Chepstow

The River Wye loops around this ancient fortress town on the Welsh-English border where the Normans built the castle on limestone cliffs at the water's edge. The castle has four courtyards, dominated by a 40 ft high keep and surrounded by walls strengthened by towers of which Marten\'s Tower was added during the 13th century.

In the 13th century, Chepstow was bounded by the 6 ft thick Portwall, guarding the side of the town not protected by the river. Much of the wall is preserved, and the town gate leads to steep and twisting medieval streets.

The graceful iron bridge spanning the river was built by the Scottish engineer John Rennie (1761-1821).