The Wild Boar A Pawsitively Wild Symbol

Ah……this takes me back. The halcyon days of dancing around handbags in Rendezvous, Tiffanys, Blimpers etc, while decked out in new dancing clobber from Caran D’ache, or Nickleby’s, or Harry Fenton’s, or Gearbox, listening to great tunes like Wild Boars. Wasn’t it Duran Duran who belted out that classic? Wait a minute, wait a minute…..a quick soundcheck. Hit it Simon Le Bon!!! Sorry, my mistake. It would seem that Simon Le Bon et al weren’t singing the praises of the wild boar. Nope, it was Wild Boys.

Note to self – chalk that off my karaoke list. Oh well, I was nearly right. Mind you though, now that I’ve mentioned the Wild Boar. Did you know……….

The Wild Boar

Yes, did you know of the connections between our historic beautiful city and the Duran Duran soundalike classic? If you didn’t, read on.

Anyone entering our new market may have wondered what the sculpture represents a few yards from the main entrance doors. Apart from a “Welcome to Chester” greeting the sculpture, in a city where ancient history meets modern charm, a wild boar might just be one of the most celebrated citizens. That’s right, folks! While Chester may be famous for its well-preserved Roman walls, stunning medieval architecture, and the picturesque River Dee, it’s the wild boar that snorts its way into the hearts and heritage of this historic city. Grab your helmets and let’s charge headfirst into the story of Chester’s feisty mascot.

A Roman Rumpus

Chester’s connection to the wild boar dates back to its Roman origins. The city, originally called Deva Victrix, was founded as a Roman fortress in AD 79. The Romans were nothing if not thorough, and they left behind more than just walls and amphitheaters. They also bequeathed the city a symbol that would stand the test of time: the wild boar.

Why a wild boar, you ask? The Roman Legion XX Valeria Victrix, stationed in Chester, adopted the wild boar as its emblem. These legionaries were tough cookies, and the boar, known for its ferocity and strength, was the perfect symbol to represent their martial prowess. Imagine a bunch of battle-hardened soldiers strutting around with boar insignia on their shields—no wonder they were so intimidating!

From Rampaging Romans to Medieval Mascots

Fast forward a few centuries, and the wild boar continued to leave its mark on Chester. During medieval times, the boar’s head became a popular heraldic symbol, representing bravery and fierceness. Local lords and knights proudly displayed boar imagery on their coats of arms, and it even found its way into the city’s heraldry.

The boar’s head symbol was not just about scaring the pants off your enemies; it also made for some splendid feasts. Medieval banquets often featured the grand presentation of a boar’s head, typically accompanied by a fanfare of trumpets and a healthy dose of medieval pageantry. Talk about a centrepiece!

Snout and About in Modern Chester

Today, the wild boar remains a beloved symbol of Chester, popping up in various forms throughout the city. From statues and plaques to pub names and local businesses, the boar is everywhere. Take a stroll down Eastgate Street, and you might even spot the odd boar peeking out from a shop sign or a piece of street art.

Maybe a notable addition to Chester’s annual celebrations could be a Chester Boar Festival. Just imagine, a quirky celebration to include everything from historical reenactments to boar-themed art exhibitions and Roman style culinary delights. It could be a wild time—pun absolutely intended.

A Boar-ingly Good Day Out

Planning a visit to Chester? Make sure to embrace the boar! Start your day with a visit to the Grosvenor Museum, where you can delve into the city’s Roman roots and learn more about Legion XX and their fearsome emblem. Then, take a guided tour of the city walls and imagine the days when Roman soldiers patrolled with boar-emblazoned shields.

For lunch, why not try one of Chester’s delightful pubs? The Boathouse or The Shropshire Arms might not serve boar’s head anymore, but they offer hearty fare that’ll make you feel like a Roman legionary after a long day’s march.

And of course, don’t forget to snap a selfie with the boar sculpture in the market entrance. It’s a snort-worthy way to remember your trip to our beautiful, historic city.

The Wild Boar A Symbol that Sticks

From its ferocious Roman origins to its modern-day charm, the wild boar is more than just a symbol of Chester—it’s a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and rich history. So next time you find yourself wandering the cobbled streets of this ancient city, take a moment to appreciate the boar. After all, it’s been keeping Chester wild for nearly two millennia.

Maybe there should be a local competition inviting locals to come up with a name for our wild boar? Now that would be interesting.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Many thanks for visiting and reading my last blog post – The Wild Boar A Pawsitively Wild Symbol. Yet another fascinating piece of ancient Roman history to be reminded of.  

Plenty of other posts and topics as well here on my website. To read my other blog posts on a variety of topics, pop along to HERE. 

Chester Lifestyle Wall Art

As this is a Chester related website, you may be looking for the ideal Chester related gift for your loved ones. If so, then have a look at my Chester section of my new Etsy store. You can find out more about my Etsy store HERE.

Plenty of originally created downloadable digital artwork for you to have a look at HERE. And, as I say, a variety of Chester related products to choose from. Go on….you know you want to!!

Simple instantly downloadable images – an ideal gift for any occasion…..a unique piece of Chester wall art.

And as this is post about Chester Races 2024, gifts like……an instantly downloadable image of Chester Races as seen from the Chester Walls. And there’s more. A lot more and not only Chester images.