Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Chepstow Castle

Chepstow Castle, one of the first stone built castles in Wales, construction began in 1067, a year after the Norman invasion. Kevin Hicks has taken students around Chepstow for almost 30 years. Today, he takes you on a special tour of his favourite castle and shares with you some of the secrets he's discovered over that time.
#MedievalCastle #Medieval #ChepstowCastle #Chepstow #Castle #Castletour
A special thanks to Teo Drone Fly for allowing us to use his amazing aerial footage of Chepstow Castle. You can view the whole of his film here • CHEPSTOW CASTLE - DJI ...
If you like the video and the channel, you can further support us through:
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Portcullis image: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
For some great illustrations of the castle as it may have looked, you can visit this website here www.carneycastle.com/Chepstow/...

[@mjrchapin]

I have watched so many UK history documentaries, including ones about castles, but this is far away and the most entertaining, informative, and lively one. This gentleman's enthusiasm and knowledge is wonderful!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you !!

[@acorn8170]

I came here to say the same thing. I learned more about castles in this video than anything I've ever took away ..great video. Thank you

[@posttyped11]

As soon as he said it is his all time favorite castle, it was automatically mine as well.

[@lenol0315]

How long do you think the wooden floors survived before they fell down and were destroyed from time

[@Mr.RobotHead]

Yes, probably the best "castle tour" video I've seen.

[@jasmijnariel]

No clickbait crap, no loud music... just a good informative video ❤ I subscribed😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much & welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@brandiguzzo9419]

Same here!

[@rhondathompson6942]

@@thehistorysquad your like our history teacher love it

[@Lord_Baphomet_]

The glee in his voice when talking about history is such a delight to be a part of.

[@nicolesheen]

I would love to go on a castle tour with this guy! He is a national treasure!

[@Alleycat___]

He built the castle himself

[@davepersich3035]

Apparently the doors are the oldest castle doors in Europe. They were originally thought to date from 1245, but using tree ring analysis, they have been dated to pre 1190, probably commissioned by William Marshal. They are among the earliest examples of Oak being sawn, rather than cleaved. The doors, clad in iron were never breached. The Parliamentary army found it easier to breach the castle walls during the civil war.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, Dave, that's all bang on 👍🏻

[@kennyshortcake999]

Thanks for that matey 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@LR-yu3mx]

Very informative and interesting! I have learnt in build ing, an arch is a very strong stucture. We had arches in a house that my late husband designed. The bulder made a wooden. Arch and rhe bricks were laid diagonally over the wooden arch-stucture.. After the mortas was dry, rhe arch was extremely strong. I think all these arches were done in that way, and not filled up with soil. When you have an arch, one does not need a lintle above the door/window, because of the strengh

[@margaretlavender9647]

NOT ‘probably’. The door, the main door WAS definitely installed by William the Marshal.

[@sipjedekat8525]

@@margaretlavender9647 I bet he got help with doing that. :)

[@theblackprince1346]

Half an hour video of Kevin talking history. What a treat.

[@colinmackay92]

I emphatically concur

[@dylanmcwhirter9844]

Tremendous

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow 😃 thanks!!

[@bradleypowell5252]

Haha just what I thought when I have just seen the upload. Keep up the great work Kevin🇬🇧🇨🇦👍👍👍

[@steveaumann6335]

He is the best👏.

[@jeffashley5512]

The construction method you mentioned for arches in the cellar with earthen mounds reminds one of the legend of the construction of the Pantheon's Dome. Hadrian had a earthen mound formed to raise the dome and mixed in the earth were gold coins. When the peasants were asked to remove the dirt after construction they were allowed to keep all the coins they found as the legend goes. Greetings from Tennessee.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, I've never heard that legend but it's a nice one, thanks.

[@ew1974]

Mr. Hicks, your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through this entire video. Thank you, and your team, very much for this wonderful history lesson. In relation to your pop quiz, I imagine the iron plating on the doors had as much to do with fire resistance as it did with protection from battering ram, and later powder blasting.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind, thank you and yes you're right about the fire resistance properties of the iron plating. 👍🏻

[@SSHitMan]

@4:20 A lesser-known defensive feature of the medieval castle was the ticket booth charging exorbitant prices for entry, this kept all but the wealthiest of enemies from entering the first bailey.

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

Probably due to paying staff to prevent folks chiping away at the place to take home ey !

[@solidstateresistor2485]

We were at the 3 tunns pub, just below the castle last week and came back the next day. When we found out it cost £16.60 for both of us to get in, we left.

[@atomictraveller]

4:20... exorbitant prices.. 4:20... ..exorbitant prices... what could it mean :)

[@ShadowlordDio]

@@thehistorysquad in fact i bet that to have a simple smithing shop in there would have been expensive in taxes

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

As a woodworker, those original castle doors, with the bracings and the iron studs, absolutely floored me. Such a stunning piece of woorworking and iron smithing, and such a wonderful piece of History.

[@davidlillecrapp2960]

The doors floored you! 😄 Your right though, they look amazing.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

@@davidlillecrapp2960 I'm glad at least one person got the pun. 😛

[@cricketheaven1444]

Have u seen wooden doors of forts and mansions of indian subcontinent that of mughal and after era?? U will be stunned to by looking at those huge doors 500-600 years old woth fresco art carved on them

[@modulusquantum6455]

@@cricketheaven1444 East Indian architecture and it's history is absolutely mind boggling. But then much of Antediluvian science, math and architecture comes from more advanced civilizations than our own. Our most advanced tech will look like this video millennia in the future.

[@jorgeguanche5327]

​@@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 in the late 80s I was in the House of one schoolmate. His father was a Carpenter and had the originals Doors of the christofer Columbus House in the canary islands....a few hundreds years old doors that the local politicians remove from the House and trow them to the garbage. As a little kid those Doors looks like a medieval dream..

[@Charles-oo8bq]

Really appreciate this tour. As an American stone Mason now living in Bavaria I'm really amazed at the structural integrity and energy this beautiful castle represents. Thank you.

[@davidtatum8682]

How the hell you end up in Bavaria? I tell you, with all the bullshit going on on the US now, it has me looking to become an ex-pat myself.

[@davidtatum8682]

How the hell you end up in Bavaria? I tell you, with all the bullshit going on on the US now, it has me looking to become an ex-pat myself.

[@johnshields6852]

We tend to think these people were a bit backwards, but they were very clever, much more hands on than today. Great commentary, well spoken with interesting cadence. Thank you.

[@deepg7084]

Imagine walking through this castle with VR headsets on, and seeing it as it existed in its heyday through augmented reality. Painted walls with shields and ornaments, fires dancing in the fireplace, weapons stacked up in the guard room. I hope I live to see that day.

[@trecime]

That is a great idea! You see what it was like, and the very next moment you take off the gear and you see what it is now. Wow!

[@Valarie834]

This is a fantastic idea

[@margaretgoff5454]

I love this idea. Bring history alive.

[@Ya_boi295]

Your comment makes me imagine Kingdom come deliverance but in VR and it sounds epic

[@nicbobags8241]

They do this at Chinon castle in France - it's great!

[@georgekelly5338]

I'm just a simple American living in the middle of the US. But I have always been fascinated by castles in general from all over the world. I used to imagine the battles and everyday life in these buildings when I was a kid.

[@mickleblade]

There's a great saying, in England 100 miles is a long way, while in America 100yrs is a long time.

[@Sonof_DRN2004]

The castle of my home town is literally cut in half. The medieval pub next to it is still there though, British priorities innit lol. It was ripped apart for stone which was used in the medieval church extension and in the Victorian church as well as the city hall and some buildings I believe. The second closest castle to where I live has literally got a laser tag built into it on one side and a Five guys adjacent in the other. That one was bombed by the Germans during WW2, so it wasn’t totally our fault.

[@theatfshotmydog8224]

@@mickleblade that’s pretty fair, 100 miles is my daily commute from home to work then back to home here in Texas 😂. I really do envy your countries historical sites, also the views look beautiful.

[@njdarudedovich6126]

Me too im from Philippines and im 29

[@KellyBell1]

Same here, southeast Texas. Husband drives 80 mi to work and back. Definitely have such admiration for all of these countries that have extremely ancient histories! I have been fascinated by anything ancient or old since childhood and still gives me the same excitement at 58.

[@The.Spoonie.Witch66]

There’s nothing I love more than listening to someone talk about something they are passionate about. 😊

[@finnickrinzler8907]

I can almost imagine myself as a child watching Mr. Hicks as host of History Squad on like PBS or something making history fun. Well done sir.

[@abiA5]

I'd just like to say that I love your videos. I'm disabled and mainly bed bound. Through your videos you enable me to see incredible historical places and learn about our history. Without people making history accessible through videos, photos etc, I would be unable to see places like this castle. Thank you so much for making history accessible to everyone and creating a record of these historic sites for generations to come.

[@thehistorysquad]

It's my pleasure Abigail, thank you for watching.

[@generalkayoss7347]

Mind if I ask what happened?

[@davebeech236]

You'll probably enjoy this channel: kzbin.info

[@TechMan1900]

@@generalkayoss7347 That’s considered by many to be a very impolite question to ask. If they wanted to share, they would.

[@brucedillinger9448]

GeneralKayoss - with all due respect that is quite a personal question and would most often be considered rude. I'm guessing that was not your intention.

[@allisonoleary6695]

I'd love to have this guy for a history teacher! He's so full of knowledge and enthusiastic!

[@tiredofthetyranny9874]

I had a step grandfather with his enthusiasm I appreciated him for everything he showed me.

[@taylorjensen2787]

If you learned something.. then he is your history teacher in a way.

[@zzirSnipzz1]

Man is decent with a bow too

[@stef1lee]

You know how many kids we could get into class if teachers were like him? I would have studied more instead of running home to jump on my bike and head down to the secret lagoon my friends' parents created for us. 😊

[@PeterMaddison2483]

The British Isles must have been a wonderful sight to see, with all the castles at full height and painted, with all their wooden houses inside...

[@brendanmings8457]

I’m dying for more castle tours. You need picked up by television. What passion. I could watch these tirelessly.

[@brendanmings8457]

And did they put iron on the door to prevent it from burning as easy?

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, and yes you're right it was to repel fire. I have one more castle tour this year and am now planning another trip back to the UK 👍🏻

[@robbyboogz]

Kevin’s fast walk when he is explaining stuff is great 😂 you can tell how enthusiastic he is about this stuff and it is awesome to see.

[@cucuawe465]

So joyful and energetic, absolute great tour guide

[@pommiebears]

I’m a little concerned about his rapid breathing tbh.

[@nicolabrailsford8361]

@@cucuawe465 q

[@DoahnKea_Tuber]

This gentleman, Kevin Hicks, is a joy to watch as he present his favorite (and now, mine as well) castle, Chepstow. What a wonderful educator!

[@thehistorysquad]

That's really kind, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@modulusquantum6455]

Absolutely.

[@modulusquantum6455]

@@thehistorysquad Sub'd. Patreon.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@modulusquantum6455 Thank you! Your support really is appreciated. 👍🏻

[@XxMidnightToker420xX]

God that door is an absolute work of art an absolute treasure when you showed the otherside of that door my jaw dropped the detail and beauty was just absolutely stunning. Im so jealous i cant be there. Im originally from Ukraine in Kiev but live in NYC and sometimes it sucks being such a history buff and living in such a young country with not much as old history like europe and Great Britain. I wish my grandma was alive to see that you can pretty much stay home and travel the world from your living room couch. If someone told her in the 1930's that there would be technology like this she would say your crazy. My grandma loved to travel and was the reason i have become such a huge history nut.

[@timburr4453]

He is AWESOME. I'm a huge history buff and this was such a fun, informative documentary.

[@MrLeoAtrox]

I reckon the iron on the outside of the door was to prevent it from being burned as easily. Backed by the mass of wood behind them, the iron would have been very resistant to battering and piercing. And, presuming it is fairly thin, the iron would also likely bend a bit but not splinter like wood, whose splintering would provide additional surface area for tools to more effectively gouge and chip away at the door in a siege.

[@thehistorysquad]

Spot on 👍🏻

[@PieterBreda]

The gate seems to be at an incline so it would be hard to use a ram

[@nancytestani1470]

I agree..

[@RobiBue]

@@PieterBreda well, the gate by being behind the wall where they had to turn around to enter (explained at the very beginning) would not have been easily accessible by a battering ram anyway. Also, if they would have tried to set fire to the big iron-clad-gate, the defenders atop the “murder holes” (more like murder slots but really akin to machicolations) could have just poured either hot oil down and let the bodies burn as well, rocks, or just shot them with arrows (hot oil would be more than likely my guess) Also, not sure if the portcullis were behind or in front of the gate, yet they also could have added to a trap for the invaders… (I’ll have to go back in the vid and check ;)

[@PieterBreda]

Right. You mentioned that. They were just as smart as we are.

[@thomasmartin7816]

I cannot convey how much I enjoyed this. I no longer have the physical ability or means to get to places like this and this was incredible, wonderful and you're a great guide!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Thomas, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@signheart7520]

Yes! That is exactly how I feel. I am old and handicapped now and I miss taking tours of castles and great houses. His videos are so enjoyable and informative.

[@sebione3576]

Agreed, and I love how the camera person gets all into the nitty gritty details, as well. It's like being there. Thank you for the effort you put into videos like this!

[@ld3418]

Total agreement! My husband's and my mold induced severe asthma cringe at seeing the green mold and we joke we even can smell it from the years before we got worse enjoying historic touring. What a gift Kevin gives us online. Thank you so much.

[@Russllandia]

I am so impressed 👏 🙌 by the architecture, history and knowledge of this great man. I'm American but live in Sweden 🇸🇪. I wish I could be able to visit places like this 😢 Managed to go to Ireland 🇮🇪 before my body gave up. I love learning history.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Hello, I cant believe how fabulous, intriguing and informative your historical films are; so many tiny details, battles and scandalous stories, it's so exciting and just mind-blowing to watch. Thank you oodles. I have just found you, subscribed and are catching up. To say I love your work, educational knowledge, presentation and overall historical expertise can't express how thrilled I am to have found your channel, it's a joy. Thank you. Xxx ❤ 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey @lauralaladarling3775 thanks so much & welcome to the channel. I'm glad you found us too 👍🏻

[@momv2pa]

Wow-I’m hooked. I love your videos on all these castles. It would be a dream for me to tour just one of these, but I feel like I’m there anyway watching your videos. Kudos to your camera person-awesome job!

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great to hear! Thanks 👍🏻

[@Bloodspark813]

"These little bits of history I've learned over the years are a treasure." Sir, You are a treasure. Thanks for the history and stories!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Brice 👍

[@leehayden6281]

The old stone mason you talk about who worked at the castle saying that the roof would leak if they done it like that, Would that be Cyril Knapton by any chance ?

[@thehistorysquad]

@@leehayden6281 No, this was Martin. Andrew was another stonemason I had contact with, although I do recall the name Cyril.

[@leehayden6281]

@@thehistorysquad Cyril Knapton was my grandfather & he was a stone mason & chief builder at Chepstow castle in the 70s-80s, When I was a child my grandparents had a cannonball as a door stop that my grandfather had retrieved from the walls of the castle.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@leehayden6281 Wow, that's brilliant, I used to love sitting down for a cup of tea with some of the old masons, they were full of knowledge.

[@idiotsandwich4912]

He is so passionate about this and it makes it so easy and engaging to listen to him. I can almost imagine the castle as it was when he talks about it. It’s like he was there!

[@smythharris2635]

In a sense he was.

[@reserrvoirman]

I live in New England and our history is not as old as yours. The beautiful stone work that’s evident in the castle’s of Europe just blows me away. Thanks you for the time you spent showing us the secrets that are built into the building of this beautiful castle. It’s shows you that these stones were not just haphazardly stacked in place but each one had meaning and purpose. The knowledge that these people possessed is just mind boggling. As far as civilization has come they can’t hold a candle to these ancient craftsman. I’m glad I found your channel. I love all the content you film on u tube. Wish you could just go back for a day and see what life was like a thousand years ago. All the best.

[@scottbradford4130]

No way. I'm in Massachusetts. You??

[@reserrvoirman]

@@scottbradford4130 eastern Ct.

[@scottbradford4130]

@reserrvoirman beautiful out there. Been to a couple skateparks out there. Savin rock(no longer there) Rockwell or Rockford plaza, something like that. It was near Bristol and the new one called Naugatuck. Awesome place

[@reserrvoirman]

@@scottbradford4130 nice , I’m in eastern ct about ten miles north of Foxwoods

[@scottbradford4130]

@@reserrvoirman sweet

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

What an unbridled absolute joy of a legacy, Sir! You are part of so many lives and childhoods and I see no difference between you and the great scholars of Greece, Rome, China and the Middle East. You have found your purpose in life and it is true. I hope to return your generosity of knowledge someday, perhaps in a little cafe or pub discussing ancient architecture, which is my personal passion. Many blessings to you and those you hold dear!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's very kind of you thanks. I'm about to visit my roots shortly and take a look at Lichfield Cathedral 👍🏻

[@WiccanGoddess33]

I hope to visit that little café or pub someday and listen raptly to all the information you'd like to share on ancient architecture. My wishes for all the luck in the world to achieve your personal passion.

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

@@WiccanGoddess33 Then, so it will be! Thank you! I’m returning your positive energy and speaking our wish into the universe. 😌✌️ I’m also sending you a blackbird as a messenger of confirmation. Someday, my friend!

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

@@thehistorysquad Oh how WONDERFUL! I’ll look it up! Safe travels to you, my friend!

[@peterlarsen7779]

You mentioned that the original doors were inside the castle, and showed us the replicated ones were clad with iron. I would imagine there were two reasons... a) so a beseiger couldn't use a battering ram to get in, and b) to avoid the doors being set on fire to gain access.

[@turbowankel1264]

I don't think the original door bolts are worn from thumbs, mor like from running on the iron hoops that hold them

[@Tommy-xq5jw]

Those doors were built like an ironclad, so cannon balls could not penetrate.

[@ua2381]

I was thinking fire, too.

[@mimiporter8610]

Brilliant

[@mimiporter8610]

Your enthusiasm of history makes the tour great. The students you had were quite lucky. I am sure you made them better students of life.

[@Thwarptide]

It takes a great orator to keep me interested in castles and yet I was glued for the last 30 minutes here. Utterly fascinating! Being a carpenter, I was naturally impressed with all the woodwork. “We think we’re clever?” No, men weren’t exactly stupid back then. They made due with the technology of their days; and they did so brilliantly! Thank you Mr Kevin for a fascinating tour! 👍🇺🇸

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dlscorp]

*made do, not made due

[@thehistorysquad]

@@dlscorp the speech police 😜

[@Andrew-pm5bg]

Fantastic. He ought to have his own television series.

[@janetbowersox83]

What an amazing castle! Your history of the castle, knowledge of the architecture, and personal stories really bring it to life! I love all the little things you point out that are probably missed by most visitors. Thanks again for your enthusiastic videos and tour of the castle!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers.

[@1206chaos]

I couldn’t imagine what this castle looked like in its day. When the gentleman said the walls were finished and painted I was amazed because you couldn’t tell this by looking at it. I’d live in it with the rough condition. Cheers to the gentleman who led our tour and narrated the show. Great job.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome Matthew 👍🏻

[@kfl611]

I wonder how much coal and wood it took to get it even remotely warm? I think they must have only heated a few, most used rooms.

[@MissGroves]

There was a live in custodian until the 60's I believe

[@thehistorysquad]

@@MissGroves Yes, there was indeed 👍🏻 His accommodation was fully habitable within the castle, which when he left became a museum but has since been changed so much there's no longer any evidence of it.

[@promontorium]

This is one reason I really hope they get on with that castle people have been building in France for decades. I get that it's an educational project, but I would really like to see some finished rooms, it's hard to imagine what things looked like. Hell I know what a finished house looks like and I still find it hard to imagine what a halfway finished house will look like.

[@voyaristika5673]

I'm an American Anglophile. Love British history and really enjoyed this tour. I'll find more Kevin. But I always wish they'd show what these places looked like in their own time. It's hard to just imagine.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yeah, sorry copyright and all that, but there's a link in the video description to a blog that has some great illustrations of what it may have looked like.

[@mehitabel6564]

Believe me, when you're physically in the castle, it's not difficult to imagine (I visited this weekend). The place has a palpable aura of power, and the way that the defences and buildings are organised gives you a real sense of what went on.

[@arkangelnorthman]

ya!! like the castle footings under the louvre.

[@janledford3010]

@@thehistorysquad I was going to text about this same thing!! Thankyou for your great tour, you are an amazing teacher! I love history, but I’m ashamed to say I don’t know much about medieval times. Wouldn’t it be something, if we could have a glimpse back in time!! Not go back in time( times were to hard then!!), but just to be an on-watcher, to see the castle as it was, and watch the people going about their daily lives. I read and study a lot about Roman times, and all that was going on at the same time as what we read in the Bible. But to learn what was going on at the same time in England, Great Britain, Scotland, and Ireland, would be something. God bless🙏🙏❣️

[@thehistorysquad]

@@janledford3010 How lovely Jan, thanks for your comment. Medieval times are one of my favourite periods to study. 👍🏻

[@d.p.mendonca6997]

Espetacular! Parabéns pela competência na apresentação e pelos detalhes.

[@micaelasuchil4869]

Que hermosura!!! Cuánta historia...... felicitaciones desde la Ciudad de México 🇲🇽

[@petergustavsson2951]

Covering the outside of the doors with metal made the doors more resistant to fire and it also improved their durability

[@leonardbosinski540]

Yes, that would have been my answer, as well. Then I thought it might be too obvious? What's the answer, Kevin? PS, I thoroughly enjoy these videos, spending hours and several days, "yeah?"

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Duh

[@tobitobsen7826]

Because metal bends in contrary to wood, when using a battering ram....

[@alephnole7009]

Being made of wood the iron might have made the doors more resistant to fire. It would have been a lot easier to burn the doors down than to bust through them normally without the metal shielding

[@tonyadams6375]

I absolutely enjoyed this video. The Gentleman’s enthusiasm was quite contagious! His knowledge was spot on. Thank you!

[@pamsmith332]

Ah those UK castles have fascinated me for 50 years. I've seen more documentaries about them than I care to count but this gent gives a wonderful tour. He clearly loves the subject & that only adds to the experience. Well done Sir!

[@Falk4J]

What's not to enjoy about this man explaining it all so detailed and lovingly. He has a gift of making it interesting for everyone. Usually you see a castle and think that's what it was built in the first place but then you learn you are looking at centuries of developments and repurposing of parts of the building. I really enjoyed your tour, sir! Keep it up for us peasants, will you. God bless you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks very much, I will do 👍🏻

[@j.michaeljefferson60]

@@thehistorysquad You are of a man from the past and the knowledge is just pouring out to the people who are enjoying every moment of the history lesson with a smile.U R amazing Sir. I thank you

[@laurieuntersee4229]

And God save the king!!

[@Slytherin88]

I would have loved school a whole lot more if I'd had a history teacher like you ☺️ Great video!

[@scrappydoo7887]

Definitely

[@rayduke7433]

Amen

[@kfl611]

Me too !

[@Jamesandthehooligans]

Ditto! Such great enthusiasm 🤓

[@tonybiddle6668]

All we got was the most incredibly boring and irrelevant list of kings and wars; And that was at the Grammar School! The junk they must have got at the Secondary Modern doesn't bear thinking about. But not to appear snobbish, at the Secondary Modern they taught the girls to cook, at the High School they taught them Greek. I mean, what better preparation for becoming a housewife and mother could anyone ask for?

[@onecatz9148]

Honestly this is absolutely amazing to watch and the amount we could learn from this is incredible!

[@Retro_GP]

I have to say..this was more enjoyable than any bigger budget, mainstream 'behind the scenes' films of our wonderful history. Well done.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly 👍🏻

[@marykilgarriff3550]

You are a wonderful historian and I'm sure you were a teacher par excellence. I'm a retired history teacher from Ireland 🇮🇪. I'd loved to have been able to show my students your video. Well done and best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Mary, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@Cymry-Am-Byth]

Amazing to think that Cheptow castle is the oldest stone built castle in Britain being erected in the year 1067, literally one year after the Norman invasion in 1066.

[@ghalithegreat]

Lovely tour! As a product designer and architecture snob its fascinating to see how the medieval mind had solutions and constructs. Sadly much of the wooden mechanics have been lost

[@ginjaedgy49]

this guy is an amazing narrator. i could listen to him talk all day.

[@michiganmoto7687]

I’ve always dreamed of visiting a castle such as that and getting an in depth tour of the areas the average visitor wouldn’t have access to. I could literally spend an entire day marveling at the construction and recreating it in my mind what it must have looked like in its prime. Thanks for the virtual walkthrough. I imagine this is as close as I will ever get to being there.

[@cms815]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@inyobill]

If you make it to Germany, put Berg Eltz at the top of your list. Unlike Neuschwanstein (Noyshvahnshtine), it is an authentic mostly intact castle.

[@cherihayward350]

When I went to Chepstow Castle we didn't get to go in any of these rooms..just the outskirt of it...its really interesting to see the inards of it ❤

[@mcbreezy1rc226]

I wish I had a history teacher like you when I was younger. I can tell you truly love teaching history and it's much easier to learn from someone that loves what they do.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

Your history teacher wishes they had better students that practiced self directed learning.

[@mcbreezy1rc226]

@Peter Gianakopoulos that's the best comment you could come up with. You must live a sad life to have searched so hard to comment something and it's negative. Maybe you need a good history lesson.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

@@mcbreezy1rc226 Yup very sad.

[@mcbreezy1rc226]

@@petergianakopoulos4926 I'm sorry

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

@@mcbreezy1rc226 ty for your condolences. Given that I was right you werent a good student though.

[@PochemuPochemu]

I absolutely love history but moreso medieval history! Kevin made this little episode so entertaining and engaging and i genuinely feel i have learnt so much from him. Great video! Love the passion!

[@ALT-vz3jn]

My late father was a historian specialized in military history. I remember spending summers in Europe with him visiting so many castles, but not completely realizing all the stories behind what I was looking at. I remember visiting Chepstow, thank you so much for taking me back with lots of detail and enthusiasm. ❤

[@Moraren]

Filling the room with soil to hold up the stones during construction seems like such an obvious solution now that you mention it. Exactly the kind of problem I would have really over complicated! I seem to remember someone mentioning concrete hangars being made in a similar way at some point. With a long mound of gravel that was then dug out after the concrete had been poured on top. Really interesting video, with lots of neat little things pointed out that would otherwise be overlooked. Imagine all the people that has walked through those doors. With everyone of them having just as full of a life as ourselves, with friends and family, with good times and bad, with loss and with love. So much history in one place the mind boggles. Subscribed!

[@ua2381]

But they actually had scaffolding back then, too.

[@kathrynbourgeois9016]

@@ua2381 I know that's what I was thinking as well, could have just as easily used scaffolding and wood support beams

[@flyingtwindragon]

In ancient Egypt this method was already used to put roofs on temples. It's the easiest solution for an otherwise huge problem. Simple, but most clever. It's easy to over complicate!

[@DaveJudd]

The force on the walls with all that weight must have been amazing.

[@Gahmuret]

@@flyingtwindragon Yes, but the Egyptians had very few trees. In Wales, scaffolding would have been far easier.

[@lesborthwick5566]

By far and away the best UK history documentary I have watched, thanks for the tour Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks Les, that's very kind 👍🏻

[@Glenn-em3hv]

I'd do love to see that beautiful castle restored completely exactly like it was!!! I'll bet it was extremely formidable!!!

[@zackdiazabiblio9592]

You remind me of when I went to Greece I had a tour guide named Kostas. He was so incredibly knowledgeable about every site we visited and his presentation of the information along with physically being there really brought history to life for me. Thank you so much for not just teaching us but for truly breathing life into the history of the places you show us.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Kevin was an excellent guide! Clearly an expert and I love how excited he is to share the things he’s learned over the years and I enjoyed learning it!

[@ShitStaindGod]

The bit about how they built the archways was incredible. So simple and yet so brilliant. Thank you for this.

[@chowderpilot3843]

That was so informative - and like all talented presenters, you manage to cheerfully anticipate - and answer - the questions many of us lay viewers might ask ourselves when we are watching. Your enthusiasm is contagious too. Great stuff!

[@jaykayjay8985]

I've been to Chepstow back in 2002. It's a beautiful castle and I really loved the village it's in. I'd like to visit it again.

[@shewho333]

I’m sitting here saying “Oh! Wow!” Out loud to myself. This is my new favorite channel. All teachers should teach with the enthusiasm that this man has.

[@thehistorysquad]

How very kind of you, thank you.

[@constancemiller3753]

Agreed. My Professor was a farm boy who grew up on a peach orchard. He would've asked the old boys "how's it built? Where's your toilets? How'd that work?" Practical issues that would be missed by scholarship unaccustomed to laboring and soldier's work.

[@jonoatley4757]

This was really special to me. i am 48 and have lived in Canada for the last 12 years, but i am originally from Bristol in England. My Mum took us to many interesting places, and Chepstow Castle was one we visited on numerous occasions. then in my adult life I carried on my visits. this is a place i will never get tired of and it is also one of my favourite castles. this video brought back many happy memories, thank you😊

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thanks Jon 👍🏻

[@kathydavidsomoore8006]

To protect from fire

[@heru-deshet359]

You are a pleasure to listen to and your explanation of all the castle features and history. Your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@panzerdog236]

These castle tours that you do are great! My three-year old daughter has watched this one over and over again and loves it!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely!

[@IratePuffin]

If this guy had been my history teacher I would’ve actually learned a lot.

[@thehistoadian]

Never really thought much about castle doors before, they look incredible!

[@claudiaholmes8468]

I would absolutely love to spend several days with this man at various locations and soak in his knowledge. What a wonderful, informed documentary!

[@miloh.9194]

This is such a wholesome video! I love how authentic the guides enthusiasm is: and with good reason! Lots of fascinating stuff

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yannschonfeld5847]

I took my Breton students (from Bourbriac) to visit Cardiff Castle in 2014. What a disinterested bunch of blighters. This has to be my favourite castle too, Kevin. My earlier knowledge of castles went with Castle Tonkedeg or Coatfriec near Lannuon (Lannion) in Brittany knocked down a bit by Richelieu in the 17th century. Yes, castle building back then owed a lot to Roman ruins. Even if I don't get back to the part of Britain again, I feel like I've now been there. Now I know how to say "meutrière " in English: Murder hole. You are great and wonderful flowing fountain of knowledge. Merci Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah, mon plaisir 👍🏻

[@spurgeonwoods]

Excellent work and entertaining to watch. As a Yank, I don't get to tour such amazing historical sites such as this castle. Your insights and colorful explanations are much appreciated!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, I hope to do more when I return to the UK in the spring. 👍🏻

[@miric6224]

What a great tour. I can “see” everything! You’re so knowledgeable, entertaining and great speaker! Throughly enjoy this channel!

[@throatpunch4789]

He speaks on what others pass right over. Awesome!

[@serenity6415]

I just discovered your channel and it's delightful. I'm unwell, and heartsick, today but this swept me away and I was able to have a brief vacation from life. Your passion for the castle is so obvious and makes your storytelling come alive. You're a born guide and storyteller.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thanks Tina, I'm glad I was able to brighten your day. All the best 👍🏻

[@albertpeugh9367]

Thank you sir. Being a bloody Yank I don’t get anything more than a guided tour, IF I’m lucky enough to be there early enough to ignore up and pay for said tour. Then it’s limited on what’s known about the castle, depending on the love of history by the guide. When we went though the Edinburg castle we had a young (lates 20’s) guide, but thankfully he loved history, especially his own family history, and the tour was 20 times better than what the headphone tour was like. We did rent the headphones but left them off when we got to the main gate as this young man’s family was an instrument part of the masonry. Albeit a few generations back, but the knowledge he had was amazing. Not since then have I heard or seen that kind of passion of detail since getting to watch Kevin’s video. Thank you for taking so much time to explain how things really were back then. I’m a huge history buff, and seeing where the majority of about ancestors came from was quite intriguing as one can see where lots of ideas originated from in the colonial East coast of America. You did a brilliant job, I now have several other videos to enjoy as I’ve found a new favorite channel. P.S. I married a Scouser, now I understand how Great Britain ruled so much of the world for so long. LOL

[@NIghthorseGrows]

This is truely amazing. Thanks for sharing such a marvelous walk through!

[@donnadees1971]

I honestly appreciate your information. Love getting the story. And it is cool to realize the changes needed as time went by.

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

Such a joy to see the glint in his eyes as he weaves us through such a stunning piece of history. Thank You, Mr.Hicks, Outstanding presentation. Peace.

[@voter5281]

I’ve lived in Chepstow most of my life and visited this castle many many times, all those years and I learnt more in this 30 min video. I’ll visit there again with a whole new outlook…..thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, that's great, it's a super castle 👍🏻

[@mikefairchild6540]

Another fascinating tour Kev. !! It's so much better and personal when you have such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide such as yourself. I loved how they built those massive arches but good Lord digging out all that dirt must've been backbreaking.

[@jeffdonnelly7428]

Less than a minute in and I’m hooked just by his excitement and enthusiasm alone. Genuinely inspiring personality. I wish everyone was a little more like this fellow.

[@barongreenstash]

When I saw Kevin shooting his longbow at Warwick, it was the only time I've ever seen a reenactor and thought that the level of skill I was witnessing matched how good they possibly were back yonder, his level of archery took you back in time by itself, a truly awesome sight

[@MrFeuerzauber]

It is lovely to hear you talk about the castle. One can really feel and hear the enthusiasm of yours for history that I do share. I can imagine the children clinging to every word of you 😊 thank you very much for sharing!

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@scottanos9981]

I'm an adult and I'm clinging to every word of the tour 😅

[@andrepastor4844]

Thank you for the great detail and your obvious interest on this. It’s contagious.

[@ITSALLWITHINYOU]

By far the most fascinating tour of a castle I’ve ever watched! Absolutely riveting 👏

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@johnmcdonald489]

Really enjoying this. He doesn’t waste a load of time gagging about. He knows so much he can talk endlessly without wasting time. Great video.

[@danajoyner9266]

Yes.. He's so passionate but not dramatic. I love this..

[@goddessofgreen1]

I absolutely love this man and the way he story tells. You can almost imagine being at that castle and what it originally looked like back in its day. Just wonderful 😊

[@onemoreguyonline7878]

This gentleman is such a wonderful person to hear talk about something he thoroughly enjoys.

[@mrprecious1234]

FABULOUS!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@mauriciopinto914]

From armour, longbows, and now this...medieval engenuity amazes me and Kevin makes it so entertaining ! Minutes well spent !

[@guymorris6596]

Kevin, weren't you in the British Army ? If so, thank you for your service from myself, honorably discharged US Army veteran since 1991. I'm a big history fan and love watching your videos. I can see your passion for history because it's visible as you talk about different subjects.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Guy, yes I was in the British Army but I live in Canada now and am a member of the Canadian Legion, hence the hat.

[@marthacochrane484]

My family used to live in Chepstow so I have visited it many times.......but it is so lovley to hear all about it from you....many thanks

[@Oldenburg93]

I remember going to Chepstow at the start of year 7 about 10 years ago. This just made me remember so many locked memories thank you!

[@embreeja]

Once again, thanks to Mr Kevin Hicks, we are taken back in time. Back to when peasants, horses and oxcarts went in and out of these gates. Watched over by archers on the wall and the nobility up in their satin filled rooms. Ships and boats out in the harbor, bringing in supplies, goods from other places in Europe. Rope, grain, minstrels, travelers, they all came in to 'the castle'. Talking in 'old English' or other languages of the time. Women bringing in their children (or perhaps 'some' women bringing 'other things' to the waiting men). The roosters crowing in the morning as everyone got up and had a little bowl of food before starting another day. It is hard to vividly imagine how they actually lived, to walk in their shoes; but thank you so much Kevin, for taking us a little closer and painting that scene, back in time.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome, it was a pleasure 👍🏻

[@richardlarson2746]

In the early 90's I was stationed in Germany and fell in love with the castles. It was fascinating to look at the work that went into those huge structures. I love how this video explains where parts were changed or are missing. Thank you for such a great video.

[@linkedinlove106]

Richard, if we had no internet or tv, we'd probably be out there building something massive too! Liked your comment:)

[@greyline1012]

Fascinating video. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It’s greatly appreciated.

[@keving1198]

What a wonderful representation of this incredible castle. Thank you for this video!