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Chepstow Castle, Wales

Work on Chepstow Castle began in 1067, in the year following the Norman victory at Hastings. Building work was supervised by William Fitzobern, who had acted as William The Conqueror's agent in Normandy, organising support amongst Norman dukes for the invasion. After the Battle of Hastings Fitzobern caused problems for William by acting more harshly and greedily than the Conqueror intended. Most chroniclers writing at the time blame Fitzobern, and Odo, Bishop of Bayeux for provoking English resistance to Norman occupation. The castle at Chepstow, and many others built by Fitzobern were hated symbols of oppression. The castle was used as a base for expeditions into Wales.

Most original Norman castle structures were wooden, and have been replaced by stone castles. Unusually Chepstow was built in stone, and the Great Hall at Chepstow survives in its original form from 1067, only a year after the Battle of Hastings.

There are explanatory notice boards, videos, wax work figures and reproductions of weapons and siege equipment, all describing the history of this unique site.

Opening Times: Open daily from 1st April to 31st October 9am to 5pm.

From 1st November until 31st March 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday.

Closed 24th - 26th December and 1st January. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

Address: Chepstow Castle, Bridge Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 5EZ

Directions: Chepstow is on the A48 in south east Wales. Leave the M48 at junction 2.Click here for an interactive map centred on Chepstow Castle.

Access: There is wheelchair access to some areas of the castle. Adapted toilet facilities are available.

Contact:

telephone: 01291 624065