This weekend marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence, and it prompted me to reflect on the many connections between our wonderful city of Chester and the United States. With the help of the wonderful Isabel at Chester’s Tourist Information Centre, we’ve been able to uncover quite a few fascinating links that show how closely our histories have been intertwined over the centuries.
Many people are surprised to learn that there are more than 25 settlements called Chester across the United States, with Chester, Pennsylvania, the largest and best known. Founded in 1644, it was renamed Chester by William Penn in 1682. Isabel tells me that the Tourist Information Centre always enjoys welcoming visitors from these American “Chesters”.
Chester has also left a lasting impression on some of America’s greatest literary figures. Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, visited and wrote warmly about our city. Henry James came to Chester on several occasions, drawing inspiration from its remarkable heritage, which found its way into his celebrated novel, “The Ambassadors”.
Our shared history extends beyond literature. The 22nd Regiment of Foot, which became the 22nd Cheshire Regiment of Foot in 1782, fought during the American Revolutionary War, arriving in Boston in 1775.
During the early Edwardian period guidebooks to Chester were produced for visitors from North America visiting via the White Star line which docked in Liverpool. The city also has connections with the Yale family who founded the famous Ivy League university stateside, and during World War II welcomed many GIs ahead of the D-Day landings.
The relationship continues today through business and tourism. Bank of America’s presence in the city goes back to 2010, underlining the city’s importance as a place to invest and grow. Every year, thousands of American visitors arrive in Chester, captivated by the city’s rich history. In 2013, readers of “USA Today” even voted Chester their favourite place to visit in Britain.
The historic and special relationship between the UK and the United States remains one of the most important partnerships in the world, built on shared democratic values, deep cultural ties, security cooperation and longstanding friendship. Chester can be proud of the role it has played in that shared story.
So I’d like to wish a very special 4th July to all our American friends here in Chester and across the ‘pond’, and a warm Chester welcome whenever you next visit our beautiful city.