Chepstow

Chepstow sits at the mouth of the River Wye on the banks of the Severn Estuary and marks the entrance to Wales proper. While much of the town has been blighted by modern unimaginative development there are still traces of its medieval past not so far beneath the surface. Its street plan for example is medieval and the Port Wall dates back to the 13th Century.

Situated so strategically on one of Britain's main trading routes, Chepstow has played a significant role in the nation's turbulent past. Built in 1067, Chepstow Castle was actually the first stone castle to be built in Britain - ironically to help the Normans subdue the Welsh. Chepstow was Royalist during the English Civil War and Chepstow Castle was actually besieged twice. The castle is open to visitors, daily for a small charge and there are useful information notes about the ruins. It is also possible to visit the Great Hall and Great Tower dating from the 13th and 12th centuries respectively.

Chepstow Museum has some interesting photographs and paintings depicting the importance of the River Wye and the trades plied along its banks.