Chepstow Castle
I spent last week, amongst other things, visiting castles in Wales. My weekend in Scotland a few weeks ago allowed me to visit some very interesting Castles. You can see those here and here. It got me interested once more in medieval history and the fabulous castles that were built at that time. I stayed last week with my friend Poppy and her husband, in Worcestershire. Wales is just a short drive away and the border with England is littered with castles. I had a fantastic week and enjoyed being a tourist, visiting these places, many for the first time.
This post is all about Chepstow Castle. 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. William employed his loyal Norman lord William FitzOsbern to build the castle. 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. Chepstow is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in the UK. To think the wooden door with its hinges and latches in the picture below is nearly 950 years old. They certainly built things to last in the 11th century!
35mm f/4 1/160 ISO-100
35mm f/11 1/200 sec. ISO-100
35mm f/11 1/250 sec. ISO-100
35mm f/11 1/160 sec. ISO-100
35mm f/8 1/160 sec. ISO-100
Cornwall Photographic 
Fabulous pictures ALL! But then I like the closer-up, artsy fartsy pics. Well done!
Marianne Ensz 913.649.6544 (h) 913.707.8916 (c) ma_designs2002@yahoo.com
May 4, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Thank you MA! That wooden door was amazing! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 6:39 pm
What an amzing place to visit, Adrian. The castle looks very well built. I love that stone archway, What was the sculpture made out of? Awesome shot out over the water! :)
May 4, 2015 at 6:46 pm
It was a brilliant day out Sylvia. I’d seen Chepstow castle but had never visited before. It’s a fabulous setting, perched on the cliff above the River Wye and best of all, I was able to get around the whole castle in my wheelchair. I couldn’t climb the towers obviously but I was able to get some great views nonetheless! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 7:11 pm
P.S. I’m wasn’t sure of any of the details of the sculpture Sylvia so I did some research. The Sculpture was inspired by William Marshal, the “Greatest Knight” who owned and improved Chepstow Castle and who went on to become Regent for the boy King Henry III. Caroline Gregson created this lifesize willow sculpture of a 13th century knight on horseback. The sculpture will remain in the upper bailey of the castle throughout 2015 as part of the 800 years celebration of The Magna Carta. William was instrumental in the creation of the document in his work for King John.
May 4, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Thanks so much for looking it up for me. That’s really interesting that it’s made of willow. I’d love it in my garden as long as it didn’t frighten Mr. A and the GBH away. 😃
May 4, 2015 at 9:57 pm
I think our knight might just mistake Mr A for a Welsh Dragon and see him off Sylvia! :-D
May 5, 2015 at 11:54 am
😃🐊
May 5, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Wasn’t that a fabulous castle to ramble round ChillB ! Wales has so many I think we’ll be on a bit of a *capturing mission each time you visit … without force of course :-D
From Castles to Beacons to Thrilling rides @ Alton Towers *eeek it was another fun week all round !
I’m really impressed with the images from your Sony A7R , you’ve really put it through it’s paces for the next trip ;-)
May 4, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Thank you Poppy. Ahh, it was a wonderful week! From 11th Century castles to 21st century roller coasters, there was certainly plenty of variety! Can’t wait for my next visit. In the meantime, as you say, lots more work for the Sony to do! It’s really coming into its own as an integral part of my kit! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 7:09 pm
It beats the heck out of photographing my yard and basement . . . Very nice, as usual. Also, it looks like these are more Sony shots, as were the last few posts. It really does a great job . . . then again, I happen to think a good photographer can make anything work. Good job.
May 4, 2015 at 6:53 pm
That’s very kind of you to say Emilio. The Sony is doing a great job! I’ve been really impressed so far. I won’t be giving up on the D800e but for a wander around a castle like this, this sort of camera is just perfect.
May 4, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Gorgeous photos – taking my granddaughters to Wales this summer so must add this to the must see list!
May 4, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Thank you Carol. I can definitely recommend a visit. It’s a lovely location and Chepstow looks to be an interesting town to explore. We just had time for the castle but there’s plenty more to Chepstow than that I’m sure. I’d recommend an English Heritage membership if you’re not already a member. You can access Welsh Heritage sites with an English Heritage membership which is very handy and just on this one week away, the membership pretty much paid for itself given the various castles we visited. :-)
May 4, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Thanks for the great advice on the English heritage membership!
May 7, 2015 at 2:30 am
My pleasure Carol! :-)
May 7, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Great shots. The Chepstow Castle is fascinating and very interesting.
May 4, 2015 at 7:12 pm
It certainly is Isabel! Thank you! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 7:19 pm
What an amazing place Adrian. Great shots.
May 4, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Thank you Edith! Certainly a place worthy of a visit! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Such a rich heritage. I hope it will be well preserved. Very good castle-photography, Adrian. I really like the historical topic too. Sony camera?
May 4, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Thank you Bente. Welsh Heritage are doing a brilliant job of preserving these castles as is English Heritage with castles this side of the border. We have a very rich history, some of it shared of course. This was one of those occasions where the new Sony came into its own. I was able to use my wheelchair to explore the castle and not needing a tripod, I was able to move about the castle freely, taking pictures as I went. :-)
May 4, 2015 at 9:32 pm
Fantastic photography.Well done Chillibrook.
May 4, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Thank you so much Lou! :-)
May 4, 2015 at 9:32 pm
This photo is fantastic. You certainly have a gift. Cheers !
May 4, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Thank you very much, that’s very kind! I really appreciate your visit. :-)
May 4, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Looks like a fascinating place.
May 4, 2015 at 11:00 pm
It really is Gunta! You can feel the history. In fact it’s difficult to get your head around the dates and the millions of people that must have passed through this castle down through the ages. I’m sure the carpenter never imagined his door would still be there 948 years into the future. A future he could not possibly have imagined! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 11:55 am
Reblogged this on 100 Days Out and commented:
Chepstow Castle is a few minute’s walk from the border with England and is easily reached from both Severn Crossings and the M50 motorway. If you have time,take a trip the beautiful Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey.
May 5, 2015 at 12:03 am
Wonderful photography!
May 5, 2015 at 12:29 am
Thank you very much Pat! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 11:55 am
Great landscapes and perspectives in this series Adrian ~
May 5, 2015 at 12:53 am
Thank you Randall! Much appreciated! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 11:56 am
That sculpture is perfect in the setting and you captured it so well. And the detail you captured in the door is amazing.
May 5, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Bunty! Superb piece of work isn’t it? All made out of willow. Quite brilliant in fact. Like Sylvia, I’d rather like a sculpture like this one in my garden! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Outstanding images of this amazing place, well done!
May 5, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Thank you very much Phil! Much appreciated!
May 5, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Reblogged this on themonkseal.
May 5, 2015 at 4:47 pm
Thank you for the reblog! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Lovely shots Adrian……I’ve not been to Chepstow before, but I might have to try and visit now.
May 5, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Thank you Mark. Chepstow is definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed the castle very much but much more to Chepstow than the castle I think. We didn’t have time to explore the town but wish we had.
May 5, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I’m rather fond of a castle or two myself :) and this is one I have not actually visited. Must rectify that. I love your door photo – bet that isn’t the lightest door in the world ;-)
May 5, 2015 at 7:00 pm
I shouldn’t think it is Jude! Chepstow is definitely worth a visit! :-)
May 5, 2015 at 8:22 pm
You do get around quite a bit don’t you, Adrian. What a gorgeous castle! The location of Chepstow Castle seems quite stunning. As are your photos. All in all a lovely photo essay about the castle.
May 6, 2015 at 11:57 am
Thank you Otto, I’ve certainly been getting around quite a bit, as you say, lately and I’m off to Iceland again tomorrow.. I’m really enjoying seeing and photographing so many different places. :-)
May 6, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Have a great trip back to Iceland. I bet we’ll soon see some of the images you’ll capture .
May 6, 2015 at 8:08 pm
Thank you very much Otto! I’m looking forward to it! :-)
May 7, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Great series Adrian, an impressive location. The views across the river are very striking – will add this to my list of places to visit!
May 6, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Thank you Simon. Absolutely worth a visit! :-)
May 6, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Great photo essay, Adrian, and glad the Sony is working for you!
May 6, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Thanks Sue! I really enjoyed Chepstow. The Sony really is proving to be a very useful addition to my kit! :-)
May 6, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Glad to hear it!
May 6, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Your photos just get better as I scroll down my timeline!
May 7, 2015 at 2:36 am
Thank you Georgia! :-)
May 7, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Great pictures…I like photos with castels…
June 15, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Thank you very much! :-)
June 15, 2015 at 8:08 pm