The castle at St Briavels was begun in the twelfth century and became a frontier fortress, a royal hunting lodge, a place from which the area was administered. The two "D" shaped towers and gatehouse were added in 1292. For many years it was the main centre in England for the manufacture of crossbow bolts for Forest of Dean iron was mined. In subsequent centuries it was a court and debtors prison. In 1948 it became a youth hostel and it remains so today. Photographing the gatehouse proved difficult when the trees were in leaf, but a winter visit made the job easier despite the dullness of the day.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10
