Information Sheets
A collection of online information sheets about local names,
artefacts and sights from the history of Chester.
Louise Rayner
One of Chester's most famous artists, Louise Rayner was born in
Matlock Bath in Derbyshire on 21 June 1832 to Samuel Rayner
(1806-1879) and his wife Ann (1802-1890).
Eastgate Clock
The Eastgate
Clock probably Chester's most famous landmark, and apparently
the second most photographed timepiece in the world... after Big
Ben!
Bressan Recorders
One of the finest sets of rare antique recorders (the
instrument) in the world. The Bressan Recorders were probably made at the
beginning of the 18th century by famous maker Peter Bressan.
John Souch
The artist John
Souch is recognised to be one of the most important and
interesting portrait painters working in provincial England in the
years leading up to the Civil War.
Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park in Chester is regarded by many as
one of the finest and most complete examples of Victorian Parks in
the north west of England, if not nationally. Although many changes
have taken place since it's official opening in 1867, much of the
original design and features have been retained.
Grosvenor Museum
Grosvenor Museum History - the museum
was founded in 1885, and its origins are linked to the start of the
Chester Society for Natural Science, Literature and Art, founded by
Charles Kingsley in 1871.
King Charles Tower
The King Charles Tower is the north-east corner
tower of both the Roman and medieval defences. It still retains
some of its medieval appearance, although it has been restored
several times.
Water Tower
The Water Tower stands at the north-west corner of
the medieval walled city, and is now one of the best-preserved
features of its defences. It was deemed necessary to build it as
the course of the River Dee had significantly altered and silted
up. Like a similar tower at Conway, now lost, it served to defend
the harbour, and would have stood in the river Dee, which has now
moved another 200 yards away.
Chester Castle
Many residents and visitors do not realise that they can still
explore parts of Chester Castle free of charge. If you go
through the main gateway to the Castle, cross the car-park and aim
for the gap between the centre (Crown Court) and the buildings to
the right hand side as you face them you will arrive at a little
known part of Chester's history.
The History of No 20 Castle Street
No. 20 is a good example of a Period House of a prosperous family of
local gentry, in this case the Swettenham family of Somerford
Booths Hall near Macclesfield. Chester had many of these houses
which variously ranged in grandeur. In the 18th Century such houses
were the centre of the social activity, particularly during the
Chester Races which were held in the first week in May.
Charles Kingsley
Charles Kingsley was born on July 12, 1819, to
Charles Kingsley Sr., who was Vicar of Holne in Devon, and Mary
Lucas Kingsley. He matriculated at Magdalene College, Cambridge in
1838. There he met and fell in love with Frances (Fanny) Grenfell.
He left Cambridge in February 1842 to read for Holy Orders, and in
July of that year he became curate of Eversley Church in Hampshire,
which he served for the rest of his life. He married Fanny in
January 1844 and became rector of Eversley in May.