Wishing Steps
At the southeastern corner of Chester's medieval walls are a series of six short flights of steps that are known as the Wishing Steps. The steps were built in 1785 and originally led up from street level to an ancient watch tower which was removed in 1826. Not to be confused with the Recorder's Steps, which provide access to the walls a little further to the south, the Wishing Steps are part of the walls walkway.
According to local folklore, if an unmarried girl was to take a deep breath, run to the top of the Wishing Steps, down again, and up again without drawing another breath in between, the man of her choice would propose to her. In more recent times it has simply been said that anybody who completes this feat may make a wish that will then come true.
A plaque marking the installation of the Wishing Steps is sited in the medieval wall alongside the Wishing Steps. Sadly, the commemorative tablet has been badly weathered over the years and it probably will not belong before the inscription is unreadable. In the above photo taken in 2025, the inscription is still just readable: "These Steps were Erected A.D. 1785".