Chester - Frequently Asked Questions

Q.7. What is the story behind Chester's Cross?

A. The High Cross, as it is known, stands at the junction of four streets: Watergate, Eastgate, Northgate and Bridge Street which followed the layout of the old Roman streets. The Cross was first erected on this site at the start of the 15th century.

The pillar was knocked down during the Civil War when the Parliamentarians entered the city in 1646 and Charles 1 was declared a traitor at this spot in 1649. The Cross was later reconstructed in the grounds of Netherleigh House and then found a home in the 'Roman Garden' outside the Newgate in 1949. It returned to its present site in 1975 and is a natural meeting place in the heart of the city.

Q.8. Who built the cathedral?

A. There has been a place of worship on the site of the present cathedral for more than 1000 years. In the Dark Ages the Saxons built a wooden church on the site and when the relics of St Werburgh were brought to the city in 900 the church was rededicated to her.

In 1057 the church was rebuilt and later refounded as a Benedictine monastery. Although much of the monastery was then rebuilt, the present cathedral is mostly the result of a building campaign in the 13th century. It was made a cathedral when Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in 1540.

Because of its history, the cathedral has architectural styles from almost every century since the 10th. In the mid 19th century most of the exterior was refaced in a Victorian restoration programme.

Q.9. We all know Chester has a lot of history but does it have much of a nightlife?

A. As well as being one of Britain's top tourist attractions, historic Chester has its fair share of pubs, clubs and restaurants, making it ideal for a night out. The city boasts nightclubs, live music venues and a comedy club as well as a great selection of places to wine and dine.

As a small city, some weekday nights are quieter than others but the city centre pubs and most restaurants are open throughout the week. In keeping with its cosmopolitan image, Chester has French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Thai and Mongolian restaurants as well as Indian and Chinese.

Q.10. What's the shopping like?

A. Chester attracts shoppers from all over Wales and the north west and offers everything from great fashion to simple souvenirs. All the big chainstores are here and there are lots of individual boutiques, gift and craft shops.

There are plenty of places to stop for a coffee break or lunch with continental-style pavement cafes coming into their own in the summer. If you're looking for a bargain then the nearby Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village is the biggest of its kind in Europe with around 150 shops selling designer products at discount prices.