Chepstow Castle (Wales)

We actually began this day with a scheduled river rafting trip. After awaking to rain, rain and more rain, we thought not. No need sitting around in a boat getting... you guessed it, wet, wet and more wet. Plan B? Castles and on-the-road exploration of Wales. Second stop? Chepstow Castle!

From the guide book (again!): "Chepstow is a Norman castle perched high above the banks of the river Wye in southeast Wales. 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. FitzOsbern's fortresses were the vehicles from which the new king consolidated control of his newly conquered lands. Chepstow Castle became the key launching point for expeditions into Wales, expeditions that eventually subdued the rebellious population."

From me: Interestingly, Chepstow is one of the oldest castles in Britain. Its Great Hall dates from 1067, and its main fortress doors are from the same period. I say all this like I knew it. We had no idea. We were just thinking it was a popular castle on our way home. Perfect to stop at and stretch our legs a bit!! Indeed, it was well worth it!

In order to showcase the difficulties of Medieval life, local citizens set up camp in the courtyard of the castle and demonstrate this life. Its actually really interesting and well, it reminded me of somewhere else! Williamsburg, Virginia!