Chester

Chester in the Snow-click for more pictures

Chester is a city located in the North West of the UK.  This website is devoted to Chester, in photographs and video, and information about the city, modern and historic.

Chester is a place where history and modern life coexist. The only city in Britain that has a complete city wall, it has a comprehensive shopping district housed in the old medieval streets. Shops can be found on two levels, known as "The Rows". The city can trace it's roots back to the Romans in 79AD, standing on the Welsh border it has been of strategic importance, militarily and economically, for centuries.

Today Chester is a financial centre. A number of important commercial institutions have administrative offices in the city.  And it still stands as a gateway into the beautiful country of North Wales and to Ireland beyond. It is a great place to stay and explore both the city itself and the wonders of North Wales and Englands North West. There are a number of comfortable hotels located within and on the outskirts and transport links are easy by road and rail.

To get an impression of the city of Chester browse these pages, or dip into the pictures using the thumbnail collection on the right. This collection is a random selection of photographs that changes each time a new page is viewed. Or look at the video to get a short snapshot of what the Chester photograph gallery and the city have to offer.

Chester: History, Photographs and Video

In the Chester pages you will find more detailed information about the city. It's origins and evolution

• Chester:an introduction: sets the scene for the following pages about this historic city.
• Chester Map: An interactive map of the city centre with photgraphs of Chester, wall access information and car parks.
• Chester: Things to do in Chester: A compilation of places to visit in and around the city.
• Chester:The Roman Period: gives a brief illustrated history of the period when Chester was an important hub on the outer fringes of the Roman Empire, illustrated with photographs of modern Chester
• Chester: The Dark Ages: an illustrated look at the history of Chester and it's walls in the context of events that shaped England in the Dark Ages. The strengthening of the walls, the stablishment of churches and the plundering by Viking raiders.
• Chester:The River Dee: here you will find information about the river Dee and it's importance to the growth of Chester and as a picturesque haven from the bustle of everyday life
• Chester Rows: Chester's city centre is home to the unique Row's. A two level arrangement of shops and buildings that are an essential part of the history and fabric of Chester. Here you will find a brief history, descriptrion and pictures of this phenomenon.
• Chester Photographs: A brief explanation of the photographic gallery at the core of this web site.
• Chester:a video portrait: A short video of Chester using images from the picture gallery.

The Gallery of Chester Photographs

The gallery is a photographic portrait of the city. Most images have been taken recently. They convey something of the accessible beauties of the city and some more obscure places that need a little more time to discover.

You can click on the links below, on the tab at the top of this page or on the random selection of images from the entire gallery on the right hand side bar.

• Chester, Setting the Scene: Photographs giving a brief overview of the city and wher it stands alongside the River Dee.
• Chester, river and canal: Images of the river Dee an important part of the success of historical Chester and the Shropshire Union Canal, important until the coming of the railways.
• Chester, the Rows: An album of pictures showing the unique double floors of shops that line the four principal streets in the city centre. Many of the buildings are medieval or Victorian constructions following the pattern of the earlier buildings.
• Chester, the walls and amphitheatre: Photos of the walls and Roman remains. The only city in Britain with a complete city wall. It is a great way to walk around the city centre. The amphitheatre, beyond the city walls was the largest such construction in the British Isles. Though little remains today it is a potent indication of how important this location was to the Romans.
• Chester Zoo: Photographs of Chester Zoo including visitor facilities, the architecture, animals and the gardens. This collection of Chester Zoo Photographs is a snapshot of what the visitor can expect to see at Chester Zoo