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Farndon

By Mike O'Kell

As Countryside Officer for Chester City Council, I am lucky enough to be able to travel all over the local area. One village I have been spending a lot of time in recently, and not that far from Caldy Nature Park, is worth a visit. Farndon is a local village with a fascinating history. It was already an important crossing on the River Dee before the arrival of Roman Legionnaires who made their camp on the western bank.

The strategic position of the village was also recognised by the Normans who built a castle in Holt a millennium later. The castle played its part in the Civil War 600 years after that when the Roundheads and Royalists fought for control of the bridge that linked England and Wales.

The bridge may well owe its survival to the differences of opinion that have occurred across the border.When the Victorians planned to build a new bridge, it was never started because no one could agree on how to divide the bill.

oday a modern bypass takes traffic around the village. Its quiet main street still holds old coaching inns as it circles round the ancient heart of the village, St. Chad's Church.

Farndon makes a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. There are walks along the banks of the Dee or you can ride across the Cheshire Plain to the Peckforton Hills. If you would like a leafet showing local walks or easy back roads for cyclists, then please give me a call. Mike O'Kell on 01244 402578.

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