Caldicot Castle, Caldicot, United Kingdom

Caldicot Castle is an extensive stone medieval castle, built near the site of Harold Godwinson's former Saxon castle by the Norman earls of Hereford from about 1100. Humphrey III de Bohun was the probable builder, in about 1170, of the stone keep and curtain walls of the present-day castle. The Bohun family held the manor and castle of Caldicot for more than two centuries, over eight generations.

In 1381, Essex was convulsed by the Peasants' Revolt. This may be why Thomas decided to spend part of that year in Caldicot. During his stay he gave orders for major new work to be done on the castle. A new gatehouse and drawbridge were constructed. At the rear of the castle a dovecote was replaced by a new tower with private chambers, now known as the Woodstock tower. At the foot of the Woodstock tower two carved stones were to be placed, one marked 'Thomas' the other 'Alianore'.

In the 16th-17th centuries Caldicot Castle was evidently neglected, fell into ruin and became little more than a farmyard. In 1964, Chepstow Rural District Council bought the castle. The building, including a small museum, was opened to the public in 1965.

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User Reviews

Rose Gilbert (3 years ago)
Lovely day out with the kids. It has a small shop where you can buy souvenirs/drinks/ice creams et . They've created lots of shade within the castle grounds to stop and eat. Don't forget to wander down to the lake to feed the ducks. One of my favourite places to go with the kids. Cheap day out ?(parking is free)

sue wingett (3 years ago)
We loved it! We only came across it by accident on a quick day trip into Wales from Dorset! If it wasn't for the 20mph speed limit on all the roads we took to find it, we would go again, but those speed limits were excruciating for trying to get around, but the Castle itself, and the country park were wonderful. Lots of space, great for dog walking, and what looked like a good kids playing area too.

clint w (4 years ago)
First day on holiday. first time on holiday in wales.visited caldicot castle. droned it. staff were very considerate. well, once I proved evidence of competency and public liability insurance. Staff were superb actually. Well done guys, you are a perfect example of how staff should react when mater's like drone work transpires. hats off to you.

chris penn (4 years ago)
Small but pleasant country park. When we last visited, (June 2021) the Castle itself was closed, but there is a small coffee kiosk near the car park and there are also public toilets. The park itself is a mix of fields and woodland, with a small lake/pond. Easy to spend an hour or so here. My dog loves it.

Emily van der Heijden (4 years ago)
An amazing public park! The playground is great for small kids. We love visiting the pond to see the ducks, running around the dry moat and playing hide and seek within the castle walls. There are public toilets near the playground, and more near the small cafe inside the castle. Everything you need for a pleasant day outside in the fresh air.

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