Chepstow and the River Wye in Old Photographs

The beauty of the lower reaches of the River Wye is famous. Many writers and artists have tried to capture the splendour of the scenery and the dramatic views afforded by the ruins of Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle. The arrival of the camera provided a new way of capturing these memorable scenes, and even today, the snapshots and postcards show remarkably similar views of the valley’s landmarks. Through the photographs in this album the viewer may travel around the town of Chepstow, cross the river to Beachley, Sedbury and Tutshill, and voyage up the Wye to Tintern stopping, like tourists of old, to look at Piercefield and explore the Wyndcliff. This selection of photographs, drawn from collections at Chepstow Museum, focuses as much on the people – working, playing and celebrating – as it does on the place. The collection of photographs is preserved at the Museum for the enjoyment and enlightenment of future generations as well.