South Wales, a Norman castle, was started in 1067 by the Norman lord William Fitzosbern on cliffs over the River Wye. During the 12th and 13th centuries the Castle was massively fortified to prepare the Castle for the Welsh wars. In the 14th Century it changed hands many times between the English and the Welsh. In the 16th century the buildings were adapted more comfortable, and came to resemble more a Great House than a Castle. After the English Civil War defences were “dismantled” and the Castle was allowed to decay and areas of it used for small industries. It was eventually passed over to the care of the State in 1953. Views from Chepstow