The Chepstow Archaeological Society has had a busy summer exploring the local area’s fascinating past, and has just announced ambitious plans for the future.

Over the summer, investigations have continued into the possible Roman crossing of the River Wye at Chepstow. Following a very successful conference in 2024 the Society has been carrying out further research into the likely location of the Roman road that would have joined up with the bridge. Local members joined geophysics expert David Stavely to carry out various surveys in Castleford Meadows on Saturday 23 September and Tutshill Recreation Ground on the Sunday, with the kind permission of the owners and trustees, respectively.

“We had a spectacularly successful day doing geophysics in Castleford meadow using magnetometry, ground penetrating radar and our own resistivity kit” said Society Chairman Simon Maddison. “Along with on-going research into the dating of timbers from the riverbed, we are hoping to share the results of this work and build on last year’s conference sometime in early 2026” he added.

The Society also organised a number of successful visits over the summer to St Mary’s Church in Tintern, The Severn Princess and a guided tour of Goodrich Castle. Members also undertook a study tour to East Anglia, including a visit to the internationally famous Sutton Hoo site.

The Society has also just announced its programme for the autumn and winter. On Thursday, 2nd October, Professor Danielle Schreve of Bristol University will give a talk on mammals and humans of the last Ice Age in south-western Britain. On Thursday 6th November, well known author and presenter Professor Mark Horton will give a talk on the Vikings in Gloucestershire. On Thursday, December 4, Dr. Olly Davis from Cardiff University will give a talk on the recent excavations of a Bronze Age site at Trelai Park in Cardiff. Everyone is welcome to attend these events, which take place at 7.30 in the Chepstow Club off Moor Street (there is a small charge for non-members). Further details can be found on the society’s website or Facebook page.