Photo source: John Barnett, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Chepstow Castle stands on a limestone cliff above the River Wye in Monmouthshire.
Its stonework is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle construction in Britain, with building begun in 1067 by the Norman lord William FitzOsbern.
The site grew over four centuries, so a walk through its wards moves through Norman, medieval and Tudor building work in a single visit.
Cadw looks after the castle today, and the Great Tower still stands close to its original height.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
William FitzOsbern, William the Conqueror's close ally, ordered the castle's construction in 1067 to secure the Wye crossing and guard the route into south Wales. It passed through several powerful Marcher lords, including the de Clare and Bigod families, each of whom added fortifications reflecting the military thinking of their day. The castle saw action in the Civil War of the 1640s, after which it fell into decline and was left as a ruin.
Architecture
The Great Tower dates from the years immediately after 1067 and is regarded as one of the earliest surviving pieces of Norman stone military architecture in Britain. Later additions include thirteenth-century curtain walls and towers built for Roger Bigod, which show the shift towards more sophisticated concentric defence.
Worth knowing
The castle grounds have hosted the Castell Roc music festival in recent summers, bringing live concerts to the lower bailey after the site closes to daytime visitors.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Chepstow Rail Station (0.3 miles)
Open to the public year-round; check Cadw website for current opening times and any seasonal variations.
Nearby properties
Chepstow Port Wall
View Chepstow Port Wall on heritage mapBulwarks Prehistoric Enclosure
View Bulwarks Prehistoric Enclosure on heritage mapRunston Church
View Runston Church on heritage mapLlanmelin Wood Hillfort
View Llanmelin Wood Hillfort on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Chepstow Castle there are 6 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings.
Within 10 miles of Chepstow Castle there are 8 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings and 2 castles, across Cadw, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Chepstow Castle there are 52 historic properties, including 22 historic buildings, 7 historic houses and 6 churchs, across Cadw, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Facts
The Great Tower here may be the oldest stretch of stone castle building still standing anywhere in Britain.
- Type
- Defence
- Location
- Monmouthshire, Wales
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