Medieval Wales: Chepstow Castle

Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales
(51.6439°N 2.6757°W)

1067 AD
Open to Public

Chepstow Castle (or Castell Cas-gwent ni Welsh), located above cliffs on the River Wye, is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Its construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern

Chepstow was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches, and it was used in the conquest of Gwent. The speed with which William the Conqueror committed to the creation of a castle at Chepstow is testament to its strategic importance. The precipitous limestone cliffs beside the river afforded an excellent defensive location.

The castle is situated on a narrow ridge between the limestone river cliff and a valley. Even though it has four baileys, it is not a defensively strong castle, having neither a strong keep nor a concentric layout.

From the 14th century, the castle’s defensive importance declined. In 1682, the buildings were partly dismantled, leased to tenants and left to decay.

Visit Chepstow Castle

Facilities

Dog Friendly
Giftshop
Exhibitions
Accessible Restrooms
Carpark (paid)
Sloped access
Bike Access
The Great Tower in Castle Chepstow.
The Great Tower in Castle Chepstow. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Chepstow Castle Plan.
Chepstow Castle Plan. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Sailboats on the River Wye next to Chepstow Castle.
Sailboats on the River Wye next to Chepstow Castle, 1918. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Hours

1 March – 30 June: 9.30am – 5pm daily
 
1 July – 31 August: 9.30am – 6pm daily
 
1 September – 31 October: 9.30am – 5pm daily
 
1 November – 28 February:

10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday

Address

1 Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY

Phone

01291 624065

Prices

CADW Member – Join now
Free
Adult£7.30
Family*£21.20
Disabled and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans
£4.40
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£5.80

Location

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