Edgar's Field is a public park in Chester's southern suburb of Handbridge immediately south of the River Dee near the Old Dee Bridge. On the sandstone outcrop towards the centre of the park is the Roman shrine to the goddess Minerva. It is now the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location.
The field takes its name from King Edgar, the great-grandson of Alfred the Great. After his coronation he brought his fleet to Chester. It is thought that he was rowed up the River Dee from the field to attend a service in St John's Church.
Edgar's Field was laid out as a public park by the first Duke of Westminster, Hugh Lupus Grosvenor who presented it to the City of Chester in 1892 as one of the family's many philanthropic activities.
Friends of Edgar's Field Park is a group of local residents and other park users whose aims include working with the Council to:
- Promote the heritage, education, safe use and enjoyment of the Park for all users of all ages
- Act as a voice for local people, residents and visitors to the Park regarding its upkeep and its amenities
- Encourage and to help resource new facilities, activities and events, which are in keeping with the Park's history and traditions
The Friends of Edgar's Field Park are horrified by this appalling crime and would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
Police appeal: anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 1027/20.5.2012
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The Friends of Edgar’s Field Park, Councillor Daniels and Handbridge residents gathered together on Wednesday 18th April to celebrate the anniversary of the official opening of Edgar’s Field, exactly 120 years earlier. A new Flowering Cherry tree was planted in the park to mark the occasion with the ceremony attended by Councillor Razia Daniels. Edgar’s Field was given in trust to Chester Corporation as a public park in 1892 by Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, the First Duke of Westminster for the everlasting use and enjoyment of especially the residents of Handbridge but also the inhabitants of Chester generally. It was officially opened on 18th April in that year by the then Mayor of Chester, Alderman Charles Brown and has been used by generations of Handbridge residents since. Chairman of the Friends of Edgar’s Field Park, Steve Rogers said: “The generous gift of Edgar’s Field to the Community by the First Duke of Westminster all those years ago is still appreciated by Handbridge residents who continue to get a huge benefit from this important green space.” Cheshire West and Chester Council is participating in the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, a national scheme operated by Fields in Trust to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country as a permanent living legacy of the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics and Paralympics. Subject to any legal constraints, Edgar’s Field has now been selected by the Executive to be dedicated as a QE 11 Field adding to the status and protection of the park. Councillor Daniels said: “Edgar’s Field has been a very important asset to Handbridge for 120 years now and was much improved by the renovations in 2010. This is underlined by the large number of adults and children that are using the park every day.” Councillor Neil Sullivan, who unfortunately could not make the planting said: “I'm delighted that Edgar’s Field has been dedicated as a Queen Elizabeth II Field. It is an excellent way to recognise the park's 120 years of service to the Handbridge community."
This year sees the 120th anniversary of the opening of the park on 18th April 1892. An article about this is in the next edition of “Overleigh Roundabout” magazine. We are commemorating this by planting a new tree at 3.45 pm on 18th April and everyone is invited to support this event.
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