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| Spend some time, if not money, in the 'Rows' - These two-tier medieval galleries are unique and deservedly world famous.
They say that The Eastgate Clock is the most photographed time-piece in the world after Big Ben. You will find it at Eastgate. Then there is 'The Roman Amphitheatre' - the largest arena ever uncovered in Britain. Most of it is built on but it is well worth a look and recent information is that Chester City Council are committed to purchasing the surrounding land and undertaking a full excavation of the site over a period of years. My guess is that the first thing to be built will be the money earner, gift shops and café, sorry, restaurant complex. Maybe the good burghers could take a trip to Fishbourne in Sussex to see an alternative approach to presenting a significant Roman construction? The church of St.John the Baptist was Chester's first Cathedral and is built upon the site of a previous church founded around 689AD by King Aethelred of Mercia. Shortly after the Normans arrived in 1069 Peter de Leia, Bishop of Lichfield (see our Lichfield site) transferred his see from Lichfield to Chester. In 1075 he started the building of a "great cathedral" on the site of the former Saxon church. Unfortunately poor old Peter died before his 'Great Cathedral' was completed and his successor decided that there was more money to be made in Coventry so upped sticks and moved his base. Nothing changes does it? It fell to unrecorded workers to complete the church in the 13th century.
In 1862, forty Saxon coins and some fine Saxon crosses from the reign of Edward the Elder (ruled 899-925) were found on the site. They are displayed inside the church. The Phoenix Tower otherwise known as the King Charles Tower. This is where the King (Charles I) and the mayor of Chester, Sir Francis Gamul stood and watched the Roundheads (Parliamentarians) beat the Cavaliers (Royalists) at the battle of Rowton Moor. There is an inscription on the tower saying: 'KING CHARLES STOOD ON THIS TOWER SEPT 24th 1645 AND SAW HIS ARMY DEFEATED ON ROWTON MOOR' Apparently it would have been impossible to see the battle from that vantage point but let's not allow reality stand in the way of a good story eh?
Tower Wharf Now you might need to be quick about this one. Tower Wharf is the regional HQ of British Waterways and they seem to be planning a major redevelopment to 'improve' the area. For 'improve' read more hotels, luxury flats and unwanted offices. This will, of course destroy the charm of this historic area, push local canal and other businesses out existence and force rents for existing properties through the roof. However British Waterways will be rolling in money which will keep the accountants happy. Take time out to explore this delightful area whilst you are able. |
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