Features Viewed from the Park - Viewpoint One

 

 

1. Handbridge

Handbridge is the name of this road as well as the suburb (originally a village). Its name appears to be derived from the Old English for bridge (bruge) at a rock (hane). The reference to rock may indeed be related to the nearby outcrops in Edgar's Field, or possibly the rocky nature of the riverbed at this point. For centuries it was the main road from Chester to North Wales.

 

 

 

 

2. St Mary-Within-the-Walls

The red sandstone tower belongs to St Mary-Within-the-Walls. A church here dates from Norman times and has been closely associated with Chester Castle. It was badly damaged during the siege of Chester in the Civil War (1646). The building, including the tower, was restored in the mid 19^th century by James Harrison. It is now used as a centre for conferences and meetings. Also on the Millennium Trail

 

 

 

3. St Mary-Without-the-Walls

The imposing red sandstone tower and spire is of Chester's other St Mary's ... St Mary-Without-the-Walls.  This church was built in 1887 at the expense of the 1^st Duke of Westminster. When opened it replaced St Mary-Within-the-Walls as the parish church. It stands on the hill on the opposite bank of the river in Handbridge and is therefore outside the city walls.