Chester-le-Street

Chester-le-Street is a market town in County Durham situated between Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. The Riverside Park along the River Wear connects ornamental gardens with recreational facilities and runs through a section of the town.

The Romans built the fort Concangis at this location around the year 100 near the ancient route known as Cade's Road. The strategic position made the settlement an important point in the Roman defense line in the north.

The name combines Latin castra meaning camp with the Old English word stræt for street, reflecting the Roman origins of the settlement. The church preserves an early translation of the Lindisfarne Gospels that visitors can view today.

The town center offers access to shopping areas and public transport connections toward Durham and Newcastle. The Durham County Cricket Ground nearby occasionally hosts international matches and is reachable from the center.

Until 1932, residents played football every year on Shrove Tuesday directly in the streets of the town. Authorities eventually banned this medieval tradition because of growing traffic concerns and disorder.

Location: County Durham

GPS coordinates: 54.85940,-1.56990

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:32