Town Information

	About and around Chepstow A brief history. The River Wye runs through this ancient historic fortress town, at the start of the Wye Valley, on the Welsh-English border. The Normans built Chepstow Castle in 1067, on limestone cliffs above the river's edge which was impregnable until the Civil War. In the 13th century Chepstow Town was bounded by a 6ft thick wall, The Portwall, guarding the side of the town not protected by the river. The Town Arch leads into the main street of the town, containing a variety of shops. Chepstow Town Museum is situated opposite the Castle and contains many local exhibits and holds many special exhibitions. Chepstow is the starting/finishing point of the Offa's Dyke walk. Other attractions include Chepstow Racecourse which is situated on the outskirts of the town and holds regular horse race meetings and a Sunday Market, Antiques Fairs etc. Situated approximately 5 miles away are the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Further information on Chepstow and its surrounds can be found on the Chepstow Town Council Website.
Chepstow Castle
	Set on the high cliffs of the River Wye, the easily defended castle has four courtyards dominated by a 40ft high keep and surrounded by walls strengthened by towers. Marten's Tower which was added during the 13th century was the prison of Henry Marten, who was one of signatories of Charles I death-warrant. He was imprisoned for twenty years until his death in 1680. The Castle is now looked after by Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments, and preservation work is carried out to the structure of the castle to keep it safe for visitors and the many special events which take place within its walls, such as Son et Lumiere shows, plays and even mock battles performed by the Chepstow Garrison. Back to top of Page
Chepstow Town
	In the 13th century Chepstow Town was bounded by a 6ft thick wall, The Portwall, guarding the side of the town not protected by the river. Much of the wall is still preserved, as is the Town Arch and Town Gatehouse where tolls were once collected on cattle and goods which passed through. There are winding streets which lead down to the river, most full of interesting shops. A full range of shopping facilities is available, with multiples and independent stores, teahouses and restaurants, art and craft shops and galleries. Back to top of Page
Chepstow Town Museum
	The Museum just across the road from the castle is housed in an elegant 18th century house "Gwy House" owned for a time by a local wealthy surgeon and subsequently turned into a hospital for 1st World War soldiers and then local residents. The Museum has regular special exhibitions and also constant exhibits about the changing role of the house and the development of Chepstow, which was once an important port and market centre. It features displays on the wine trade, shipbuilding and salmon fishing which are some the industries which gave the people of Chepstow employment in the past. Back to top of Page
Chepstow Racecourse
	Set in Piercefield Park, with beautiful views over the River Wye, Chepstow Racecourse is well known, as a racing venue because of television coverage of many events such as the Welsh Grand National. On Sundays the Racecourse is the venue for a general market and a monthly antique fair. Also in the area are many golf courses and other sporting amenities. Back to top of Page
Tintern Abbey
	Set in the Wye Valley, through which runs one of Britain's cleanest rivers containing first class salmon and trout, are the ruins of Tintern Abbey are most impressive and even inspired William Wordsworth's to write a poem. The Abbey was a Cistercian House founded in 1131 and survived until Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. The Wye Valley 97-mile walk follows the River Wye between Chepstow and Rhayader in Powys, and has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Back to top of Page
The Wye Valley
	The graceful bridge that crosses the River Wye at the start of the Wye Valley, joining England and Wales, was built by the Scottish engineer John Rennie (1761-1821) and part of the railway bridge, which has been extensively altered and upgraded, was originally built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The Wye Valley is a mecca for tourists in the summer because of the picturesque drive along the A466 and the exquisite views afforded of the river alongside with plenty of viewpoints and picnic sights to enjoy the fine views. Back to top of Page
Offa's Dyke
	The Dyke was built in the 8th century to mark and protect the frontier between the kingdom of Mercia and Wales by King Offa. It extends from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north for some 177 miles marking the original Wales/England border. It was a 12 foot high earthwork and several good portions of it still remain in the Chepstow area. Back to top of Page
Home Page, Sunday Services, Devotions, Notices, Prayer Page, Regular Activities, About the Church, The Circuit, About Chepstow, Links & Downloads, Photo Gallery