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Visits to date
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Introduction
Whilst there is evidence of Iron Age and Roman settlements nearby, the Normans were the real founders of the town. William Fitzosbern began building the castle in 1067 as a base for the Norman conquest of South East Wales. The importance of the site is reflected in the fact that it was the first stone-built castle in Wales, if not the whole country. The castle has a splendid position on the cliffs above the River Wye and was greatly enlarged in the 12th and 13th centuries. The recently renovated Town Gate is an impressive entrance to the town's main shopping area. Large sections of the 13th century Portwall also remain today. Striguil is the old Welsh name for Chepstow and is derived from Ystraigyl (the bend), a reference to the sharp turn the River Wye makes as it passes the town. The name Chepstow derives from the Old English words "Chepe" and "Stowe" meaning market place. As the name suggests, Chepstow grew and prospered as the market centre for the local farmers. A busy port and shipyards contributed to Chepstow's wealth, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, leaving a rich legacy to the town in the many buildings dating from that period. The history of the town as a market, port and shipbuilding centre is the subject of exhibitions and displays at the Chepstow Museum in Bridge Street. Sloping streets lead down to the river and are full of interest with tea houses, galleries and art and craft shops. Opposite the castle is the Stuart Crystal glass works where visitors can view the craftsmen applying decoration to hand-made crystal. Conducted tours and films show modern techniques for crystal manufacture and the gift shop has many fine pieces for sale, many of them seconds at bargain prices. Along the River Wye is a riverside walk with a bandstand and seating from which to enjoy the natural splendours of the valley, woods and cliffs. The old cast-iron road bridge, dating from 1816, is an excellent example of elegant cast-iron engineering. It succeeded a number of wooden predecessors which had been built on or near the same site. A mile to the north of Chepstow lies the famous racecourse which plays host to year-round National Hunt and Flat Racing, including the Welsh Grand National. The importance of Chepstow as a tourist centre is currently being recognised by substantial investment in tourism-related projects including new and improved attractions and accommodation. These pages describe some of the interesting aspects of the town and its surrounding area. Location
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If you have any comments about The Striguil Zone, please contact webadmin@striguil.co.uk ©Russell Higgins 2003 Some of the information about Chepstow is extracted from the
Town Guide. |
