Wales is often called the "Land of Castles" and rightly so, as it is home to some of Europe's finest surviving and most important examples of medieval castle construction. 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. And now if yee wilst enter into my realm, enjoy thy travels and please claw thy name in thee guest scroll before yee flee. |
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