Almost Two Millennia of History

Founded almost two thousand years ago, Chester is one of the oldest cities in the UK. Settled by the Romans in 79 AD, the city originated as a fort by the name of ‘Deva’. Its location at the River Dee in the North West of England put it in prime position to sail to - and invade - Ireland and North Wales.

Some historians believe that Chester was once intended to be the capital of England, due to the fact that it was a significantly larger Roman fort than others such as York, but this is open to debate.

Nonetheless, the city was considered a place of strategic importance until the Romans withdrew from Britain in around the year 400AD.