Chepstow is a town in Monmouthshire, Wales. It adjoins the border with Gloucestershire in England. It is situated around the River Wye, about two miles (3.2 km) above its confluence with the River Severn, and adjoining the western end of the Severn Bridge. It's 16 miles (26 km) east of Newport, 18 miles (29 km) north-west of Bristol and 110 miles (180 km) west of London. Based on the 2001 Census, the town includes a permanent population of about 10821. Its accessibility to the cities of Bristol, Newport and Cardiff signifies it features a substantial variety of commuters. Chepstow Castle, situated on a clifftop above the Wye and its bridge, is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. The castle was established by William Fitzosbern promptly following the Norman conquest, and was extended in later centuries prior to becoming ruined following the Civil War. A Benedictine priory was also established inside the walled town, which was the centre of the Marcher Lordship of Striguil. The port of Chepstow became noted during the Middle Ages for its imports of wine, and also became a major centre for the export of timber and bark, from nearby woodland in the Wye valley and Forest of Dean. In the late 18th century the town was a focus of early tourism as part of the "Wye Tour", and the tourist industry remains significant. Other important industries included shipbuilding - among the first World War National Shipyards was established in the town - and heavy engineering, including the prefabrication of bridges and, now, wind turbine towers. Chepstow is also well known for its racecourse, which has hosted the Welsh National each year since 1949. For all your home upgrades, make sure that you use trustworthy experts in Chepstow to make sure you get the best quality.