Chepstow Castle, Chepstow (South Wales)

Substantial remains of one of the earliest stone-built castles in Britain.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Information provided Learning facilities Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

Substantial remains of one of the earliest stone-built castles in Britain - the centre of the medieval Marcher lordship of Chepstow. The castle was modified and developed in successive stages throughout the Middle Ages and saw further action during and after the Civil War.

History to the present day

Chepstow Castle is on a cliff above the river Wye close to where it joins the river Severn. Over the centuries it has played an important part in the life of the market town that grew up outside the castle gates. Alterations to the castle over time reflect changes in weapons and warfare, and it is possible to identify the major phases of building with certain powerful owners.

The castle was established by William fitz Osbern, a loyal supporter of William the Conqueror, after the Battle of Hastings. It was one of many built to secure the border with Wales. He died in 1071 and, following his son’s plotting against the king, the castle passed to the Crown in 1075. The great tower was the first stone structure built, incorporating building material from the nearby Roman town at Caerwent. It may well have been enclosed to the east and west by two small baileys, their enclosures and internal buildings probably constructed of timber.

In 1189 the castle passed to William Marshal. He started out a poor but chivalrous knight but gained favour with the king for his loyalty and valour. He was rewarded with gifts of lands and titles, along with marriage to the heiress of Chepstow, Isabel de Clare. Using his knowledge of castles in the Holy Land and his newly-found wealth William fortified the castle on a grand scale. He extended and enclosed it with stone walls with large circular towers and built Marshal’s Tower, probably as private apartments for himself and his wife. Each of his five sons inherited the castle and they continued to improve its defences and accommodation.

On the death of the last son, the castle passed to the Bigod family. Roger Bigod II inherited large estates in 1270, and supported Edward 1's military campaigns in Wales, Ireland and Scotland. He used his considerable wealth to make Chepstow a palatial stronghold, building an extensive range of buildings in the lower bailey. He also built Marten’s Tower as a grand defended residence for important guests.

In 1507, Charles Somerset became lord of Chepstow. He was a favourite of the Tudor monarchs, Henry VII and Henry VIII, and a very powerful man. He expected high standards of comfort and privacy and consequently built a suite of apartments on either side of the wall dividing the lower and middle baileys (though little remains now). He also improved other buildings, adding new, larger windows and fireplaces.

In the Civil War, the castle was besieged and taken by Parliamentarians in both 1645 and 1648. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the castle’s fortifications were repaired and modified to take cannon, and gun loops were added for musket fire. The castle was used as barracks and as a prison for political dissidents. When the garrison was disbanded in 1685 parts of the castle were demolished and the lower bailey given over to industrial use.

During the nineteenth century increasing interest in ancient monuments led the owner, the eighth duke of Beaufort, to clear out the interior of the castle, and replace the industrial works with paths and rustic seats for visitors. He began the conservation of the castle, and it was the setting for several pageants put on by the people of Chepstow. In 1953 the castle was placed in the guardianship of the State.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Chepstow Castle, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

01.11.09 - 31.03.10: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.07.10 - 31.08.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00

01.09.10 - 31.10.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.03.11 - 31.03.11: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00
 

Admission prices:

 

Adult - £3.60

Concession - £3.20

Family - £10.40

Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass.

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.