Castles Of Wales Essay Research Paper Castles

Castles Of Wales Essay, Research Paper

Castles of Wales

Chepstow which is a Norman castle was constructed beginning in 1067. This was less than a year after the new king, William the Conqueror, was crowned.

It was built high over the river Wye in Southeast Wales.

The Norman.s weren.t the first to realize the strategic value of this position. We know this because the arch above the main doorway into the hall was built by bricks taken from a Roman fort that used to stand close by.

This position was an advantage partly because it allowed allies to bring supplies to the castle during times of battle and siege. They brought these supplies through the river.

All through the Middle Ages Chepstow remained the center of the military and also administrative power. In Strigoil.s Marcher lordship.

Chepstow was built by William fitz-Osbern, a loyal Norman Lord.

A few months after the battle of Hastings in 1066 William fitz-Osbern then lord of Breteuil in Normandy was created earl of Hereford by William the Conqueror. He was stuck with the job of subduing the southern Welsh borderlands.

Before his death in 1071 he had completed the rectangular keep. This is the earliest dateable secular stone structure in Britain.

Fortresses built by fitz-Osbern were the vehicles that the new king used to obtain control over his newly conquered lands. Chepstow became the main launching point for journey.s that over time quieted the rebellious people.

Chepstow.s Great Hall, which was started in 1067, is the oldest surviving stone fortification in Britain because of this and some other facts its important to Britain.s history. Other castles built at this time have been long gone, but here at Chepstow it is possible to see and feel the remains.

Inside the Great Hall men with considerable power planned strategies with other Welsh Marcher Lords. They mapped out invasions to gain control of the country that was still ruled by groups of powerful Princes.

The Hall always was the heart of this castle originally it stood by itself. Over a period of years it was added onto by many builders.

The Great Hall and the stunning cliff side are said to be the only two really interesting features.

Chepstow in itself is just a typical Norman Structure. A large gatehouse with tall curtain walls that connect a series of tall towers.

Chepstow was passed by marriage to William Marshall at the end of the 12th century.

William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, was a formidable mercenary soldier with much experience in military building in France.

He took upon himself the task of bringing Chepstow up to date. He had the cast curtain wall reconstructed and added two protruding towers to protect this wall that was open to attack. The towers were designed with arrow holes. These gave cover.

To the men firing to the ground. This is one of the earliest examples of this arrow hole technique. It became a standard characteristic on all medieval castles.

Prior to 1245 Marshall had not only greatly improved Chepstows defenses, but also the internal accommodations. He had a new lower bailey constructed with an impressive twin-towered gatehouse. At this time a new heavily defended barbican was also built.

Marshall.s son.s later on also made improvements on the keep.

Roger Bigod III between 1270 . 1300 built a wonderful hall block on the lower bailey in the north side. It included a big, vaulted cellar, service rooms that were elaborate, a kitchen, domestic living quarters and finally a latrine set. He also built a large new tower located in the southeast corner. This was to provide a suite of accommodations that were deemed worthy of a nobleman of a high rank. As well as domestic apartments, Marten.s tower also had a private chapel. It had well carved decorations and a place on either side for the priest to sit. Bigod also had the magnificent part built. To this day much of it has still survived.

Chepstow was even further altered in the Tudor period. In the Civil War Chepstow was attacked twice. The defenses of Chepstow designed to ward of medieval attacks was beaten both times by the parliamentary cannon after war.

The entire southern side was strengthened with stone and earth.

At the time it was also used for state prisoners. Henry Marten was here for twenty years. He lived practically comfortable twenty years in the tower that was eventually named after him.

Other famous lords besides fitz-Osbern also called Chepstow home. They included of course William Marshall, earl of Pembroke, and Roger Bigod, earl of Norfolk. It depends on how you look at it. These are either some of the most important or hated men in their history.

Another castle Beaumaris which is an Edward Castle was built in 1295. It was the biggest and final castle to be constructed by King Edward the I in Wales.

At the time this castle was devised resources were tight. Any plans like this were pushed back. The decision was made to go ahead with the new castle in April. This was because the Welsh had started a rebellion with Madog Ap Llewelyn leading the way.

In complete control of the building was Master James of St. George. He had many years of castle building experience.

The building went at a fast pace becau

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