the Beacon stayed the longest, for 87 years servicing the community. It may have stayed there for much longer if it wasn’t for a fateful afternoon on Tuesday 6th March 1963.
Early that afternoon the Market Hall burst into flames in what next edition of the Beacon described as the most serious fire in Monmouth for years.
The report describes how the fire stated in the paper storage room before it quickly grew out of control, with the blaze seen for miles around.
Not only was there damage done to the building but archives of earlier editions of the newspaper dating back to 1865 were either damaged or destroyed.
From the ashes the Beacon took a step closer to its current location, moving to 50 Monnow Street.
Within 20 years it was on the move again and although it was only two buildings down, the Beacon’s final move came with much more fanfare.
In 1987, the Beacon moved to its current location in Cornwall House, 56 Monnow Street to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the newspaper, celebrating both landmarks in style.
On Tuesday 28th July, HRH Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon visited Monmouth to open the new offices of the Beacon. It has resided in the Grade II* listed building ever since.
With the formation of the Chepstow Beacon in 2011, the Beacons now cover all aspects of the county, from Raglan and Usk to Chepstow and Caldicot and everywhere in between.