Chepstow Castle

Chepstow Castle is set high on a cliff above the river Wye to guard the river crossing from England into Wales. Began soon after the Battle of Hastings (1066), the first castle was raised by William fitz Osbern (d. 1071) - a trusted companion of William the Conqueror. The castle was modified and developed in successive stages throughout the Middle Ages, first by William Marshal (d. 1219) and then by Roger Bigod III (d. 1306) - both of whom were rich and powerful men. The castle saw further action during the Civil War and later.