2017 is certainly a historic year for the Monmouthshire town of Chepstow as it celebrates its 950th anniversary with a series of events and the release of a special leaflet by the Town Council to mark to mark the occasion.
CHEPSTOW CELEBRATES
The leaflet will be available to schools, residents and visitors on the council’s website and from Chepstow Library, Chepstow Museum, the Tourist information Centre and Chepstow Castle and will help readers understand and appreciate how William FitzOsbern, one of William the Conqueror’s two deputy commanders, founded Chepstow Castle, St Mary’s Priory and the town of Striguil, now called Chepstow, in 1067. Chepstow (Cas-gwent in Welsh) is located on the River Wye, about two miles above its confluence with the River Severn, and adjoines the western end of the Severn Bridge.
“Chepstow Castle, and its bridge, is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain.”
Its position strategically close to Bristol and Newport meant that it was an extremely attractive location for the visiting Normans, and the commanding cliff overlooking the river was the perfect spot to build a castle.
This year, to celebrate the anniversary, Cadw is planning archery and weapons displays, have-a-go archery and sword training lessons. For more information, visit ChepstowCastle@ wales.gsi.gov.uk
Chepstow Castle dominates the River Wye; a short distance downhill from the town centre. The Great Tower is the oldest part of the complex and dates from the late 11th century. The castle was extended, both westwards and eastwards, in later centuries, but fell into ruin after the Civil War. There is a large car park in front of the castle, beside the Tourist Information Centre and opposite Chepstow Museum. The castle is now under the management of Cadw (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service), and is open to the public every day of the year, apart from four bank holidays around Christmas and New Year.
Chepstow Castle, and its bridge, is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. The castle was established by William FitzOsbern immediately after the Norman Conquest, and was extended later before falling into ruin after the Civil War. Chepstow Museum will also be marking the occasion with a series of fascinating talks by Marc Morris, James Aitcheson and Rick Turner OBE.
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So if you’re a tourist or a resident of Chepstow and want to understand more about how the Norman Conquest shaped the history of Chepstow, the talks will be well worth signing up for.