St Peter's is believed to have been founded in AD907 by Æthelflæd, ruler of Mercia and eldest daughter of Alfred the Great.
The present structure dates from the 1300s but has been adapted, extended and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries leading to an architecturally fascinating building. Located at the meeting point of the four main Roman roads in the centre of Chester, throughout the medieval period it maintained close ties with the market and the Pentice Court.
Two new aisles were added between 1530 and 1539. There is an embraced west tower, formerly with a spire. Significant restoration and alteration work was carried out in the 19th century. Significant features include three large stained glass windows, from the 1860s, in the east wall depicting the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Ascension. On the northeast pier opposite the main church door is a fresco, considered to be the best preserved medieval wall painting in Cheshire.