Things you didn't know about... Chester

Chester's clock is second only to Big Ben
As well as being an icon of the city, it's also the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben.

Leonard Cheshire is from... Cheshire
In fact, he's from Cheshire county town Chester itself. Cheshire, the most decorated bomber pilot of World War II, went on to set up the Cheshire Homes charity. Although he won the VC, he is still best remembered for his humanitarian work, and came 31st in a poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.

Chester has a Hollywood-funded Bronze Age burial site
Poulton, near Chester, is one of Britain's most important archaeological digs. The funding for it has come in part from Ralph Fiennes of Schindler's List fame.

Chester's wishing walls
Everybody knows that Chester has the most complete set of city walls in Britain. But did you know that if you run up and down the wishing steps in the south-eastern corner while holding your breath, your wish will come true? Well, that's what they say...

Be careful if you're Welsh
An ancient Chester by-law states that it is permitted to kill any Welshman found loitering in Chester after dark—but only by decapitation or with a longbow. (Though this by-law does not provide immunity against prosecution for murder.) A Conservative Parliamentary candidate who had promised to repeal the by-law wasn't elected, so make of that what you will...

Famous Chester people include...
...James Bond actor Daniel Craig, footballer Michael Owen, ventriloquist Keith Harris and gymnast Beth Tweddle.

The UK's third richest man lives here
He's the Duke of Westminster, and he owns large chunks of Mayfair, as well as a pad near Chester. His connections with Chester are legion and his family name (Grosvenor) is to be found on various features in the city.

Chester Cathedral is inside out
The current building (mainly Gothic) was constructed outside the previous structure (mainly Norman), which was then dismantled from the inside. The process took about 250 years!

What's the "mystery" of the Chester Mystery Plays?
The "mystery" of this ancient popular dramatic tradition that continues to this day means "trade or craft". The plays were originally enacted by relevant guildsmen and craftsmen. So the Creation of the World was acted out by the Drapers and Hosiers, the Last Supper by the Grocers, Bakers and Millers, and the Crucifixion by the Ironmongers and Ropers.