Features Viewed from the Park - Viewpoint Three

 

 

10. Castle Drive

This area was greatly modified in 1901 when the tree-lined Castle Drive was laid out. The section seen from Edgar's Field was formerly a very different place as Skinners Lane. From medieval times up to the late 18^th century it was an industrial area with skinners and, at one time, an acid works. There had also been an important anchorage here, below the Castle, since the arrival of the Normans.

  

 

 

 

11. County Hall

Completed in 1957, this building houses Cheshire County Council. It occupies the site of the former County Gaol built by Thomas Harrison (opened 1793, demolished 1902) to replace the gaol in the castle which had been compared by the prison reformer, John Howard, to the 'Black Hole of Calcutta'. Here for a few yards is the only true break in the otherwise complete circuit of city walls around Chester.

 

 

 

12. Chester Castle

Chester Castle is probably best seen from Edgar's Field during the winter when the trees are not in leaf. During this time, one of the few remaining medieval structures can be seen - the red sandstone Agricola Tower. The Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070. It was the stronghold of the Earls of Chester and the base for military campaigns including Edward I's conquest of Wales.

Also see the Chester Castle Information Sheet and The Walls Trail and the Millennium Trail.