Historic Chester - a very "English" City throughout the ages

Chester has 2,000 years of history. It was a Roman military fortress and an important port when Liverpool was only a village. It supported the King in the Civil War in the 17th century and was attacked by Cromwell's followers. It has the country's oldest race course and one of the most photographed clocks in England. The old walled city is breathtaking and makes history come alive.

• Roman Chester

  Chester's history began with the Romans nearly 2000 years ago in AD79. The Roman fortress was called Deva and was one of three important military centres in Britain. The ancient city lies under the present city and evidence of the Roman period can be seen everywhere.

   
  Roman soldiers at The Cross

  Roman gardens

  Chester ampthitheatre

  Roman ruins

• Chester in the Middle Ages

  The Middle Ages (from the 13th to the 15th century) were a busy time in Chester. The "Rows", the Old Dee Bridge and the Cross in the centre of Chester all date from this period.

   
  Chester Cathedral choir stalls

  Old Dee Bridge

  View from The Rows

  The Town Crier

• Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Chester

  The prosperity of the 17th century is reflected in some of our oldest black and white houses. These beautiful buildings were copied by the Victorians in the late 19th century.

   
  The Olde Boot Inn

  An old public house

  16th century fireplace

  God's Providence House

• Georgian Chester

  In the late 18th century Chester was prosperous, growing and very fashionable. English in Chester is based in the houses of the rich and famous in the city in the 1780s.

   
  Stanley Place, home of English in Chester

  English in Chester

  Georgian townhouses on the River Dee

  Abbey Square

• Victorian Chester

  Victoria was Queen from 1837 to 1901. In 1846 the railway came to Chester and modern tourism began. The Victorians copied everything and many of our most famous landmarks date from this period.

   
  The Eastgate Clock, celebrating Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee

  Victorian black and white buildings

  Suspension Bridge over the River Dee

  Queen Victoria in Chester today!

  The Town Hall in the Victorian Gothic style

• Modern Chester

  Modern buildings are often built in the old style but interiors are modern and chic. You can see old and new buildings on one of the many tours around the city.

   
  See old and new Chester on a sightseeing tour

  The Celebration of Chester

  The Grosvenor Shopping Centre

  The new Abode Building

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