St John the Baptist's Church
An ancient Norman church beside the Roman Amphitheatre, once a cathedral in the Mercian kingdom, with romantic medieval ruins at its east end.
St John the Baptist's Church is traditionally said to have been founded in 689 by Æthelred, King of Mercia, and it briefly served as a cathedral in 1075. The surviving nave retains sturdy Norman columns and arches, making it one of the finest Norman buildings in Cheshire. The collapsed chancel and bell tower at the east end and along the north side are now ivy-covered ruins, and they are very photogenic. Entry is free, and it pairs well with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Park.
Opening hours
Usually 09:00–17:00 (except during services)
Nearby sights
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre
- Eastgate Clock
- Chester City Walls
- Grosvenor Park & River Dee
- Old Dee Bridge
- Chester Cathedral
- The Rows
- Grosvenor Museum