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Chester is a principal city found in Cheshire County. It sits on the River Dee near the Welsh Border. The habitation has been a city since 1541. With over 77,000 residents, it offers a wealth of history, architecture, and interesting attractions to impress visitors.
History
Chester was actually established as a Roman fort in 79 AD as Deva Victrix under Emperor Vespasian's reign. This settlement proved to be among the three most important Roman military bases, and it evolved into a substantial settlement in Roman Britannia. The Saxons named it Chester and fortified it to keep out the Danes. When the Norman Conquest arrived, Chester survived as among the final holdouts to William the Conqueror. He had a castle built after the town fell. In 1071, King William established the first Earl of Chester.
A great number of medieval buildings were constructed through the later middle ages. The Victorians engaged in a number of restorations to the black and white buildings. Despite this, Chester proves to be among the best preserved walled cities in all of the United Kingdom. The medieval walls almost completely encircle the old medieval town.
In the days of the Industrial Revolution, the railroad and canals arrived. This gave new life to the city and brought in development. The population grew and boomed in this era.
Architecture and Landmarks
Chester offers visitors an incredible selection of architecture and landmarks to enjoy. Between the city walls, the Rows, and the black and white architecture it stands out as unique in the country. The walls are commonly called the most complete city walls in all of Great Britain at two miles in circuit. Travelers can walk on a footpath atop the walls. Along the path are many different fortifications, including King Charles' Tower, The Goblin Tower, Morgan's Mount, and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower that has a spur that leads off to Thimbleby's Tower and the Water Tower. On the Eastgate can be seen the famous Eastgate Clock that ranks only behind Big Ben for most photographed clocks in England.
Chester Castle proves to be the most impressive building that survives in the Medieval city. It features the original Agricola tower. The Cathedral, originally St Werburgh's Abbey, has architecture going back to the Norman days.
Another feature to Chester that is unique to Great Britain are the Rows. These are buildings that have either residences or shops in the bottom two stories. These are found below ground level and must be accessed by steps. Vaults that look like crypts are often found here.
For examples of Victorian era architecture, Chester offers the Grosvenor Museum and Chester Town Hall from 1869. The hall is built in the Gothic Revival Style with a tower and spire.
Attractions and Activities
There are a number of museums in Chester. The Grosvenor Museum has an art gallery and Roman tombstones. Twenty Castle Street offers rooms that are furnished in varying styles from history. The Dewa Roman Experience offers a rebuilt Roman street and exhibits that are hands on. The Cheshire Military Museum is also found here. A Roman Amphitheatre is found across from the Chester Visitor Centre.
There are also parks in Chester like the Grosvenor Park. Handbridge Park has a Roman built shrine known as Minerva's Shrine. Visitors can also enjoy cruises on the River Dee and open air bus tours. Festivals are run throughout the city in the summer and include mystery plays.
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