Bulwarks Camp

Heritage Site in Monmouthshire

Wales

Bulwarks Camp

Chepstow Castle entrance A very impressive statement of Norman power and a great feature in Chepstow town. — Chepstow Castle entrance Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Bulwarks Camp, located in Monmouthshire, Wales, is a significant heritage site that holds great historical and archaeological value. Dating back to the Iron Age, the camp is believed to have been constructed around 600 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of Britain.

The camp is situated atop a hill, offering a strategic advantage in terms of defense and surveillance. Its position provides impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Usk Valley and the Bristol Channel.

Covering an area of approximately 17 acres, Bulwarks Camp is enclosed by multiple ramparts, ditches, and banks, which were likely constructed using manual labor and primitive tools. The innermost rampart is the most substantial, with an average height of 6 meters and a width of 12 meters. It is thought that this rampart was designed to protect the camp's inhabitants from potential raids or invasions.

Archaeological excavations at Bulwarks Camp have revealed evidence of occupation, including storage pits, postholes, and hearths. These findings suggest that the camp was not only a defensive structure but also served as a settlement for the Iron Age community. The site's location near the River Usk indicates that it likely played a role in trade and communication routes during that time.

Today, Bulwarks Camp is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and visitors interested in ancient civilizations. The site offers guided tours, providing an opportunity to explore the remains of this Iron Age stronghold and gain insight into the lives of its inhabitants. Additionally, the camp's commanding views make it a picturesque spot for nature lovers and photographers.

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Bulwarks Camp Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.6312/-2.6689 or Grid Reference ST5392. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Chepstow Castle entrance

A very impressive statement of Norman power and a great feature in Chepstow town.

Jeremy Bolwell

Modern housing estate

Row17

Bus stop with no one waiting

Row17

Church of St John the Evangelist

Row17

Two paths through Castle Dell, Chepstow

Viewed from the Welsh Street side. Castle Dell is a parklike area adjacent to Chepstow Castle on the south bank of the River Wye. On the right is a drinking fountain. Link

Jaggery

Path through Castle Dell, Chepstow

This is the central section of Castle Dell, which was opened to the public in 1886 when the Duke of Beaufort leased it to the town for one shilling a year. Faintly visible in the background is Chepstow Castle, on the south bank of the River Wye.

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SW corner of Chepstow Castle

Viewed from Castle Dell.

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Southern wall of Chepstow Castle

Part of the long southern wall, viewed from Castle Dell.

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Stone seat, Castle Dell, Chepstow

On the left side of the path through Castle Dell is a stone seat made by stonemason John Hobbs to mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

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Southern end of Wye Valley Walk, Chepstow

The large stone Link next to an information board in Castle Dell marks the southern end of the 136 mile Wye Valley Walk.

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Plaque on stone at southern end of Wye Valley Walk, Chepstow

The plaque, in Welsh and English, records that the stone Link to which it is fixed, is from Plynlimon, near the source of the River Wye. It marks the southern end of the 136 mile (219 km) Wye Valley Walk. The Wye empties into the Severn at Beachley Point, about 4 kilometres to the SSE.

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Former Chepstow Board School

Set back from the east side of Bridge Street is the former Chepstow Board School which opened in 1878. The school, for girls and infants, was constructed by local builder Cuthbert Whalley for Chepstow School Board. The Elementary Education Act of 1870 required the provision of a school place for every child aged from 5 to 12. Locally elected committees (School Boards) were empowered to build additional schools if needed.

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Former Glance Back shop, Chepstow

Located on the corner of Middle Street and Upper Church Street, viewed from Bridge Street. The shop closed on October 31st 2004, when the owners decided to focus entirely on an Internet presence. Glance Back had opened here in 1983, dealing in antiquarian and secondhand books, and a variety of collectables such as stamps, banknotes, coins, tokens, medals and badges.

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Late Georgian houses, Bridge Street, Chepstow

The houses at the SW end of Bridge Street date from about 1800. The white building was formerly The Vicarage.

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Chepstow bandstand decked out for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Ruth Sharville

Road Bridge over the River Wye, Chepstow

Wales left bank . England right bank

John Jennings

Buffer Wharf Chepstow

Arga Bay waiting to unload alongside Buffer Wharf on the River Wye at Chepstow

ben hollier

A Sheave at Buffers Wharf

A grooved pulley wheel like that used for ropes is called a sheave. A single sheave mounted in a block and fixed in place simply changes the direction of force exerted on the rope passing over it.

ben hollier

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Bulwarks Camp is located at Grid Ref: ST5392 (Lat: 51.6312, Lng: -2.6689)

Unitary Authority: Monmouthshire

Police Authority: Gwent