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The City Walls

The information presented on these Chester pages is based on the Chester City Centre Street Map and Guide

Chester has the only complete City Walls in Britain. Built originally by the Romans in the first century AD, when Chester was known as Dewa, the walls were later strengthened and extended in the 10th century to keep out the Vikings. During the English Civil War the city within the walls was besieged for two years until food shortage forced the Cestrians' surrender. During the 17th century, the walls were no longer required for defence, and they became the 2 mile circular promenade that we know today, giving breathtaking views of Chester and the surrounding countryside, across to the Welsh mountains. The interesting history of the walls and its special features is told on numerous information plaques as you walk round. Access to the walls can be made at any of the gates and at various other points around their circuit. There are wheelchair access points at the junction of Castle Drive and Grosvenor Street, County Hall entrance, the corner of Duke Street and Park Street, the Bell Tower, and Watergate Bridge.

Apart from the "gates" there are many interesting structures to be seen, including Bonewaldesthorne's Tower in the north-west angle, leading to the Water Tower; Morgan's Mount and Pemberton's Parlour (or the Goblin Tower) on the north wall; the King Charles Tower; the Recorder's Steps and Thimbleby's Tower.

For further information about Chester, including a free visitor pack, please contact the Chester Visitor Information Centre.