Chepstow Castle
Related Waterways:
River WyeAfter more than 900 years, Chepstow Castle retains its baronial presence on the England/Wales border. The ancient stone edifice, built the year after the Battle of Hastings (1067) is perched high on limestone cliffs and keeps a lordly eye on the river Wye which weaves its path below.
William Fitz Osbern, a contemporary of William the Conqueror initiated building work on the fortress to protect his new Welsh territories - the site occupies a powerful defensive position from which it would be possible to instigate raids into Wales while simultaneously defending England from attack.
The castle was subject to substantial renovation and modification up to the civil war period and beyond, and little of the original Norman architectural heritage remains. Instead, Chepstow is one of few remaining castles in which it is possible to trace the evolution of military architecture through the centuries. Decorative details such as the floral motifs in the Great Hall and the vaulted ground floor of the porch entrance have survived to provide an insight into castle decor throughout the ages.
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