Chester 1872
ISBN 978-1-905718-69-6
Size 600mm x 600mm approx
Uncoloured size 600mm x 600mm approx

Chester in 1872 still bears its mediaeval roots as the walled market town set in a defensive crook of the River Dee. Apart from a large lead works the industrial revolution has had little direct impact on the city in the way of manufacturing, but the biggest influence in its commerce and trade has been the arrival of the railway. As a once important Roman crossroads it is now a strategic railway junction and
distribution centre, as well as a rolling stock maintenance depot. The city derives much of its current wealth in its role as county town and ecclesiastical centre and this wealth can be seen in the number of large houses built around the edge of the centre, and the gentlemens’ residences in their own grounds further out in open countryside. Despite the overall air of stability and modernity Chester is no doubt riddled with the well documented Victorian social contradictions and problems. At both ends of the city lie two large buildings with the boldest of text labels..the workhouses.