St John the Baptist Church

Open daily during HODs, the church of St John the Baptist has a history that spans the centuries with origins from before the Norman conquest as an important Saxon Minster. It was founded when Chester was part of the ancient kingdom of Mercia. Adjacent to Chester’s Roman amphitheatre, it is on a site that is believed to be associated with worship from very dawn of Christianity in the British Isles.

Our rich history includes occupation by parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War as part of the siege of royalist Chester. Among its many interesting features is the organ that was used for the Coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. This is housed in an impressive (and substantial) wooden case dating from 1895 which was designed by the eminent local architect T M Lockwood (the architect responsible for Chester’s iconic half-timber revival 1888 Cross Buildings).

Please see separate HODs entries for our special day on Wednesday 16th September including a concert, guided tours, a talk and the opening of our Chapter House (not normally open to the public). However, please visit on other days and you will be very welcome. We consider ourselves a place also for quiet reflection.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1100 - 1500, Church Service 1200 - 1245

Saturday 12 September:

1100 - 1500

Monday 14 September:

1100 - 1500

Tuesday 15 September:

1100 - 1500

Wednesday 16 September:

1000 - 1600, Church Service 1000 - 1045. Please see separate HODs entries for a series of special events for today.  

Thursday 17 September:

1100 - 1500

Friday 18 September:

1100 -1500, Church Service 1200 - 1245

Saturday 19 September:

1100 - 1500

Location & directions

St. John the Baptist Church, Vicars Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

Directions:

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

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

We are also a faith building with over 1300 years history.

Check out our online channels

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