Chepstow Castle sits high upon a cliff overlooking the River Wye. Its original purpose was to guard one of the main river crossings from southern England into Wales. Chepstow Castle can claim a special status in the land of castles. It was probably the very first castle in the entire country to be made of stone. The original stone keep was built in 1067 and still stands today. It was one of the new breeds of castles that quickly spread across the landscape. It is one of the few castles in Britain that traces the evolution of medieval military architecture from start to finish. It is an evolution, a history lesson in stone.

The castle is 650 ft in length but only 150 ft in width. At its core remains the Norman stone keep. In later centuries, towers, walls, gate houses and barbicans were added, until the long, narrow castle spread along the entire cliff ridge above the river.

Throughout the middle ages, Chepstow was the center of military and administrative power. It was designed as a fortress and most likely saw many battles. However its medieval defenses fell two times during the Civil War. Following the Civil War the castle was repaired and reinforced.

Chepstow Castle left such an impression during our visit that we are sure to return and visit it again.