Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Marten's Tower
Photographed By Ray Gurganus, August 3, 2019
1. Marten's Tower Marker
Inscription.
Marten's Tower. . This splendid tower was built c.1288-93 by Roger Bigod, probably replacing an earlier tower here. It contained a suite of grand private rooms on three floors and a private chapel.
All three access doorways had a portcullis, allowing the tower to be isolated from the rest of the castle. The large window onto the courtyard and the fireplaces are later replacements.
Sumptuously appointed, with ornate battlements and painted plaster decoration (some of it still surviving), the tower was possibly intended by Bigod as a guest suite for the king.
This splendid tower was built c.1288-93 by Roger Bigod, probably replacing an earlier tower here. It contained a suite of grand private rooms on three floors and a private chapel.
All three access doorways had a portcullis, allowing the tower to be isolated from the rest of the castle. The large window onto the courtyard and the fireplaces are later replacements.
Sumptuously appointed, with ornate battlements and painted plaster decoration (some of it still surviving), the tower was possibly intended by Bigod as a guest suite for the king.
Location. 51° 38.659′ N, 2° 40.474′ W. Marker is in Chepstow, Wales, in Monmouthshire. Marker can be reached from Bridge Street. inside Chepstow Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chepstow, Wales NP16 5EY, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Chepstow Priory / The Priory Church of St Mary (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line).
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2. Henry Marten
The tower's modern name comes from Henry Marten (1602-80), a signatory to King Charles I's death warrant. He was imprisoned here following the restoration of King Charles II in 1660.
Photographed By Ray Gurganus, August 3, 2019
3. Chepstow Castle with Marten's Tower on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2020, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2020, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.