For a stranger to Chester, the opportunity to explore the streets and buildings of a 2000 year old city, must promise much to the first time visitor. The presence of its almost intact circuit of medieval defensive walls, its many early churches, world famous shopping rows and its overtly historic character, all suggest a place that has its foundations in much more ancient times. However, the architecture of modern day Chester can be deceptive, with many buildings appearing to much older than they actually are, being designed by a small group of leading regional architects who combined to create what is commonly referred to as the Chester "Look", a mixture a half timbered vernacular buildings and classically inspired facades, both of which hark back to more ancient days. This book attempts to identify and explain the various histories of many of Chester's landmark sites and buildings, who built them, owned them and what purpose did they serve. within its 224 pages
