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.
It was a miracle that the castle could endure such an attack. They mapped out invasions to gain control of the country that was still ruled by groups of powerful Princes. The first line of defense was a huge water filled moat. We can't be sure if in fact they were ever finished. It was encircled by six towers and two big gatehouses Inside the castle its obvious that it was meant to have lush accommodations both of the gate houses were supposed to have grand state rooms in the back. This was because the Welsh had started a rebellion with Madog Ap Llewelyn leading the way. The Hall always was the heart of this castle originally it stood by itself. Prior to 1245 Marshall had not only greatly improved Chepstows defenses, but also the internal accommodations. Roger Bigod III between 1270 - 1300 built a wonderful hall block on the lower bailey in the north side. This is one of the earliest examples of this arrow hole technique. Beaumaris was built with an almost geometric symmetry and without earlier works to restrain the designer's creativity it is quite possibly the most advanced piece of military architecture in Britain. It became a standard characteristic on all medieval castles. At the time it was also used for state prisoners.
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Acceptance Essays
