The Port Wall
The medieval town of Chepstow was protected on the north and east by the Wye and the town or Port Wall, which was built in the late 13th Century to afford protection on the landward sides.
In total the Port Wall was over 1,200 yards (1,100 metres) long, 6 feet (2 metres) thick and 15feet (4.6 metres) high. Originally at least a dozen towers about 27feet (8.2 metres) in diameter were built along the wall and around the outside there was a dry moat about 18 feet (5.5 metres) wide and 5feet (1.5.metres) deep.
Access to the Town from the landward side was through the Town Gate only controlled bv means of a gate and portcullis. Although impressive in sale, the wall was built as a means of controlling entry to the town and not for defence. This type of wall was know as a “Customs Wall.”
Much of the wall is still in an excellent state of preservation and can be viewed today. Particular vantage points include the main car park (off Welsh Street), the main A48 and the Railway Station area).