Usk

Usk is a market town and community in Monmouthshire, Wales, situated on the River Usk in the southeastern part of the country. It lies within the historic Welsh marcher counties and serves as a local center for surrounding rural communities. The town retains a compact historic core with a number of listed buildings and a bridge spanning the river, reflecting its medieval origins and long-standing role in regional trade.

The River Usk flows through the town and valley, shaping the landscape and providing habitats for wildlife. The river supports fishing and offers opportunities for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside. The local economy has historically depended on agriculture, milling, and trade, and today includes small businesses, retail, tourism, and public services. Usk also hosts community events and preserves heritage sites such as parish churches and remnants of older civic structures.

The name Usk can also refer to the River Usk itself, a major watercourse in Wales that reaches the sea through its estuary, and to other place-name uses, including Usk, Washington, a small city in the United States. In broader discussions, “Usk” may denote either the town and its immediate geography or the river that runs through the region.