Tour of the restoration work at Chepstow’s British Legion Building


Mike Lewis, Tim Ryan and Chepstow Library staff
Mike Lewis, Tim Ryan and Chepstow Library staff in the 12th Century room at the front of the old British Legion building, Chepstow

Chepstow Library staff were delighted to be given a tour of the old British Legion building in Beaufort Square, Chepstow which is currently being restored and will be opened as a back packers hostel.

Owner Mike Lewis and Tim Ryan gave the tour of the huge building. The work already undertaken is very impressive. The accommodation is of a very high standard while retaining all original features of the Listed Grade II* building.

The work done so far reveals the original beauty of the building which will be enhanced further when restoration is finished.

Some of the gems we saw were a previously hidden cellar and a 12th Century room which was revealed when a breeze block wall was removed, showing the Green Man (an ancient pagan fertility symbol) in the stone of the ceiling. There are also some fantastic views of Chepstow through the restored feature windows.

The hostel will be an affordable choice for walkers and visitors to Chepstow and will be named The Green Man Hostel.

Beaufort Square 1906
Beaufort Square 1906 – British Legion building on the right

The front of the building will be restored to look like its original design as shown in these pictures.

Beaufort Square in Victorian times
Beaufort Square in Victorian times – British Legion building on the left

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