UptonbyChester

UptonbyChester is a fictional town and civil parish in England, designed as a representative example of a mid-sized English market town. It is located in the fictional county of Eastmere in the South East region, about 25 miles inland from the coastline. The town sits beside the River Lymn, with a central market square surrounded by historic streets. The surrounding countryside is a mix of arable fields and timber-framed hamlets.

The settlement dates to the medieval period, with a charter granting a weekly market and annual fair in 1264. The wool trade and later textile industries boosted growth during the 18th and 19th centuries. The coming of the railway in the late 19th century connected UptonbyChester to larger towns; the line closed to passengers in the 1960s, with freight services lasting until the 1980s.

It is a civil parish in the Eastmere District Council and has a town council with a ceremonial mayor. The population is around 8,500, with a mix of families, retirees and commuters.

The economy relies on retail, light manufacturing and services. Local landmarks include St Mary's Church (14th century) and the Market Hall (1830). An annual food and crafts market and a summer regatta on the River Lymn are notable events.

UptonbyChester has a primary school and a secondary school, with nearby colleges for further education. The town is connected by a regional road network; bus services link it to neighboring towns. A former rail line is now a public footpath and cycle route.