George and Dragon - Chester, Cheshire

Not far from Chester’s Northgate arch stands the George and Dragon pub, an imposing Victorian black-and-white building seemingly haunted by the spirits of long-dead Roman soldiers.

The pub occupies a site straddling the old Roman road, or via decumana, leading out from the portaecumana, the north gate of the fortress. Roman military law forbade the burial of legionaries within the fortress, and so memorials to the dead lined the roads immediately outside. (Interestingly, many of the carved and sculpted memorial stones were reused by the Romans when they refortified the north wall of the fortress – and can now be seen on display in Chester’s superb Grosvenor Museum).

Over the centuries, both landlords and regulars of the pub have heard the drum of marching feet beneath the floors – following the route of the old Roman road. Strangely, the sound seems loudest in the cellars, closer to the original Roman ground level, which once stood several feet below the modern surface.

About

A short walk from Chester City centre, the George and Dragon is a traditional hostelry that blends well with a modern lively bar. Our open plan lounge, with three fireplaces, creates a warm and cosy atmosphere to enjoy our well-stocked cellar and traditional food. The Character building which now stands on the site is around 100 years old, but there has been a public house or coaching inn, of some kind, on the site for a lot longer.

It is also thought that there could be a burial ground of Roman origin on the site, which is possible given that Chester was an important Roman town, known as Dewa. The town now plays host to many Roman remains, such as old forts and walls, many are still hidden under the town itself but you can see some excellent uncovered examples at the DEWA Roman Experience.

Features

Hairdryer Iron & Ironing Board
Tea/Coffee
TV
All en-suite with shower-room

Things to do

Only 5 minutes walk from the city centre, the George and Dragon is an ideal stopover for Chester races and Chester Zoo. We are 3 miles away from Cheshire Oaks shopping outlet and The Blue planet aquarium. Next door to Chester university makes us extremely popular with the students and their families.