The historic city of Chester is one of the most attractive not just in Cheshire but in the whole country.

With its famous walk around two miles of Roman and medieval walls and unique shops called The Rows, piled one on top of the other, it's a memorable place to visit.

Chester regional importance dates back to the middle ages when the River Dee made Chester an important port.  But the river silted up in the 15th and 16th century and trade moved to Liverpool.

The famous walls of Chester are both medieval and Roman. The Roman section can be seen today at the northern and easter sides of the city.

The Romans founded Chester or Deva (pronounced Dewa) in A.D.48 and it became the headquaters for the 20th legion.  In the 4th century the Roman left and Chester fell first to the Welsh and then the Saxons and Danes. 

In the 10th century the kings of Mercia held Chester as a fortress town and it was the last city to be captured by William the Conqueror.

Chester Cathedral which dates from 14th century is built in red sandstone on the remains of an 11th century Benedictine abbey. 

For Edward I and Elizabeth I, Chester was an important military centre and used as a base for campaigns against the Welsh and Irish.  During Charles II reign Chester supported the king against the Parliamentary forces, but failed to hold back the forces.

In the 1700 the city went thopugh a period of rebuilding with the city walls being turned into promenades.  By 1779 Chester was linked to Nantwich by canal bringing greater industry.

Because of the long history the city boasts many fine examples of medieval, Jacobean and Victorian half-timber houses some of which can be found on Bridge Street.