Chepstow Castle

As it was dry and bright, and I hadn't flown for a while, I drove to Chepstow to take an aerial photo of Chepstow Castle.

If there is a castle that comes close to matching Harlech in historical importance, that castle is surely Chepstow. It is a Norman castle perched high above the banks of the river Wye in south east Wales. Construction began at Chepstow in 1067, less than a year after William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. Chepstow's strategic position allowed defenders to supply the castle via the river during times of battle and siege, while defending it against attack.

The castle also saw action again during the English Civil War, when it was in the front line between Royalist Monmouthshire and Parliamentarian Gloucestershire. It was held by the Royalists and besieged in both 1645 and in 1648, eventually falling to the Parliamentarian forces on 25 May 1648.

The whole site is a lesson in longevity. From around 1067 through to 1690, the castle, almost chameleon-like, changed its appearance as fashions changed in military architecture. Century after century, the castle grew and grew along its narrow cliff top ridge. If you think modern doors are long lasting, think again. Chepstow boasts the oldest castle doors in Europe. All wood and all of 800 years old. Until 1962 these doors hung in the main gateway, but are now in safe keeping in the on-site exhibition.

As luck would have it, I got a call out when I was in the area to a pick up from Chepstow Hospital, and then luck struck again as I had a drop in Cardiff where I was able to drop of some Christmas cards. I need to find an hour to write the ones I need to post!