CHEPSTOW

 Chepstow is in Monmouthshire, just where the old Severn Bridge crosses. It's a lovely little town, crowned by the magnificent castle. Access to the castle is right by the main car park.

The castle sits in a big loop of the river Wye, and it's easy to see how the little town grew organically at the foot of the massive walls.

Chepstow is a Norman castle perched high above the banks of the river Wye. Construction began at Chepstow in 1067, less than a year after William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. While Edward had his master castle builder in the person of James of St. George, the Conqueror, some 200 years earlier, had his equal in the person of his loyal Norman lord William FitzOsbern. Chepstow Castle became the key launching point for expeditions into Wales, expeditions that eventually subdued the rebellious population.
Chepstow begun in 1067, is the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. Because of this, the site has a special significance to British history. At other castles built during the Conqueror's reign, original Norman structures have long since disappeared, but at Chepstow it's still possible to see and touch the remains of FitzOsbern's first great building project in Wales. 

The Normans weren't the first to recognize the strategic position of Chepstow. The arch above the main doorway to the hall is made from brick brought from a Roman fort that once stood nearby. The hall was always the heart of the castle, and originally stood alone. Over the years, the castle was enlarged by a series of builders. Today, the castle takes the shape of a long rectangle perched high above the river Wye. 
The Great Hall and dramatic cliff-side at Chepstow are the castle's two most interesting features. Because Chepstow was built in stages along the river Wye, the castle is constructed in a long, terraced fashion as opposed to a concentric layout. This unique construction is another reason the castle is so memorable.
Chepstow's strategic position allowed defenders to supply the castle via the river during times of battle and siege, while defending it against attack. 

(below) this was the first view I had of the castle, from the motorcycle parking space in the public car park. This is Marten's Tower from outside the castle.

(below) Marten's Tower from inside the walls. The tower was where Henry Marten was imprisoned for signing the death warrant for Charles I. The square-headed windows are characteristic of the Tudor re-modelling of the castle.