Tintern Abbey
Search results
Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners.
- More about Chepstow Castle | Cadw
The knight’s tale. There are doors – and then there are the...
- Chepstow Castle Leaflet (Eng) 26.04.07:Layout 1 - Cadw
Chepstow Castle is one of many built to secure the border...
- More about Chepstow Castle | Cadw
Chepstow Castle at Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. Map. Directions.
- Early History
- Sir William Marshal
- Marshal's Building Project
- The Castle Today
- Later History
Chepstow Castle was first built from around 1067 CE by Earl William FitzOsbern, an ally of William the Conqueror (r. 1066-1087 CE). As with any medieval castle, the location was an important consideration for the castle's future defence and its strategic value. Accordingly, Chepstow Castle was built at one of the gateways to Wales on a limestone cl...
Chepstow Castle really took its present form thanks to Sir William Marshal (aka William the Marshal), considered one of the greatest of all medieval knights. Undefeated in medieval tournaments, he was knighted aged 20 in 1166 CE and once spared the life of Richard I of England (r. 1189-1199 CE) in battle when the king was but a prince and involved ...
When Sir William inherited Chepstow the castle had been neglected for some time but the Marshal would extend the massive rectangular castle keep, adding to it a magnificent Great Hall. The castle also benefitted from its new owner's experience in siege warfare in France, with the first twin-towered gatehouse built in Britain. The towers project for...
Chepstow Castle has three baileys, the lowest being added in the 13th century CE, and reaches a length of 213 meters (700 ft) which presents an imposing arrangement of crenellated walls with round and square towers. The castle's multiple building phases are clearly indicated by the different colours of the stonework: grey limestone and red or yello...
In the 17th century CE, as firearms became more common in warfare, Chepstow's battlements were modified to allow the use of cannons. For the same reason, circular windows were made in some of the walls which were thickened on the eastern side to withstand the firepower of would-be attackers. Chepstow was indeed finally attacked and breached during ...
- Mark Cartwright
Home. Attraction. Chepstow Castle (Cadw) Book. Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. Where: Chepstow. Type: Castle. Attraction information. Get in touch. Town Centre, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5EY. 03000 252239. ChepstowCastle@gov.wales.
Chepstow Castle (or Castell Cas-gwent ni Welsh), located above cliffs on the River Wye, is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Its construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern .
People also ask
Where is Chepstow Castle?
Who built Chepstow Castle?
What was Chepstow Castle (Cadw) like?
Why is Chepstow Castle important?
