The suburb of Overmonnow would have been vulnerable to attacks from the Welsh at the time the defences were constructed .
Overmonnow in mediaeval times was an important area for iron working and the manufacture of coarse woollen material including Monmouth caps .
The suburb of Overmonnow , which in mediaeval times was an important area for iron working and the manufacture of coarse woollen material including Monmouth caps , would have been vulnerable to attacks from the Welsh at the time the defences were constructed .