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Chepstow Portwall

The medieval town of Chepstow was protected on the north and east by the Wye, and the town wall, or Portwall. was built in the late 13th century to afford protection on the landward sides.

In total it was over 1,200 yards (1,100 metres) long, 6 feet (2 metres) thick, and 15 feet (4.6 metres) high, Originally at least a dozen towers about 27 feet (8.2 metres) in diameter were built along the wall, and around the outside was a dry moat about 18 feet (5.5 metres) wide and 5 feet (1.5 metres) deep. Access to the town from the landward side was through the Town Gate only and controlled by means of a gate and portcullis, Although impressive in scale, the wall was built as a means of controlling entry and not for defence, such a wall being known as a "Customs Wall".

Much of the wall is still in an excellent state of preservation and can readily be seen. Particular vantage points are the main car park (off Welsh Street), the main A48 road and the Railway Station area.

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Some of the information about Chepstow is extracted from the Town Guide.
All photographs copyright ©1997-2003 Russell Higgins with the exception of the following:
Chepstow Parish Church, satellite view, aerial view of Severn Bridge, aerial view of Chepstow, historic photographs and photograph of Brunel's Bridge)