A celebration of Chester’s architectural heritage will take place in September.
Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem officially launched Heritage Open Days at Chester Cross with representatives portraying some of this year’s anniversaries. The celebration takes place from September 10-13 and is an opportunity to discover what is behind the front doors of ‘hidden’ buildings in the city and beyond.
The programme, including more than 60 buildings, tours and guided walks is produced by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with Chester Civic Trust.
Chester Heritage Week (September 5-13) is also taking place in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects, Cheshire Society of Architects and the Chester Civic Trust.
Anniversaries which coincide with this year’s open days include:
400th anniversary of Bishop Lloyd’s Palace
175th anniversary of the opening of the Crewe to Chester railway line
70th anniversary of the end on the Second World War
40th anniversary of European Architectural Heritage Year. Chester’s High Cross was put back in its original position by Chester Civic Trust as part of the celebrations in 1975.
500th anniversary of the martyr George Marsh, Chester Cathedral has performances in the Consistory Court by Chester Theatre Club of his sentencing for heresy.
September 9 also marks the day that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will become the longest reigning UK monarch.
Cllr Deynem said: “The 21st anniversary of Heritage Open Days includes buildings, talks and walks in Chester, Northwich, Frodsham and Neston.
“Children can join in as well by collecting a Children’s Passport from the Grosvenor Museum and the Chester Visitor Information Centre to complete as they visit different buildings.
“New for this year is our celebration of industrial salt heritage in Northwich that includes the Lion Salt Works, Northwich town centre and the Anderton Boat Lift.”
The Heritage Open Days booklet is available from Chester Visitor Information Centre, Town Hall Square, the Grosvenor Museum, Chester History and Heritage in St Michael’s Church, and local branch libraries. The booklet is also available online at www.heritageopendayschester.co.uk
Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated and sponsored by The National Trust nationally and happens thanks to a large numbers of local voluntary societies, building owners and volunteers who are happy to welcome the public to drop in and look around a selection of our stunning architectural heritage.
