Caldicot Castle, East Wales

Caldicot Castle is an extensive stone medieval castle in the town of Caldicot, in southeast Wales.

Caldicot is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as an agricultural holding of Durand, Sheriff of Gloucester. Walter fitz Roger, Durand's nephew, inherited his lands as well as his fathers office of Constable of England which remained with the lords of Caldicot. Walter's son Milo was granted the Earldom of Hereford to add to his titles.

Milo's eldest daughter, Margaret, took with her to her marriage with Humphrey (III) de Bohun the Earldom of Hereford, the Constableship of England, and Caldicot. The de Bohun family held Caldicot for over two centuries.

In 1376 the manor passed to Thomas of Woodstock, the third son of King Edward III of England, when he married Alianore de Bohun.

Thomas 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'.

As time passed relations between Thomas and King Richard grew increasingly strained resulting in the kidnap and murder of Thomas. His property was confiscated and passed into the hands of the Crown.

Caldicot Castle was evidently neglected, fell into ruin and became little more than a farmyard.

From 1885 to 1964, the Cobb family owned the castle and began restoration. Geoffrey Wheatley died in 1931.

In 1964, Chepstow Rural District Council bought the castle from the Cobb family for £12,000. The castle, including a small museum, was opened to the public in 1965.

The castle is reputed to be haunted by a number of ghosts and spirits including a grey lady (who is believed to be Alianore de Bohun), hooded monks, a beggar boy and a mischievous poltergeist. At the centre of the activity is the Gatehouse Banqueting Hall; shadowy figures, as well as moving furniture, has been witnessed in this area. Many people have experienced unusual cold spots, as well as hearing footsteps in vacant parts of the castle. The Castle offers Fright Nights and Ghost Tours to visitors wishing to experience these mysterious goings-on for themselves.

Opening Times

Caldicot Castle is open daily from 1st April (or Easter, whichever is earlier) to 31st October from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Last audio tour issued at 4.00pm.

The Country Park is always open.

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Ticket Prices

Adults £3.85
Children (5-17),Senior Citizens, Students £2.55
Disabled Visitors £2.55 (enabler free)
Family (2 adults & 3 children) £12.30

Monmouthshire Residents on production of a museum pass - Free. (Additional Charges apply for special events & activities.)

Season Ticket*
Adults £12.30
Children (5-17) Senior Citizens, Students £6.15
Disabled Visitors £6.15
Family (2adults & 3 children)) £30.75

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01291 420241
Email: caldicotcastle@monmouthshire.gov.uk

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