Scheduled MonumentsWalesChepstow Castle
Medieval · Castle

Chepstow Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MM003
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Chepstow Castle is a major Norman fortification constructed from 1067 onwards by William fitz Osbern on a strategic promontory overlooking the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. The castle's earliest feature is the Great Tower or keep, a substantial rectangular stone structure built in the late eleventh century, which represents one of the finest examples of early Norman military architecture in Britain. The site was subsequently developed through successive periods, with significant additions made during the thirteenth century including the enlargement of the inner and outer wards with substantial curtain walls and additional towers. Chepstow remained an important defensive stronghold and administrative centre throughout the medieval period, commanding a crucial crossing point on the English-Welsh border.

Chepstow Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM003. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Chepstow Castle?

Chepstow Castle is a major Norman fortification constructed from 1067 onwards by William fitz Osbern on a strategic promontory overlooking the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM003.

What period does Chepstow Castle date from?

Chepstow Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Chepstow Castle?

Chepstow Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MM003.

What other scheduled monuments are near Chepstow Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Crick Moated Site (5.8 km), Crick Medieval House (5.8 km), Heston Brake Long Barrow (6.2 km).

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