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In 1189, Chepstow Castle was inherited by William Marshal through his marriage to Isabel de Clare, daughter of Richard (Strongbow) de Clare. With his considerable experience in military architecture learned from his many years in France, Marshal set about modernising and strengthening the castle. He rebuilt the east curtain wall, with two round towers projecting outwards, in order to protect this vulnerable side. The arrow-slits were designed to give covering fire to the ground in front of the towers and was one of the earliest examples of the new defensive mode which was to become characteristic of the medieval castle. He also improved the defences of the lower bailey, having an impressive and cutting edge twin towered gatehouse built. This gatehouse had a small barbican, double portcullis, murder hole, arrow slit and heavy iron plated, oak doors.
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