Chepstow Castle / Castell Cas-gwent

Chepstow Castle (Welsh: Castell Cas-gwent) at Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales, is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. Known initially 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.

In the 12th century, the castle was used to conquer Gwent, the first independent Welsh kingdom to be conquered by the Normans. 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. Although re-garrisoned during and after the English Civil War, by the 1700s, it had fallen into decay. With the later growth of tourism, the castle became a popular visitor destination.

The ruins were Grade I listed on 6 December 1950.

Chepstow Castle is open to the public and, since 1984, has been in the care of Cadw, the Welsh government body responsible for protecting, conserving and promoting the built heritage of Wales. Special events are held often in the castle, and visitors can now walk along the battlements and into Marten’s Tower. The castle was used to film some scenes for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary broadcast.