Tour takes in 'hanging' pub

Scorch marks from the hanging ropes can still be seen on a beam

A visit to one of the oldest pubs in Wales where 180 people are believed to have been hanged in the 17th Century is part of a new tourist attraction in Monmouthshire.

The Skirrid Mountain Inn in Llanfihangel Crucorney, five miles from Abergavenny, is linked to Hanging Judge Jeffries, who carried out mass executions in 1685 following the Monmouth Rebellion.

Tourists will be taken to the pub - which is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of hanged men - to see the beam at the 900-year old inn which still bears the scorch marks of the ropes used in the killings.

The visit is part of a 'Living Legends' tour set up by Monmouthshire Council to encourage people to the area.

Minibuses will be laid on for visitors to Abergavenny and Chepstow, where they will be taken to a range of sites and greeted by historical interpreters who play the parts of the characters associated with the region.

A number of ancient cultural and religious sites are included in the tour including St Teilo's Church in Llantilio Crossenny, Llanthony Priory and Tintern Abbey.

Historical interpreters will tell visitors what life was like in the past

Ffion Gruffudd, the cultural tourism officer for the council, who started the scheme in partnership with Adventa, the council's rural regeneration initiave, said: "The purpose of these Living Legends Tours is to help bring Monmouthshire's cultural heritage alive.

"By combining learning with laughter and drama, people who may not have previously considered visiting religious sites can now be enticed to get out and enjoy the county's rich heritage.

"At the same time, we hope the tours will help people to gain a better understanding of Monmouthshire," she added.