One of the most fascinating parts of Chester is its rich and vibrant history, with reminders of this still on show to this day. From the Chester Rows to the rich Roman heritage, Chester is a City steeped in heritage. If you’re planning a trip to Chester, the Roman remains are something you should not miss, as these are some of the most significant and well preserved Roman remains in the UK. So what should you visit when exploring Chester’s Roman history? And how can you be sure to take in all Roman Chester has to offer?
The Roman history of Chester
In 79 AD, the area now known as Chester was the home of a large Roman fortress that housed one of the most formidable legions of the Roman army, the Legio XX Valeria Victrix. The location of what we know as Chester was perfect for a fortress, with a strategic placement on the banks of the River Dee, which provided an effective base for further Roman incursions into northern Britain and Wales. Access to the river was also perfect for taking control of the region.
This fortress was home to around 5000 soldiers, and was known as Deva Victrix, which is thought to have been derived from the name of the River Dee. Covering more than 60 acres, this fortress was rectangular in shape, following the typical Roman military architecture, with straight roads, key buildings, and a rectangular shape. Over time, a civilian settlement grew around the fortress, evolving into the modern city of Chester.
So, what should you visit when exploring Chester’s Roman history?
With a history as rich as that of Chester, it can be easy to be a little overwhelmed. But when it comes to Roman history, there are plenty of remains that you simply won’t miss, and some that you should definitely add to your itinerary. These include:
- The Roman walls
- The Amphitheatre
- The Roman Gardens
- The Grosvenor Museum
- The Roman walls of Chester
First of all, you should definitely consider walking all of, or part of, the two-mile circuit of Chester’s city walls. The walls were originally built by the Romans, and encircle the historic core of the centre of Chester. As such, walking this route allows you to experience the same paths as a Roman soldier or civilian, truly walking the footsteps of history.
There are a number of key sites along the walls that definitely shouldn’t be missed. These include:
The Northgate and the Eastgate- The Northgate was originally a Roman gatehouse, and the Eastgate showcases the remains of a Roman entrance to the city.
The Eastgate Clock- This was added by the Victorians, but it sits on top of the site of the original Roman gate, providing an interesting combination of more recent history, alongside more ancient history.
The Amphitheatre
Another of the historically significant Roman sites in Chester is the amphitheatre. This is the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain and is situated just outside of the city walls. With space from around 8,000 spectators, this Roman entertainment venue will have showcased animal hints, military training exercises, and of course, gladiatorial combat.
Excavations at the site over recent years have revealed a lot of the structure of the amphitheatre, including the seating tiers, and the arena floor. If you’re planning a long or short break to Chester, you can explore the remains of the amphitheatre, and learn about the history of the site, through the informative displays on show.
The Roman Gardens
While the Roman walls and Amphitheatre showcase the engineering prowess of the Romans, as well as offering a glimpse into Roman life in Chester, the Roman gardens are designed to show off many of the Roman finds from across the City, and bring these together in a peaceful setting. Originally created in the 1950’s, the Roman Gardens host building fragments, Roman columns, and mosaic pavements, as well as a reconstructed Roman underfloor heating system. Built to evoke the style of a Roman courtyard, the Roman Gardens provide a tranquil space in Chester city centre, complete with manicured lawns and stone paths.
The Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum is a treasure trove of Chester’s Roman history and is a must-visit location to add to your list. This is where you can get a real glimpse into the daily lives of the Romans in Chester, from the soldiers stationed at the fortress to the civilians who lived in the surrounding town. From pottery and jewellery, to weaponry, this museum is home to an extensive collection of Roman artefacts that have been discovered in and around Chester. One of the most notable highlights of the museum is the Deva Gallery. This hosts reconstructions of a Roman barracks room and a marketplace, and provides a comprehensive overview of life in Roman Chester.
If you’re thinking of a trip to Chester, our tranquil, luxury hotel can be the perfect place to stay. Why not take a look at our rooms and availability today, here at The Hotel Chester?