Usk Castle, Wales

Usk Castle is in the middle of the village of Usk. Certainly the smallest castle we've visited.

The original Gate House was the work of Richard "Strongbow" de Clare in about 1170.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here.

Slide Show

View Larger Map

Caldicot Castle, Wales

Although smaller, Caldicot Castle reminded me somewhat of Warwick Castle in that it was so well preserved and most recently used as a residence. The remnants of the surrounding moat are still apparent.

The castle sits in a 50 acre park so bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon.

The Normans built a structure here as early as 1086 and the current structure dates from 1221.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here. There's another good web site here.

Slide Show

View Larger Map

Chepstow Castle, Wales

Just down the (narrow, winding) road from Tintern Abbey is Chepstow Castle. PICT1453 is taken from across the River Wye.

It seems like the castle is on the wrong side of the river to be in Wales but, like the roads, the river is windy there.

The wikipedia article is here. Chepstow's web site is here. There's another good web site here.

Slide Show

ss

View Larger Map

Raglan Castle, Wales

Raglan Castle was one of the newer castles we visited in Wales being built in the 15th century. An older castle was on this site from the 12th century.

It's neat with the moat surrounding it and the magnificent views of the plain from the top of the Great Tower.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here. There's another good web site here.

Slide Show

View Larger Map