Huge castle and lots to read about. In the 12th century the castle was used in the conquest of Gwent, the first independent Welsh kingdom to be conquered by the Normans. Although much of the stone seems to have been quarried locally, there is also evidence that some of the blocks were re-used from the Roman ruins at Caerwent. After all, this was the home of a great man. The grounds are well-kept and parking was handy. Various parts of the castle were used as a farmyard and a glass factory. At the same time, the courtyard of the castle began to be used for local horticultural shows, fêtes, and, increasingly from the 1880s, historical pageants sanctioned by the Duke of Beaufort. ChepstowCastle@gov.wales. more, Sacred & Religious Sites, Churches & Cathedrals. The speed with which William the Conqueror committed to the creation of a castle at Chepstow is testament to its strategic importance. He built the very first twin-towered gatehouse in Britain, guarded by those mighty doors. Would you like to receive email updates from Cadw and its historic attractions? The castle was used for the filming some scenes for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary broadcast.[12][13]. Location for the 2020 series of “I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!” Grade I listed country house near Abergele, built between 1819 and 1825. In 1910/11, the castle and adjoining river bed were the site of well-publicised excavations by Dr. Orville Ward Owen, who was attempting to find secret documents to prove that Shakespeare's plays had in fact been written by Francis Bacon. There are special events held often in the castle and visitors are now able to walk along the battlements and into Marten's Tower. He built the present main gatehouse, strengthened the defences of the Middle Bailey with round towers, and, before his death in 1219, may also have rebuilt the Upper Bailey defences. This site uses cookies to make the site simpler. NP16 5EY. 4 dedicated disabled spaces available in council car park directly in front of the castle. He built a second line of defence, raised the height of the Norman walls and erected a massive rectangular tower now known, not surprisingly, as Marshal’s Tower. Really specular Norman Castle, well worth the modest entry fee, staff were helpful and we spent a good hour wandering around and looking at the view of the river. Although he tried to sell the castle in 1899, no buyer could be found. Although much of the stone seems to have been quarried locally, there is also evidence that some of the blocks were re-used from the Roman ruins at Caerwent. [9] In 1913, the movie Ivanhoe, starring King Baggot, was made in the grounds. In 1508, it passed to Sir Charles Somerset, later the Earl of Worcester, who remodelled the buildings extensively as private accommodation. If you think modern doors are long-lasting, think again. From London M4, J21 & M48. Miranda Aldhouse-Green and Ray Howell (eds. *Open Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2020. The castle has four baileys, added in turn through its history. [7], The castle originally had the Norman name of Striguil, derived from the Welsh word ystraigl meaning "river bend". From Cardiff M4, J23, M48 J2, A466. Originally known as Striguil, it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches, and with its attached lordship took the name of the adjoining market town in about the 14th century. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Chepstow Castle Wales eldest surviving post Roman stone fortifications in Britain located above the cliffs on the river wye.Construction began in 1067 under the instructions of the norman lord … Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. Its full extent is best appreciated from the opposite bank of the River Wye. [7] It was constructed in stone from the first (as opposed to wood, like most others built at this time), marking its importance as a stronghold on the border between England and Wales. [4] The first serious architectural study of Chepstow began in 1904[5] and the canonical description was long considered to be by Perks in 1955. Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks. What restaurants are near Chepstow Castle? Its construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. In 1312 it passed into the control of Thomas de Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, and later his daughter Margaret. SY23 2AU, Bodelwyddan Castle, Bodelwyddan. [6] Recent studies[7] have revised the details of these phases, but still maintain the same broad structure. But Marshal, skilled in the latest military techniques, was just the man to bring it bang up to date. Building work started under William FitzOsbern in 1067 or shortly afterwards. There is no evidence for a settlement there of any size before the Norman invasion of Wales, although it is possible that the castle site itself may have previously been a prehistoric or early medieval stronghold. He built the present main gatehouse, strengthened the defences of the Middle Bailey with round towers, and, before his death in 1219, may also have rebuilt the Upper Bailey defences. The castle and the associated Marcher lordship were generally known as Striguil until the late 14th century, and as Chepstow thereafter. Chepstow Castle was founded on a narrow and longitudinal ridge between the limestone cliff above the River Wye and the Dell Valley from the land side. However, by the 16th century its military importance had waned and parts of its structure were converted into domestic ranges. [8] The site overlooked an important crossing point on the River Wye, a major artery of communications inland to Monmouth and Hereford. Find out more about cookies. We welcome correspondence in both English and Welsh. [10], The castle saw action again during the English Civil War, when it was in the front line between Royalist Monmouthshire and Parliamentarian Gloucestershire. Chepstow Castle showing the Great Tower, seen from the 1816 Wye Bridge, In 1682, the castle came into the ownership of the Duke of Beaufort. From around 1067 through to 1690, the castle, almost chameleon-like, changed its appearance as fashions changed in military architecture. He negotiated Magna Carta on behalf of King John and ruled as regent of England for the young King Henry III until his death in 1219. In 1977 Terry Gilliam shot some of his film adaptation of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" at the castle. It was held by the Royalists and besieged in both 1645 and in 1648, eventually falling to the Parliamentarian forces on 25 May 1648. [1] Its construction was begun under the instruction of the Norman Lord William fitzOsbern,[2] soon made Earl of Hereford, from 1067, and it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built along the English-Welsh border in the Welsh Marches. The originals are on display inside the castle, safe at last from the elements. Chepstow Castle, 1 Bridge Street, Chepstow. Let’s just say it would be nigh on impossible to find a replacement. From the 14th century, and in particular the end of the wars between England and Wales in the early 15th century, its defensive importance declined. [10], Further fortifications were added by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, starting in the 1190s. The castle has four baileys, added in turn through its history. At the same time, the courtyard of the castle began to be used for local horticultural shows, fêtes, and, increasingly from the 1880s, historical pageants sanctioned by the Duke of Beaufort. The castle is really interesting. Nearest toilet including disabled toilet in car park at the front of the castle. This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions. All wood and all of 800 years old. Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.

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