Chepstow Castle - Over the Wye

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Set upon the limestone cliffs, Chepstow Castle glides above the waters of the River Wye. Boasting such features as the oldest castle door in Europe and the oldest post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. The castle has drawn the eyes of visitors of this picturesque land for centuries. Now it welcomes anyone with restored rooms and beautiful sculptures in a large setting and quiet park.

Filmed: Summer 2022
Music: Vindsvept, fantasy music -    • What Once Was Lost - Fantasy/Folk Music  
Entry: Paid

---- Short History ----
Construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern.
Originally known as Striguil, meaning “river bend” in Welsh. It eventually took the name of the nearby market town, Chepstow in the 14th century.
William the Conqueror wanted to build Chepstow castle as fast as possible, given its strategic importance in the area. It overlooks the River Wye, which was a major artery of communication inland to Monmouth and Hereford.
Unlike most other castles of the time it was built with stone to begin with, rather than wood. Some of the stone may have been reused from the Roman ruins at Caerwent.
In the late 12th century, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke added further fortifications.
The wood in the doors of the Gatehouse dates to the 1190s and are the oldest castle doors in Europe.

In 1284, King Edward I, after he conquered Wales, visited Chepstow Castle.
Around this time Roger Bigod, the current owner and Earl of Norfolk, constructed more buildings, including the Martern’s Tower at the entrance to the Castle.

From the 14th century its importance declined.
In 1403, it was garrisoned in response to Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion in Wales. But it never saw any military action.

In 1508, it passed to Sir Charles Somerset, later the Earl of Worcester. He remodelled the buildings extensively into private accommodation.

In the 16th century, King Henry VIII abolished the Marcher Lords’ autonomy and Chepstow was incorporated into the new county of Monmouthshire. The castle became more designed as a great house.

During the English Civil Wars it was on the front line once again.
It was held by Royalists and besieged twice. But it finally fell to the Parliamentarians in 1648.
After the war Chepstow Castle was used as an artillery fort and political prison.

In the late 17th century the garrison was disbanded. The buildings were partially dismantled and left to decay. Parts were used as farmland and a glass factory.
In the late 18th century the castle featured on the Wye Tour. Pleasure boats along the river would enjoy its romantic condition.
In 1793, the first guide book to the castle was published.

By the late 19th century the courtyard began to be used for local events. Steam ships from Bristol would visit it and the Duke of Beaufort would hold pageants there.

In 1914 Chepstow Castle was bought by businessman William Royse Lysaght, of Tutshill and conservation work began.
In later years it would be used for the setting of various films and even a Brazilian heavy metal album.
In 1953, the Lysaght family put the castle into the care of the Ministry of Works.
In 1984, it has been in the care of Cadw who is responsible for its care and conservation.
It is open to the public and includes some restorations to promote the history of the castle.
Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain.

#Castle #Chepstow #Wales

---- Further Reading ----
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chepsto...
https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11...
http://www.castlewales.com/chepstow.html

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