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Chepstow Castle

Work on Chepstow Castle began in 1067, in the year following the Norman victory at Hastings. It was built under the supervision of the Norman noble William Fitzobern, the man who had acted as William's agent in Normandy, organising support amongst the dukes who had to lend their support for the invasion to succeed. 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Most of the original Norman castle structures were wooden, and have been replaced by stone castles.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 the year 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: the castle is open daily April and May 9:30 am to 5pm. June, July, August and September 9:30am to 6pm. October 9:30am to 5pm. 1st November until 31st March 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday. The castle is closed on the 24th, 25th,26th December and 1st January. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

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:

phone: 01291 625981