Who is she down there on the left?

Minerva (Pallas Athena in Greek) was one of the most important of the ancient Greek and Roman goddesses. She was originally a goddess of war, hence her armour and spear. She fought on behalf of just causes and is therefore seen as a civilising influence, in contrast to Mars.

By being associated with wisdom she became the patron of a number of institutions of learning and the arts.

She was the daughter of Jupiter and Juno. She was also considered to be the goddess of poetry, medicine, commerce, crafts, and the inventor of music. As Minerva Medica, she was the goddess of medicine and doctors.

Ovid called her the "goddess of a thousand works." Minerva was worshipped throughout Italy, though only in Rome did she take on a warlike character. Minerva is usually depicted wearing a coat of mail and a helmet, and carrying a spear. The Romans celebrated her festival from March 19 to 23 during the Quinquatria, the artisans' holiday and a lesser version, the Quinquatrus was held on June 13.

Why the owls on this site?

As symbols of wisdom, her attributes are books and an owl. A shrine to Minerva carved into rock just outside the Roman fort of Deva (Chester) contains the figure of an owl.

Minerva was the patron of the XX Legion, quartered in Chester for more than 200 years. Minervawebs originated in Chester, hence the name.