Chepstow
 Castles |
Chepstow is an historic fortress-town lying in the protective loop of the river Wye, as the river gathers speed towards as it arrives at its final destination, the Bristol Channel. The Normans built a huge castle on limestone cliffs at the waters edge, and it remained impregnable down the centuries until Cromwell's guns smashed holes in its walls during the British Civil War of 1642/9.
The castle, nevertheless, remains an impressive sight. It has four courtyards dominated by a 40 ft high keep, and surrounded by strong walls, strengthened at intervals with protective towers. Marten's Tower, added during the 13th century, was Henry Marten's prison for 20 years for having signed the death warrent of King Charles I. He eventually died there in 1680. The castle also houses a 13th century chapel.
Chepstow Castle looks down from its high point on the town below, which is full of twisting medieval streets. In the 13th century, Chepstow was surrounded by the 6ft thick Portwall that guarded that side of the town not protected by the river. We may still see much of the wall. The impressive 16th century town gate has a small museum in a room over the archway that shows the history of the region from Roman times on. In Bridge Street are located a number of fascinating bow-windowed shops. A beautiful iron bridge that spans the Wye on the site of a Roman ford was built by the renowned Scottish engineer John Rennie in 1816.
To the west of Chepstow, along the coast, stands Caldicot Castle. It ws restored in the 11th century and has a very imposing gatehouse and keep, and is beautifully situated within the gardens of a country park. The museum houses furniture and interestingly a small collection of objects from Nelson's flagship, Foudroyant. Medieval banquets are frequently staged throughout the year in the candlelit Great Hall.
For further information see - http://www.chepstow.co.uk/Core/Chepstow-Town-Council/Pages/Default_4.aspx