Re-Living the Rows on Sunday 30th July

Re-Living the Rows is a new event bringing Chester’s historic Rows to life by a group of performers taking on the roles of historic characters.

The free event takes place on Sunday 30 July between 10am and 4pm, at four different stations on the Rows of Chester.

The entire event has been created by Chester Young Producers; a group of Chester teenagers supported by The Grosvenor Museum. The one-day event will capture a little bit of what life was like in Chester’s unique past.

The Chester Young Producers have been at the heart of design, programming, and production.

Olivia, one of the Young Producers explained:

“We wanted to create an event that explores Chester’s history in a fun and engaging way, to excite and intrigue the public as they walk through the city centre.

“Through actors and objects, sights and smells, we want to breathe life into stories connected with Chester’s unique Rows.”

Four performers; David Alexander, Thomas Hudson, Omar Hussein, and Lydia Waller have worked with the production team to create characters that are sure to charm those who meet them.

The character of Richard Dodd, the 15^th century weaver, will be telling passers-by on Watergate Street all about how the Weavers’ Guild smashed his loom. A servant of Thomas Cowper, a 17^th century mayor of Chester, will be indulging in some gossip on Upper Bridge Street and giving people a glimpse into Chester during the English Civil War. Visitors to Eastgate Street can chat with the character of Susanna Brown, founder of the famous Browns of Chester in the late 18^th century. Also on Watergate Street will be a 19^th century archaeologist, engaging onlookers with tales of finds from the Rows and beyond.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said:

“The Chester Rows create an atmospheric background for these interactive performances. Through the Chester High Street Heritage Action Zone project, we’ve handed over the reins to our talented Young Producers who are presenting a brand-new experience for residents and visitors. I can’t wait.”

Historic England’s Pippa Brown added: “It’s so imaginative to use the stories behind the incredible heritage of The Rows in this way to get people involved.  I’m sure it will be great success.”

The Young Producers, Hailey, Lily and Olivia have enjoyed getting to know their city and its history and have learnt new skills along the way. Taking the project from the ground-up has given them a real sense of ownership and accomplishment. The Chester Young Producers will start their regular meetings again in September 2023 at the Grosvenor Museum. For more information and to get involved, contact: 

grosvenor.museum@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Visitors will also be able to handle real and replica objects relating to different time periods, with West Cheshire Museums staff on hand to facilitate and answer any questions. A trail will be available to pick up from the Grosvenor Museum in advance, or from any of the four stations on the day.

For further information visit: 

https://westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

This project is part of Chester High Street Heritage Action Zone project funded by Historic England to enliven the Rows and share its history.

You can find out more about this project on the Historic England website: 

https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/heritage-action-zones/chester/

About High Streets Heritage Action Zones:

Historic England is working with local people and partners through grant funding and sharing our skills to help breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and full of promise - unlocking their potential and making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors. The High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme, backed by government funding, aims to help with the recovery of local high streets from regenerating historic buildings to helping to engage local communities through art and cultural projects. 

About Historic England:

We are Historic England the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks and pie shops. We protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. We care passionately about the stories these places tell, the ideas they represent and the people who live, work and play among them. Working with communities and specialists we share our passion, knowledge and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying and looking after the history that surrounds us all.