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WikiProject UK geography/How to write about settlements

* 1.1 Infobox* * 1.2 Lead* * 1.3 History * 1.4 Governance MP, MEP, AM, Mon CC, Town council, history * 1.5 Geography R Wye, port, bridging point, railways, roads, Sev Br   * 1.6 Demography * 1.7 Economy history - port, engineering, now commuting, tourism * 1.8 Landmarks * 1.9 Transport * 1.10 Education * 1.11 Religious sites priory, others * 1.12 Sports * 1.13 Public services hospital * 1.14 Notable people * 1.15 See also * 1.16 References * 1.17 External links
 * 1) 1 Article structure example for a U.K. settlement

* 2.1 Industry and commerce * 2.2 Culture * 2.3 Politics * 2.4 Media * 2.5 Invention and discovery * 2.6 Future plans * 2.7 Cultural references * 2.8 Filmography * 2.9 Community facilities * 2.10 Culture and community
 * 1) 2 Optional headings

Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle is the main focus of tourism in Chepstow, regarded as

http://www.chepstow.co.uk/Core/Chepstow-Town-Council/Pages/Chepstow_Castle_4.aspx The ruins of Chepstow Castle have a spectacular setting on cliffs over the River Wye. This powerful defensive position can best be seen from several points on the English side of the river. Entered by the Gateway at the lower end of town, its long shape, hugging the cliff edge, shows clearly its several stages of development from its early Norman beginnings.

Building commenced the year after the Battle of Hastings in 1067, in stone - an indication of the Castle’s importance, as most other Norman fortresses of this time were of Motte and Bailey form and constructed from earth and wood. William Fitzosbern used his Castle to subdue the Welsh of Gwent. His son and successor, Roger, lost the Castle to the King after an unsuccessful rebellion in 1075. During the 12th Century the Castle was massively fortified. In the 13th Century most building was of a domestic character but further fortifications were added to prepare the Castle for the Welsh wars, in which, however it played no part. In the 14th Century it changed hands many times, and its importance declined. It was re-garrisoned in 1403 and its strength prevented it being attacked by Owain Glyndwr.In the 16th Century the buildings were adapted for a more comfortable occupation, and came to resemble more a Great House than a Castle. Yet in the first Civil War, it was held by the Royalists, who surrendered in 1645. During the second Civil War the Castle, once more held for the King, was besieged, using guns which breached the walls. The Castle was taken and its commander, Sir Nicholas Kemeys, killed. It was repaired by the Parliamentarians. During the Civil War and afterwards it was used as a prison - famous “guests” were the Royalist Bishop Jeremy Taylor, and the Regicide Henry Marten, whose name is now applied to the Tower where he spent 12 years in comfortable captivity until his death in 1680. The garrison and guns left in 1690 and the Castle’s defences were “dismantled”. 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.

The castle is open to the public daily throughout the year and ample parking is provided off Bridge Street immediately below the Castle. A major exhibition “A Castle at War” which includes life-size models and a dramatic Civil War battle scene, explores both the medieval development of the Castle, and its role in the Civil War.

CADW Welsh Historic Monuments, who act as custodians, have produced a comprehensive guide book for the Castle which is available, together with a wide range of souvenirs, at the Castle gift shop. See also web site www.castlewales.com/chepstow.html.