HUNDREDS of historical photographs are being exhibition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Monmouth School.

The school is inviting people along to the Shire Hall between Saturday (June 21) and Tuesday (June 24) to see memorabilia and pictures showing how it has changed with the town since opening in 1614.

The free-to-enter exhibition entitled 'Monmouth School, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow', will include images from the archives of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, together with photographs of the town’s old buildings, famous faces who attended the schools and events which occurred during the First World War.

Monmouth School headteacher, Dr Steven Connors said: “The exhibition explains why the school was founded here in Monmouth, and how it has impacted the town’s landscape over the years.

“There will be photographs of buildings which are no longer around and the school’s close relationship with the town throughout history will be depicted.

“Pictures of famous Monmouth School alumni including musicians, actors, sportsmen, politicians, scientists, military personnel and clergymen will be on show, as well as photographs of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls since its opening in 1892.

“There will be many familiar faces at the Shire Hall, and we hope the town really enjoys walking through this fascinating collection.”

Primary school children will be given a history talk and a tour of the exhibition next week, and will be told about the Sealed Knot historical association, founded by Old Monmothian, the late Brigadier Peter Young.

The charity is dedicated to costumed re-enactment of battles and events surrounding the English Civil War, and will be re-enacting a battle on the school’s playing fields on September 27 and 28.

Much of the collection will also be available to take home as a souvenir within the newly-published 'Monmouth School, The First 400 Years'.

The book, penned by Stephen Edwards, will be officially launched at Shire Hall today (Friday June 20) at 6pm, at which people are invited to meet the author.

Dr Connors added: “I can think of no better way to celebrate 400 years of educational history than to be guided through this fascinating story by our knowledgeable author Stephen Edwards to whom we owe, along with the book’s picture editor, Keith Moseley, a huge debt of thanks for this labour of love.”

The book will be available to buy at the hall throughout the exhibition, which is open between 10am and 4pm.

Visit monmouthschool.org for more information about the school, or follow @Habsmonmouth on Twitter.