St Briavels Castle is a moated Norman fortress built in 1131 by Milo fitz Walter, Earl of Hereford, to defend against Welsh incursions. Strategically positioned on a spur dominating the River Wye on the western edge of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, the castle features the fine twin-towered gatehouse added by Edward I in 1292. During the medieval period, the castle served as a crossbow bolt factory producing weapons for royal campaigns. Now owned by English Heritage, the castle remains inhabited as a working Youth Hostel, allowing visitors to experience its historic exterior, moat, and inner bailey grounds during daylight hours.
