In the late eighteenth century the ruins of Wales’ first stone built castle, spectacularly sited on cliffs above the Wye, provided inspiration for many visitors, including Turner. Chepstow was the highlight at the end of the Wye Tour, “so uncommonly excellent, that the most exact critic in landscape would scarcely wish to alter a position in the assemblage of woods, cliffs, ruins and water”, commented Wyndham.
“The strength of the castle must have been very great and combined with its fine position, made it almost impregnable. built on the summit of a lofty cliff, which is perpendicular on the river side, its walls seem a continuation of the rock, from which towers and battlements rise up in varied and picturesque groups. What was grim and threatening in its day of power and pride is now softened into beauty by time and decay.”
Louisa Anne Twamley An Autumn Ramble on the Wye, 1839
Today Chepstow has a thriving artistic scene. Chepstow Museum, just across the road from the Castle is worth a visit having an inspiring collection of engravings, prints and paintings by artists who took the Tour. Quotes from journals and diaries of the time are on display. Many of the historical pictures on this site are held in the collections of Chepstow and Monmouth Museums and can be viewed by appointment.
“I went to the Bridge and made a drawing of the Castle which occupied me four hours. The view forms a very picturesque composition the parts of the Castle appearing united so as to make a well collected mass of large objects.”
Joseph Farington The Wye Tour of Joseph Farington, 1803
Feature image by Nilfanion - Wikimedia UK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Gilpin 2020 