Knowing the story of Chester will hopefully help you enjoy the city more. In this section we will dive into the past, including Chester's origins as a Roman fortress, and look at the people of Chester who made the city famous. More articles coming soon.
You can also delve into the past in our Chester Old Postcards from the Past section.
Chester was founded by the Romans who arrived late AD 61 and afterwards occupied the city for several centuries building an impressive fortress. The city's earliest name was Deva, after the river, while the name by which we know the city is the Saxon form of the Latin word castra (a camp).
Chester is the birth place of or home to some well known writers, sport stars, musicians, politicians and artists. We list a few of the most notable here. If you have the time, we urge you to read a little more about each one on the internet.
Chancellor urged to fund maintenance of Chester city walls - BBC News (20 Oct 2021) 
Browns of Chester: Sad demise of 'the Harrods of the North' - BBC News (15 May 2021)
Rare Roman gaming piece found on Chester building site - BBC News (9 Sep 2020)
Chester's Roman wall collapses after digging work - BBC News (17 Jan 2020)
Chester city walls repair uncovers Roman gate tower remains - BBC News (2 Nov 2016)
Chester Roman excavation row prompts thousands to sign petition - BBC News (3 Aug 2016)
25 more things Chester had in the 90s that it doesn't today - Chester Chronicle (24 Mar 2016)
15 things you could do in Chester in the 90s but can't do today - Chester Chronicle (22 Mar 2016)
Blue plaque for Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead - BBC News (11 Oct 2014)
My father, the zoo builder - BBC News (3 Sep 2014)
