The first Beacon was published on October 14th 1837 priced at 4 1/2 d and was printed by Thomas Farror at Castle Hill and published in his offices in Agincourt Square. Despite competition from other local newspapers, the Beacon flourished to such an extent that in 1839/40 the paper was able to produce a two hundred page report on the trial at Monmouth's shire hall of Chartist leader John Frost. The Beacon itself made news in March 1963 when fire broke out in the Priory street premises, which were completely gutted. Transferred to new premises at 50 Monnow Street, in 1987 the Beacon moved a few doors down to its current current home at Cornwall House. The premises were formally opened by the late Princess Margaret, the royal visit coinciding with the paper's 150th anniversary. Since January 1980 the newspaper has been owned by Farnham Castle newspapers and is run as a family concern under the chairmanship of Sir Ray Tindle, a former president of the Newspaper Society. The introduction of 'new technology", computerised page planning, photo typesetting and the very latest computerised equipment gives almost instant production of quality black and white and colour photographs and artwork. The Beacon now plays a pivotal role in the local community, printing each week numerous exclusive columns from all sectors of the community. These include columns from Members of parliament, the Assembly member, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cititzens Advice Bureau, the County Councillor, County trading standards officer, Christian comment and others. Our ever increasing pages of letters and sports reports and pictures fully demonstrate the Beacon's role as the newspaper at the heart of the local community. We also offer colour photocopying facilities and rubber stamp make up and faxing to UK and INTERNATIONALLY. You can also pop in and buy your weekly newspaper.