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1645 - The Breach That Shook Chester

Chester Castle, Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DN

  • 21 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

Step back in time to one of the darkest and most heroic chapters in Chester’s history - September 1645, during the English Civil War.

Royalist Chester is holding firm, despite being under siege and under near constant bombardment from the army of Parliament. Failure would mean certain death and destruction of this proud city.

But the end is approaching. Meet the citizens making up the City Watch of Chester, in Chester Castle. Hear and learn about life in a city under threat.

From Chester Castle, walk with the City Watch to the site of the historic breach at Newgate, where Royalist and Parliamentarian forces clashed on September 22nd 1645. After a commemoration, a wreath will be laid to honour all those who fell almost 380 years ago to the day.

Come, remember, and take part in keeping the story alive.

With grateful thanks to English Heritage, Heritage Chester, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and West Cheshire Museums for their support.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 21 September:
1100 -1400: Chester Castle 1400-1500:Roman Gardens

Location & directions

Chester Castle, Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DN

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Partially accessible- Please note some uneven ground in Chester Castle.

Additional information

The timings given are approximate to allow for the walk from Chester Castle to the Roman Gardens where the event will finish.

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