Chester city walls

The Chester city walls form a complete circuit around the former medieval city in Cheshire. Begun by the Romans in the 1st century, the walls started as an earth rampart topped with a wooden palisade. By about 100 they were rebuilt in local sandstone, though work continued for more than a century. After the Roman period the walls were repaired by Æthelflæd in the early 10th century. The Normans extended the circuit westward and southward to enclose the new castle, completing the medieval loop by the mid-12th century. The walls have witnessed every major siege and rebuilding in the city’s history. During the Second Barons’ War a deeper ditch was dug after a siege in 1265. In the 17th century they were breached twice during the Civil War sieges of 1645. Repairs were paid for by murages, tolls on goods entering the city. By the 18th century the walls were no longer defensive but had become a fashionable promenade for figures such as John Wesley and Samuel Johnson. Today the walkway stretches for nearly three kilometres along the top of the walls. Sections of Roman masonry still stand, especially on the north and east sides. Medieval gates like Eastgate, Bridgegate and Watergate were widened in the 18th century to improve passage. Steps such as Recorder’s Steps and Wishing Steps ease ascent on steep stretches. The walls offer long views over the city and the River Dee, linking green spaces and historic buildings in a single elevated circuit.