Chepstow Priory

Passing through Chepstow to see the remains of the Brunel railway bridge we parked the car close to this obviously Norman building, which we discovered to be the Priory Church of Saint Mary.

William Fitzosbern, cousin to William the Conqueror, established Chepstow Castle and, before his death in 1071 had built a Benedictine Priory on this site. Of the original Norman building only the West frontage and walls of the nave remain, but the characteristic rounded arches with zig-zag detail above the door are beautifully preserved.