Chepstow Castle in Wales
Chepstow castle from the river
We drove to Chepstow from Bristol, and crossed the boundary bridge into Wales – our son Vlad was joking that they won’t let us in without passports. Soon we arrived into the village of Chepstow in Monmouthshire. The castle is set practically in the village, on top of a narrow ridge, on dramatic limestone cliffs, as if guarding the river Wye.
Vlad and Cepstow
The reason I was excited about visiting the castle, was due to the fact recently I had seen a BBC film about one of the greatest English Knights, the first statesman of four English Kings – William Morris (later Earl of Pembroke). His personal story was linked to that of Chepstow Castle. Elizabeth Chadwick has written several books about him and his family.
The castle’s history is rather glorious – it is one of the oldest surviving stone castles in the UK, (built after the Romans) from 1067 to about 1300. The man, who originated the building soon after the Battle of Hastings, was the Norman Lord Willian FitzOsbert, who was later proclaimed Earl of Hereford. The castle aimed to strengthen the English – Welsh border as part of a chain of castles, built for protection, commissioned by William the Conqueror. His desire to strengthen the border, was due to the fact the Welsh kingdoms in the area were still independent and attacking the English towns in the area.
the inside of the castle
The four baileys demonstrate its building history, rather than its strength. This was one of the first stone castles built at the time, using local stone and remaining blocks from dilapidated Roman buildings at Caerwent.
In 1150-ies, Marshall started to improve the castle and add to the fortifications, using his extensive knowledge of French and European castles during the Crusades and his time, spent in France. He improved some of the baileys, added the main gatehouse, and strengthened the defences. After him, his sons William, Richard, Gilbert and Walter added further to the castle. Therefore, during the 13th century, it increased its size and its strength greatly.
The castle gates
Later it fell into the hands of Roger Bigot (Earl of Norfolk) – it came as the dowry of his wife Mahelt, eldest daughter of William Marshal. He expanded the living accommodation of the castle, to fit the needs of his family. He also ordered the building of the stonewall around the castle and built a new tower. In 1286, King Edward I visited the castle.
The three floors of living accommodations
After the wars with Wales were over in the 14-15th century, the importance of the castle declined. Later, it changed hands again. In 1468, it was given to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, then in 1508, it passed into the possession of Charles Summerset, the future Earl of Worcester.
Gates and bridges
During the Civil War, the castle became the scene of battles between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. It went through more hands, until in the 17th century it came into the possession of the Duke of Bedford’s family. It was used as a factory, for horticultural shows and other events and later on for historic pageants. The family tried to sell it, with little success, until in 1914, it was purchased by a businessman – William Royse Lysaght. His family started to conserve and support the castle building.
Various films have been shot on the castle’s premises and later television serials (Doctor Who). The castle was used by a Brazilian heavy metal group Sepultra, who recorded here their album in 1993.
Since 1984, the castle is under the protection of the Welsh Government. Now it is open for tourism and a very popular site.
Our walk in historic Chepstow finished with a lovely pub meal near the castle.
Come and visit!