THIS year will be a historic one for Chepstow as the town celebrates the 950th anniversary of the founding of the town by Norman conquerors.

While the occasion is set to be celebrated by a series of events later in the year, Chepstow Town Council has marked the start of the anniversary by releasing an information leaflet about the history of Chepstow.

The leaflet will be used by schools and will also be available for residents and visitors on the council’s website and from Chepstow Library, Chepstow Museum, the Tourist information Centre and Chepstow Castle.

The leaflet details how William FitzOsbern, one of William the Conqueror’s two deputy commanders for the Norman Conquest, founded Chepstow Castle, St Mary’s Priory and the town of Striguil, now called Chepstow, in 1067.

It also touches on the link between the Chepstow and its twin town of Cormeilles in France, where William FitzOsbern was buried.

Speaking about the anniversary, Mayor of Chepstow, Councillor Paul Pavia, said: “I am delighted to welcome in our 950th year as a town, and our 950-year link with our twin-town of Cormeilles in Normandy.

“I look forward to some interesting events this year to mark this incredible anniversary. Young people in Chepstow today will have the benefit of not only enjoying the 950th anniversary this year but the 1,000th anniversary of the town in 2067.

“I hope that the council’s information leaflet will provide an interesting read for residents and attract visitors to the town, and will provide material which can be used in school and community projects to help celebrate our past.”