A Trek Through Triassic Chester- an illustrated Talk

An illustrated talk that will explore local Earth Heritage – from the deep time of its origins in the Triassic geological period through to it being quarried and used as building stone during the last two millennia.

Paul Hyde – a one-time Heritage Interpretation Officer at Chester City Council – will provide a highly illustrated introduction to Chester’s ancient bedrock (the Chester Formation) that is exposed throughout the city together with its use as masonry from Roman times.

The talk will shed light on how old this rock is and how it was formed, consider the vast distance it has travelled, and explain why it is mostly a shade of red. Paul will also refer to examples of buildings where the local sandstone has been used (including for the impressive Norman and later Medieval architecture of St John’s), as well as those constructed using stone sourced from the nearby Helsby Sandstone Formation (rocks that also date from the Triassic Period).

The talk will take place in the nave of St. John's Church.
There will be refreshments available to purchase - there will be a small charge (Proceeds go to St. John's).
The church is open daily for HODs except for Sundays.
On Wednesday 16 September the Church is open for a special community day ending with Paul's talk, which includes a concert by Dunelm Duo at 1pm, tours of the church in the afternoon (Tickets for these tours will be sold separately on eventbrite), and weather permitting the Chapter House will be open.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

19:30- 20:45

Location & directions

St. John the Baptist's Church, Little St. John Street, Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

Directions:

///bonus.punt.unique (entrance to the church)

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking will open via eventbrite on 24 August at 12pm and close at 6.30pm on the evening before the event.

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-trek-through-triassic-chester-an-illustrated-talk-tickets-1993775408919?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

24 Aug 2026 12:00 PM

Booking closes:

15 Sep 2026 06:30 PM

Accessibility details

The church is accessible to wheelchair users including a ramp into the building. However, there is only limited space for wheelchairs alongside the pews for this illustrated talk.

Additional information

Although the church will be heated if the weather is chilly, attendees should bring warm clothes (i.e. layers) as the temperature may not be sufficient. As people will be seated on pews bringing a cushion or similar could be sensible (although some cushions are available in the church). Only assistance dogs for this event (especially given the seating space available for an acceptable view of the screen).

Max number of people:

70

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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