Chester History Facts and Timeline

(Chester, Cheshire, England, UK)

Chester sprung to life as a Roman city some two thousand years ago. In its earliest years, it was little more than a wooden fort for legionnaires. However, as time passed, the fortress became a permanent linchpin in Roman defences and it was not long before a small town grew up around the site.

Roman Deva, as it was known, was a bustling place. In fact, it even had a large amphitheatre where soldiers and the townsfolk could be entertained alike.

The Romans finally left Chester in the 4th century AD and, following their abandonment of the place, it could well have become part of the neighbouring Welsh kingdom. However, in 617 AD, a battle took place that sealed Chester's fate. The Saxons prevailed over the Welsh forces and Roman Deva officially became known as Chester.

Medieval Chester

The city's early medieval history is as a fortified settlement that had as its purpose the protection of Saxon communities from a possible Danish onslaught. By the 11th century, Chester had also become a powerful city and bustling port.

Under the Normans, Chester truly thrived. In fact, by this point in its history, it had become the most important town in western Mercia. Its prosperity revolved around its industry, which included the importing of wine and leather work. The Chester Rows houses - a popular tourist attraction today, date from this period, when craftsmen sold their goods from first-floor balconies, as well as from rooms below. By the 13th century, the city also served as a religious hub in the region. It had both a nunnery and several communities of friars, as well as its own abbey.

The English Civil War

In 1642, the outbreak of Civil War in England forced many towns to declare their allegiance, either to the King or to the Parliamentarians. Royalist Chester became embroiled in several battles, including one that took place at Rowton Moor. From late 1644 to 1645, Chester endured a lengthy siege during which many of its oldest buildings were damaged. Finally, in 1646, the Royalist cause was lost and the city had to surrender.

History of a Georgian City

During the 18th century, Chester grew ever larger. It became a busy market community, a place where silver and lead craftsmen flourished, and a busy transport centre. In 1735, the River Dee was made navigable to larger boats. Frequent stagecoach services also left the town, headed for London.

In fact, by the end of the 18th century, the medieval gates impeded on traffic to such an extent that they were demolished. All that remains today are the Roman street names - Eastgate, Westgate and Northgate, that used to mark the gates.

A City of Leisure

Chester emerged from the Industrial Revolution relatively unchanged in terms of its appearance. What did change, however, was that it threw off its image as a place where craftsmen and artisans worked to one of a place of leisure.

Chester's history and fortunes changed dramatically when it became known as a destination for the country's more genteel holiday makers. Many of these Victorian tourists chose to stay in the city's Grosvenor Hotel. Victorian improvements included Grosvenor Park, which was opened in 1867, and a new Town Hall. In the final year of the 19th century, the Eastgate Clock was erected.

Today, Chester remains a major tourist city in the north of England. It is also a popular shopping centre. Other main attractions include Chester Cathedral, the Rows and nearby Chester Zoo, which opened to the public in the 1930s.