Chester (Welsh: Caer, Welsh pronunciation: ['kai̯r]) is a walled city in Cheshire, England, on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales. With a population of 118,200 in 2011, it is the most populous settlement of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 332,200 in 2014. Chester was granted city status in 1541.
Chester was founded as a "castrum" or Roman fort with the name Deva Victrix in the reign of the Emperor Vespasian in 79 AD. One of the main army camps in Roman Britain, Deva later became a major civilian settlement. In 689, King Æthelred of Mercia founded the Minster Church of West Mercia, which later became Chester's first cathedral, and the Saxons extended and strengthened the walls to protect the city against the Danes. Chester was one of the last cities in England to fall to the Normans. William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle, to dominate the town and the nearby Welsh border.
Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. It has a number of medieval buildings, but some of the black-and-white buildings within the city centre are Victorian restorations. Apart from a 100-metre (330 ft) section, the listed Grade I walls are almost complete. The Industrial Revolution brought railways, canals, and new roads to the city, which saw substantial expansion and development – Chester Town Hall and the Grosvenor Museum are examples of Victorian architecture from this period.
This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Blue Monday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme,
and also part of the Travel Tuesday meme.
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteGrosvenor Museum is a great building, even though it is only late Victoria, as you say. Chester has preserved its architecture very well.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are awesome. They have me wanting to visit Chester.
ReplyDeleteGReat details of Chester! LOve these city views. THat stutter of the two is ingenious! Many thanks for showing this city to All Seasons, where I have not been to yet:) Since I have no access for the email I need for my blog on the IPad: the anemones are in a beautiful collage. Have a great week! jesh
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Thanks for the tour and the history! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, this makes me homesick for my adopted country! We won't be making our regular fall pilgrimage to the UK, and we are so sad. Looking at pictures helps somewhat, so thanks for sharing these sights with all of us at Mosaic Monday. I laughed at the sign for the Three Old Arches!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and I love the architecture.
ReplyDeleteDawn aka Spatulas On Parade
It's hard to look at your travel photos when I can't go anywhere because of the pandemic--but they ARE an inspiration!
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