When somebody mentions 'Chester', images of roman soldiers chanting "sin, dex, sin" fill the city streets. Who would have thought that, since 2022, the streets would also have seen roman gladiators, Tudor stonemasons and bricklayers, in addition to groups of Victorians, also wandering around. 

After nearly four years of operating in both Lancaster and Chester, Live History is still making its presence known. "Some people seem to be of the opinion that there were romans and then the present day but a lot happened in between too," says the group's founder, Tom.

"As we approach our four year anniversary, it's always a good time to reflect on what has worked, what hasn't and to consider how to make improvements for the future." 

Live History has been privileged this year to have worked with a number of historic groups in Chester. "This time last year, I had no idea that I'd end up doing gladiator tours for children over the half-term but it's been so much fun," reflects Tom. "My wife asked me last year when I would ever use a spear to which I responded that I was sure I could find some use for it!" As luck had it, Live History worked Roman Day at Chester Racecourse this year, where they introduced Carpophorus, a gladiator character known for fighting with a spear. Ironically, the group missed the gladiator photoshoot that day as they were busy filming for Amazon Prime with the My Haunted Project team at Ye Olde king's Head. 

It hasn't all been good fortune for the group though. For the last couple of years, Live History had been working on a business plan and designs for a medieval heritage centre on Lower Bridge Street. "We were trying to raise funds to purchase the former Quicks site on Lower Bridge Street in an effort to reinvigorate the heritage scene in that part of Chester. The hope was to create a new Chester attraction that was completely unique. We wanted to make it accessible to everyone to use. Profits would have gone into restoring and reopening St Olive's Church next door, which could have been used as a wedding venue." 

Their plans had been for an immersive, theatrical heritage attraction that would have allowed the public to explore reconstructed streets from Chester's post-roman past (with atmospheric sights and smells), complete with an underground ride through which to explore archaeology, live actors in the streets above and historical activities, such as medieval archery and Tudor street theatre. The site would also have included a community garden, art gallery and themed cafes in addition to a youth club and space for school workshops. 

"Sadly for us, we've recently found out that it's just been sold so we've had to scrap the idea for good", says Tom, regrettably. "As long as the new owners respect the archaeology beneath it, we can focus on other things." 

In fact, Live History did just that a few months ago. "We received a request in September from someone wanting to book the Dickensian Grotto we had launched last year. So we set it back up again. Due to it being a late request however, not as many showed for the Victorian flashmob meanwhile the woman who had requested the grotto didn't even show up." It wasn't all bad news though as the Victorian-themed grotto (featuring Mother Christmas and Father Christmas, in his traditional green) proved very popular with certain groups. Being based on Charles Dickens' book 'A Christmas Carol', the atmosphere was very dark with traditional presents being wrapped in brown paper. "It turned out to be ideal for SEN children, who could escape the usual sparkly grottos throughout the country, which can be very over-stimulating for some as well as busy." With longer time slots and a calmer atmosphere, many complimented the group on their professionalism and festive setup. 

As the new year approaches though, Live History continues to plan for the future. The Tudor & Stuart Tour of Chester, established in February 2022, received two Traveller's Choice Awards from Trip Advisor in the last two years. Visitors accompany a Jacobean bricklayer called Myles Mason as they explore Chester's social history during the early modern period...a time of dissolution, pestilence and even civil war. Tudor & Stuart Tours will recommence for the group in February 2026, in addition to their Filthy Chester Tours, launched in the summer of this year. Filthy Chester Tours take a look at Chester's unspoken past, told from its filthy streets. "I believe that it's the only tour in Chester that features obscene language and stories of an uncomfortably taboo nature, which is the reason why it's strictly 18s and over", says Tom. 

2026 will see some new projects too. The group are planning a new Voice Map tour for Chester, new hireable Chester Family Tour character and revamped Tudor workshops, ready for school visits. There is also a new walking tour in the works in Lancaster, in addition to the group's Lancaster Family and Georgian & Regency Tours. 

Some rest on their laurels but not Live History. They want to encourage everyone to visit Chester to experience its past and it looks like they're living up to their mantra. 

To find out more information or to book tours with Live History, please visit their website www.livehistory.co.uk now.