{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} {{Use British English|date=October 2017}} {{Infobox historic site | name = Minerva's Shrine | image = Minerva's Shrine.jpg | image_size = 250 | caption = Minerva's Shrine | locmapin = Cheshire | map_width = 250 | map_caption = Location in Cheshire | coordinates = {{coord|53.1843|-2.8893|display=inline,title}} | location = Edgar's Field, Handbridge, Chester, England | gbgridref = SJ 406 656 | built = 2nd century | designation1 = Grade I | designation1_date = 28 July 1955 | designation1_number= 1375783 }}
'''Minerva's Shrine''' is a Roman shrine dedicated to the goddess Minerva, located in Edgar's Field, Handbridge, Chester, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed building.<ref name="nhle">{{NHLE |num=1375783 |desc=Roman shrine to Minerva, Chester |access-date=29 July 2012 |mode=cs2}}</ref>
The shrine dates from the early 2nd century and is carved into the face of a sandstone quarry.<ref name="nhle" /> It is considered the only monument of its type in western Europe that remains in its original location.<ref name="ccc">{{cite web |url=http://www.chester.gov.uk/tourism_and_leisure/heritage_trails/discover_edgars_field/minerva_shrine.aspx |title=Minerva's Shrine |publisher=Chester City Council |access-date=3 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213557/http://www.chester.gov.uk/tourism_and_leisure/heritage_trails/discover_edgars_field/minerva_shrine.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> The carving is protected by a 19th-century stone surround with a hood, refurbished in the late 20th century.<ref name="nhle" /> Over time, the figure has weathered and has suffered damage from human activity. Adjacent to the shrine is an opening in the rock face, possibly a natural fissure later enlarged, known as Edgar's Cave.<ref name="ccc" />
The shrine stands beside the route of the former main Roman road leading into the fortress of Deva Victrix from the south. In Roman religion, Minerva was associated with war, wisdom and craftsmanship. She is commonly depicted with a helmet, shield, breastplate and spear; in this carving, however, she appears in simplified form, standing within a representation of a temple.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Langtree |editor1-first=Stephen |editor2-last=Comyns |editor2-first=Alan |year=2001 |title=2000 Years of Building: Chester's Architectural Legacy |location=Chester |publisher=Chester Civic Trust |page=29 |isbn=0-9540152-0-7}}</ref>
The Roman quarry, together with Edgar's Field and the rock-cut figure of Minerva, is designated as a Scheduled monument.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1014718 |desc=Roman quarry including Edgar's Cave and the rock-cut figure of Minerva on Edgar's Field, 150m south west of Dee Bridge |access-date=30 October 2011 |mode=cs2 |fewer-links=x}}</ref>
A cast of the shrine is held in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester.
==See also== {{portal|Cheshire}} *List of Scheduled Monuments in Cheshire dated to before 1066 *Grade I listed buildings in Cheshire West and Chester
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category inline|Minerva's Shrine, Chester}} * [http://www.cheshirenow.co.uk/minervas_shrine.html Illustrated article on Minerva's Shrine'] *[https://random-times.com/2018/08/19/chester-england-the-minervas-shrine/ The Minerva Shrine]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chester}} Category:Grade I listed buildings in Chester Category:Roman sites in Cheshire Category:Roman religious sites in England Minerva's Shrine Category:Archaeological sites in Cheshire Minerva's Shrine Category:Scheduled monuments in Cheshire Category:Religious buildings and structures in the United Kingdom Category:2nd-century religious buildings and structures Category:Temples of Minerva Category:Shrines Category:Religious buildings and structures in England