England: Chester

We originally had designs for a stopover in Chester on our way from Oxford to Conwy. We had the worst day of train travel, arriving in Chester four hours late, where we got on a train to Conwy directly, completely missing Chester. While in Liverpool we managed a quick trip to Chester.

Chester turned out to be a rather interesting place. Founded as a Roman fortress, the town still has a complete wall. The center features raised arcades known as the “Rows” - we have never seen such architectural features anywhere else in the world. They were built in the medieval period when Chester was the most significant place in Northwestern England. The silting of its river eventually led to the rise of Liverpool.

Welcome to Chester Railway Station!


We walked along the Rochdale Canal towards the Vegan House in Central Market for some vegan fish and chips. We I ordered too much food and we skipped dinner that evening.




Next, to the Cathedral, with its historic monastic refectory, now Cafe 1092, and colorful stained glass windows.




Unfortunately, there was a massive art show that obscured the view of the amazing pre-Raphaelite marble mosaic murals in the north aisle of the nave (look closely at the first photo below). Those mosaics are a singular treasure of England. Sigh. I did manage to get a few photos.






Water of Life (1994) by Stephen Broadbent in the cathedral cloister


The Arcaded, Two-tiered, Chester Rows Shopping Galleries were very cool. We wandered around, in and out, up and down, for quite a few minutes.
















Chester Weir Spanning The River Dee


The Historic Red Sandstone Ramparts of the Chester City Walls, which sit on top of Roman Walls.






The Roman Amphitheatre as seen from the city walls.


The iconic Eastgate Clock, and a view from the clock down Eastgate Street.




Chester Racecourse (aka The Roodee) as seen from atop the city wall.