There was little pretence in Chester and the visitors liked that. The men especially liked to drop social conventions, "scruff around on a boat", and even drink and swear with little fear of judgment. The women also enjoyed a little more freedom than they might have at home. They often spent longer periods in Chester than their husbands and fathers, and so a strong women's social network developed. Visitors who employed locals and treated them well were repaid with loyalty and discretion. Anyone who looked down on the locals didn't get far. Discretion was highly valued.