Historic Chester towers to become gory new family attraction

After securing the keys to two of Chester’s most historic buildings last month, social enterprise Big Heritage has revealed plans to turn the sites into a gory new family attraction.

Known as Sick to Death, the project will take people back through the history of medicine, featuring bone discoveries and interactive exhibits to allow visitors to experience the plague-ridden days of the past.

The attraction will be housed in Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower and the Water Tower, both of which are located on the city’s Roman Walls and date back to the 14th century.

Big Heritage, which signed a lease for the towers in June with Cheshire West and Chester Council, has brought its plans to fruition will support from international charitable foundation Wellcome.

Depending on its success in 2016, Sick to Death could become a permanent attraction for the city, breathing new life into historic landmarks that have sat unused for years.

Big Heritage’s managing director, archaeologist Dean Paton, said: “We can’t wait to let the public into these two incredible 14th century towers with our amazing new family attraction, Sick to Death.

“The doors haven’t been opened for decades so to bring them to life in this way is so exciting.”

He continued: “Chester has such an incredible story when it comes to the history of medicine and Sick to Death brings that alive in so many ways.

“It’s going to be gruesome, gory and, most of all, great fun for families living in and visiting the city this summer. And you might even get the chance to meet the Plague Doctor.”

The attraction will open later this month.

Wellcome’s sustaining excellence manager, Greer Roberts, commented: “When Dean came to us with his proposal, we felt it was a very exciting proposition to establish a new attraction in Chester and bring the history of medicine to a whole new audience.

“We are very pleased to be involved in this important project and we are sure the attraction will be a big hit with families and kids of all ages.”