Chepstow Castle, Castle in the United Kingdom
Chepstow Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the River Wye in Wales. The stronghold consists of multiple sections built and expanded in stone over several centuries.
The castle was founded in 1067 by Norman conquerors and ranks among the oldest post-Roman stone fortresses in Britain. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt and strengthened to keep pace with evolving military tactics.
The castle served as a symbol of Norman control over the border between England and Wales during the Middle Ages. Today, visitors can see how its position on the cliff made it a statement of dominance over the river crossing.
The site is accessible from the town center and has parking nearby along with basic amenities in the surrounding area. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as paths around the ruins include uneven ground and stairs that climb the cliff edge.
The castle preserves some of Europe's oldest surviving castle doors, dating to the 12th century. These heavy wooden gates are remarkable because they show how early fortresses protected their entrances long before thicker walls became the standard.
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