THERE were 14 members of Sully U3A's Local History Group who visited Chepstow Castle on June 1 to see the first datable stone secular building in Britain and the earliest stone castle in Wales.

It was built between 1067 and 1075 by William Fitz Osbern and his son. It was later extended by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke in 1200, one of the most prominent nobles of his day who became regent for Henry III during his minority.

Later Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk provided accommodation worthy of a great nobleman in 1270-1300. The castle saw action during the English Civil War and was later used as a prison for Henry Marten who had signed Charles I death warrant and who died there after 20 years of imprisonment.