Chester was founded as a castrum or roman fort in the year 79 ad by the roman legio ii adiutrix during the reign of the emperor vespasian chesters four main roads eastgate northgate watergate and bridge follow routes laid out at this time almost 2 000 years ago no city in britain is richer in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures than chester with its walled city on the river dee this 48hrcity sightseeing chester open top bus tour will introduce you to the city walls