Chepstow
Chepstow
Chepstow is a market town on a bend in the river Wye it is also home to a splendid Norman castle located high on the river bank, the town was a strategic point for the Normans in the conquest of South East Wales.
The town prospered as a busy port importing timber and wine eventually this diminished with the advent of the railways superseding river borne trade.
The castle is well worth visiting sitting high on the limestone cliff overlooking the river, all but impregnable and guarding the river crossing and entrance to England and Wales.
Inside there are four courtyards dominated by a 40 foot keep surrounded by walls and towers one of towers was the prison for twenty years of Henry Marten one of the men who signed Charles I death warrant.
Although one of the oldest castles in Wales it’s well preserved and very atmospheric, despite damage inflicted during the civil war by Cromwell. The side of the town not protected by the river still has medieval walls with a town gate and quaint old streets.
The Chepstow museum which is housed in an 18th century house opposite the castle covers the local history and that of the castle it is very popular with children.
The Chepstow museum which is housed in an 18th century house opposite the castle covers the local history and that of the castle it is very popular with children.
Activities in Chepstow
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