Geograph - photograph every grid square

The magnificent Norman castle at Chepstow was begun in about 1067 - notably soon after the Norman victory at Hastings. The original owner was William FitzOsbern, though undoubtedly under instruction from William the Conqueror to create a defensive bulwark at this strategic position near the confluence of the Wye with the Severn.
Later important owners included the Marshals, Earls of Pembroke - William, 1st Earl (1147-1219) and his sons, William (2nd Earl), Richard (3rd Earl), Gilbert (4th Earl) and Walter (5th Earl) - up to 1245. This family extended the castle and raised the height of the Great Tower.
In 1270 the castle was inherited by the influential Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, a contemporary of Edward I, who had a variable, occasionally friendly, occasionally stormy relationship with the king. Roger extended the castle further adding a suite of rooms to perhaps accommodate the king should he visit.
The castle had several later owners that modified it in numerous ways, until finally it was partially dismantled from about 1685 and it gradually became the romantic ruin that it is today.
There are plenty of rooms and ruins to explore at this castle and it is well worth a visit. It is owned and cared for by CADW - website here Link