The city of Chester seems to be regarded as a historic attraction in its own right.
The centre of Chester is built on top of the site of a large Roman fort, and some of the present-day streets follow the line of streets in the Roman fort. Some Roman wall and tower foundations are still visible in places. The walls standing today enclosed the Saxon and Norman town, and partly follow the line of the Roman walls (fort perimeter). It is possible to walk around the circuit of the walls and cross above various gateways.
There are many interesting old buildings, including about 28 grade I listed structures. Some of the black and white half-timbered buildings have medieval timber frames but were given new replica fronts in the Victorian period, and others are Victorian, part of the “black and white revival”. In this part of the city, the famous “Rows” comprise shopping arcades on two levels.
The Victorian Gothic Revival town hall is worth a look. In Eastgate, the Eastgate Clock is much photographed.
Many flat areas outside the medieval walls, such as the Roodee racecourse, site of an ancient port, were formerly water.
There is a museum (free) in Grosvenor Street which is worth a visit if you are interested in the city’s history.
The partially excavated Roman Amphitheatre in Vicars Lane is easily found.
The old walls are pierced by a railway line and by a 1960’s bypass, proving that at certain times in the past the city’s heritage was little valued. In the north-west corner one can see canal, road and rail within a few yards of each other.
My coach tour also visited the village of Eccleston near Chester, part of the Duke of Westminster’s estates. Here the cottage architecture and the church (consecrated 1900), which contains several memorials to Dukes of Westminster are of interest.
