Visiting Chepstow Castle in 2009

In 2009 we visited Chepstow Castle which is just over the original Severn Crossing. It was a beautiful sunny day and we really enjoyed walking around and exploring the castle.

Chepstow Castle

Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain.

Chepstow Castle

Construction began in 1067, just after the Norman conquest by the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern.

Chepstow Castle

In the 12th century the castle was used in the conquest of Gwent, the first independent Welsh kingdom to be conquered by the Normans.

Chepstow Castle

By the 16th century its military importance was diminished.

Chepstow Castle

The castle saw action again during the English Civil War, when it was in the front line between Royalist Monmouthshire and Parliamentarian Gloucestershire. It was held by the Royalists and besieged in both 1645 and in 1648, eventually falling to the Parliamentarian forces on 25 May 1648.

Chepstow Castle

Although re-garrisoned during and after the English Civil War, by the 1700s it had fallen into decay.

Chepstow Castle

It has been used for filming TV and films including the Day of the Doctor when David Tennant’s tenth Doctor was “wooing” Queen Elizabeth I.

Chepstow Castle

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