Chester has been Chester since the Romans came, except they called their military fortress 'Deva' - for the record that is about 2000 years! Not too bad for a collection of buildings.

After the Romans left, around 380AD, Chester continued to thrive, growing into an important Saxon town and a strategic military base during the Middle Ages.

Many of the trade and craft guilds developed during the Middle Ages still exist and meet in the Guildhall.  For many centuries Chester was the most important port in the region and has been a major player in the trade of the region.

It was the last major Saxon town that William, Duke of Normandy, conquered in 1069/70, a good 3 years after the Battle of Hastings (see our Sussex site).

Much of Chester's long history is still visible today - including the City Walls, the most complete in Britain, and the unique 'Rows'. Take the 2 mile (approx.) circular walk around the city, it is the best way to see the sites/sights.