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GROUP HISTORY

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Chepstow Castle was the backdrop for some of the bloodiest scenes of the English Civil War. Stories of victorious troops wearing trophies made from the severed limbs of the defeated Royalist leader, Kemeys, still persist today. The Castle was involved in several Parliamentary sieges and eventually became the prison of Henry Marten, the regicide, after the restoration of the monarchy.

In 1996 the Civil War was the theme for a Son et Lumière (sound and light) performance held at the castle. Many in the local community became involved with the production, and their continued interest led to the formation of the Chepstowe Garrison.

The Garrison's first objective was to re-create life in Chepstow during the Civil Wars of 1642 - 1648 as authentically as possible. This was then to be broadened out to include the life of the entire castle, from it's foundations in 1067 right up until the second world war. This second objective is now being realised, and the group is actively recriuting!

The group maintains Chepstow Castle as its base, though it draws members from a wide geographical area, and stages events at other venues. The Castle itself is the star performer, and we are very grateful to find a home for our organisation within its walls, which are literally scarred by the rich history to be found there.

Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis