At the gateway to the Wales Coast Path, you can stand on its Bridge and have one foot in Wales and the other foot in … In the Welsh border town of Chepstow, the main shopping area of High Street remains largely empty and quiet. [7], The castle originally had the Norman name of Striguil, derived from the Welsh word ystraigl meaning "river bend". From the 14th century, and in particular the end of the wars between England and Wales in the early 15th century, its defensive importance declined. Bigod was also responsible for building Chepstow's town wall, the "Port Wall", around 1274–78. Music lovers may catch a concert by the Chepstow Male Voice Choir or maybe the Two Rivers Folk Festival, which is a three-day festival of folk music and dance. [7], The castle saw action again during the English Civil War, when it was in the front line between Royalist Monmouthshire and Parliamentarian Gloucestershire. Soon afterwards, Bigod had built a new tower (later known as "Marten's Tower"), which now dominates the landward approach to the castle, and also remodelled the Great Tower.[7]. Chepstow racecourse boss Phil Bell underlines how different a business the sport will be when it returns in Wales on Monday. The Chepstow Inn is a lovingly restored and updated historic hotel in the heart of Bruce County. Built in 1869 as a coach stop by Larence Harteib, this quaint fully refurbished hotel features three rental suites named after previous owners of the property. This weather forecast is generated by the Met Office Weather Widget, Earl's Chamber Chepstow Castle © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales. The stones of this magnificent clifftop fortress trace 600 years of history Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. Chepstow Castle at Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. However, recent analysis suggests that the rulers of Gwent, who had recently fought against King Harold, may initially have been on good terms with the Normans. [5] The site overlooked an important crossing point on the River Wye, a major artery of communications inland to Monmouth and Hereford. %image('12163154', type='article-full', caption='Dale has even built a Christmas 'tunnel' at the front of his home', alt='Dale has even built a Christmas 'tunnel' at the front of his home') Luca's Pizza, Chepstow: See 7 unbiased reviews of Luca's Pizza, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #42 of 57 restaurants in Chepstow. Chepstow Castle © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales. TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving Chepstow councillor following his death this week. Chepstow has been saved as your Local News location Close + 30 miles. Welcome to historic Chepstow in the Lower Wye Valley. St Mary’s Priory Church is the earliest example of Romanesque architecture in Wales. Join us for the unique chance to run our first event at Chepstow Racecourse and our first ever event in Wales! The 'Prison' [sic], Chepstow Castle, 1860. The garrison was disbanded in 1685, and the buildings were partly dismantled, leased to tenants and left to decay. [9] In 1913, the movie Ivanhoe, starring King Baggot, was made in the grounds. From the 16th century, after the abolition of the Marcher lords' autonomous powers by King Henry VIII through the Laws in Wales Acts of 1535 and 1542, and Chepstow's incorporation as part of the new county of Monmouthshire, the castle became more designed for occupation as a great house. ), "Proceedings at Meetings on the Royal Archaeological Institute, Annual Meeting at Bristol, July 19-26, 1904. There is also the town gate, the port wall (both late 13th century), the Priory Church of St Mary and the town museum to attract historians and culture buffs. [3] Recent studies[4] have revised the details of these phases, but still maintain the same broad structure. He built the present main gatehouse, strengthened the defences of the Middle Bailey with round towers, and, before his death in 1219, may also have rebuilt the Upper Bailey defences. It is a myth that Wales has always been a poor country needing subsidies from the rest of the UK. It was also used as a political prison. Originally known as Striguil, it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches, and with its attached lordship took the name of the adjoining market town in about the 14th century. Despite this, it is not a defensively strong castle, having neither a strong keep nor a concentric layout. Chepstow was given its first charter in 1524, and became part of Monmouthshire when the county was formed. The first guide book to the castle and town was written by Charles Heath of Monmouth and was published in 1793.[7]. Check live train times and find out about station facilities here. [10] Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura recorded part of their fifth album Chaos A.D. in the castle, in 1993. In 1468, the castle was part of the estates granted by the Earl of Norfolk to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke in exchange for lands in the east of England. It was subsequently held by two of the most powerful Anglo-Norman magnates of medieval England, William Marshal and Richard de Clare. However, by the 16th century its military importance had waned and parts of its structure were converted into domestic ranges. At Bupa Dental Care Chepstow, Welsh Street, we offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening and orthodontics. This mediaeval town boasts an impressive castle dating from the 11th century which stands on a spectacular spot high on the cliffs above the River Wye and it is considered by some to be the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. With the later growth of tourism, the castle became a popular visitor destination. The Wales and Berwick Act 1746 ensured that "in all Cases where the Kingdom of England, or that Part of Great Britain called England, hath been or shall be mentioned in any Act of Parliament, the same has been and shall from henceforth be deemed and taken to comprehend and include the Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick upon Tweed". [7] It was constructed in stone from the first (as opposed to wood, like most others built at this time), marking its importance as a stronghold on the border between England and Wales. [11], Chepstow Castle is open to the public, and since 1984 has been in the care of Cadw, the Welsh government body with the responsibility for protecting, conserving and promoting the built heritage of Wales. Copyright © Croeso Net 1998 - Save. There is also the town gate, the port wall (both late 13th century), the Priory Church of St Mary and the town museum to attract … By the 1840s, tourism was continuing to grow, particularly with day trips on steam ships from Bristol. . Welcome to historic Chepstow in the Lower Wye Valley. All photos (2) All photos (2) ... and it has always been enjoyable. Chepstow boasts the oldest castle doors in Europe. The castle was used for the filming some scenes for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary broadcast.[12][13]. In 1910/11, the castle and adjoining river bed were the site of well-publicised excavations by Dr. Orville Ward Owen, who was attempting to find secret documents to prove that Shakespeare's plays had in fact been written by Francis Bacon. All wood and all of 800 years old. Although he tried to sell the castle in 1899, no buyer could be found. Various parts of the castle were used as a farmyard and a glass factory. The wood in the doors of the gatehouse has been dated by dendrochronology to the period 1159–89. There are special events held often in the castle and visitors are now able to walk along the battlements and into Marten's Tower. Building work started under William FitzOsbern in 1067 or shortly afterwards. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. As recently as the 1960s, Wales was subsidising the rest of the UK by paying more in taxes than it received, and the 'fiscal deficit' we hear about nowadays is the direct result of UK and Welsh government policies which have impoverished the country. Located next to M & S, we can repair your shoes or cut keys while you wait. The Great Tower was probably completed by about 1090, possibly intended as a show of strength by King William in dealing with the Welsh king Rhys ap Tewdwr. There is a Friday market and a wide variety of shops selling clothes, gifts, healthcare items and flowers as well as a supermarket. Mental Health First Aid Wales. It has been a difficult week for the MHFA Wales … In 1682, the castle came into the ownership of the Duke of Beaufort. After the war, the castle was garrisoned and maintained as an artillery fort and barracks. Its full extent is best appreciated from the opposite bank of the River Wye. Chepstow Racecourse provides a racing programme throughout the year and important fixtures in the racing calendar include the Coral Eurobet Welsh National, the Tote John Hughes Rehearsal Chase, the Welsh Champion Hurdle and the Golden Daffodil Stakes. Alternatively, you may wish to attend the biennial Chepstow Festival of open-air theatre at the castle (under a a 350m² 8m high canopy). Founded in the 11th century as part of a Benedictine priory, it’s similar in age to the Norman keep of Chepstow Castle. On opening the club facilities were minimal and there was no clubhouse until 1973 when a one room ex prefab bought at great expense served as a club house with no kitchen or more importantly no toilets. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. If you think modern doors are long-lasting, think again. Originally known as Striguil, it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches, and with its attached lordship took the name of the … At the same time, the courtyard of the castle began to be used for local horticultural shows, fêtes, and, increasingly from the 1880s, historical pageants sanctioned by the Duke of Beaufort. Closed now : See all hours. Chepstow has much more to offer visitors, however. Increase your radius to see more recent local stories. Sunday 30th May 2021. Further work to expand the Great Tower was undertaken for William Marshal's sons William, Richard, Gilbert and Walter, in the period to 1245. This room was likely used as a wine cellar. Chepstow Castle is situated on a narrow ridge between the limestone river cliff and a valley, known locally as the Dell, on its landward side. 14 Nelson Street, Chepstow NP16 5HT Wales +44 1291 624666 Website Menu. A bus service linking Chepstow and Bristol is being maintained until December 2020, after Welsh Government and Monmouthshire Council agreed a short-term solution following the removal of a commercial service. Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that J.K. Rowling lived in the nearby village of Tutshill from the age of 9. From medieval times, Chepstow was the largest port in Wales - its ships sailed as far as Iceland and Turkey, as well as to France and Portugal, and the town was known for its imports of wine.