Chepstow Castle

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Chepstow Castle

Monmouthshire

The castle sits on rock overlooking the River Wye and protected a strategic crossing point into Wales.

William fitz Osbern, a cohort of William the Conqueror started to build the fortress shortly after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to secure his new Welsh borders territories. It was one of Britain's first stone-built strongholds to replace earlier timber and earth fortifications.

As seen today it boasts a variety of architectural periods reflecting the many improvements undertaken throughout the centuries up to the Civil War and beyond. Chepstow is one of the few castles to reflect the evolution of military architecture from start to finish.

At its core remains fitz Osbern's stone keep. Over the following centuries, towers, walls, gatehouses and barbicans were added until the long, narrow, castle filled the cliff-backed ridge above the Wye.

A domestic dimension is revealed through the 13th century hall and kitchen block.

After a long siege during the Civil War the fortress was adapted for cannon and musket and remained in use until 1690.

Location:

M4, Junction 23, A466 (from Cardiff)

M4 & M48 (from London)

Further Information:

Telephone: 01291 624065

Admission charge

No dogs

Facilities for the disabled

In the care of Cadw: Telephone 029 20 500200

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