Chester is not all that it seems

Chester grew on us as we took time to explore the city with the aid of “Walkabout Map and Guide” taking us to over 50 points of interest mostly within the city walls.

Like most cities and towns Chester wears its history in a complicated and many layered puzzle. We were initially dismayed to find that the much celebrated “Rows” were largely Victorian as were many of the black and white buildings, later finding that they are the latest reincarnation of Rows past.

The Town Crier gave an air of frivolity, locking this lady in the stocks apparently for showing up in a posh store in jeans. She was supposed to be in until 6.00pm. When we passed by about 30 minutes later the stocks and woman had gone.

Diligently following the guide we learned about rich veins of history stretching back to Roman times hidden or partly obscured by later developments, sometimes all that was left was the street names.

Much of the city seemed to have been owned by the Grosvenor family (Dukes of Westminster) as their name was to be found all over many buildings and roads.

The city walls provided a good perspective of the Roman street plan and good views outside the city including the River Dee and Chester racecourse.

We ended the walking guide at Chester Cathedral which proved to be another magnificent building, a place of sanctuary and peace. Such an uplifting space.

In the evening we met up with my brother for a birthday celebration meal. He drove from his home in Hayfield in the Peaks to meet us in Chester. We don’t see much of each other so it was very good to catch up.