  The Chester walls are the only perfect specimen of this order of ancient fortification now to be met with in England. There is nothing, perhaps, which impresses a stranger more forcibly, or sooner attracts his interest and curiosity, than these embattled memorials of the olden time. In King’s ‘Vale Royal’ it is stated that they were first built by Marius, King of the Britons, A.D. 73. Leland and Selden, both authors of credit, attribute to the Romans the foundation of Chester. According to Geoffry of Monmouth, Higden, Bradshaw the Monk, and Stowe, it is of an origin more ancient than Rome itself, and was only re-edified by the legionaries; but, in support of their assertions, the aforesaid writers, all of whom delight in the marvellous, give no other authority save vague tradition. On the other hand, the Walls of Chester, at this hour, bear witness to the truth of Leland and Selden’s account of their origin. They are built of soft freestone, and command extensive and beautiful prospects. The view from the Northgate, with the Welsh Hills in the distance, is universally admired. The Walls are a mile and three-quarters and one hundred and twenty-one yards in circumference, and are kept in repair by the Corporation. We commence our perambulation at a flight of steps on the North side of the Eastgate. Proceeding to the right a short distance, the venerable Cathedral arrests our attention. At the end of Abbey-street is a small archway or passage through the Walls, leading to the Kale-yards, or cabbage gardens, which formerly belonged to the Abbot and Convent of St. Werburgh. This opening was permitted to be made for their convenience, in the reign of Edward I., to prevent the necessity of bringing their vegetables by a circuitous road through the Eastgate. A few paces farther on was a quadrangular abutment, on which formerly stood a tower called The Sadlers’ Tower, from the Company of Sadlers holding their meetings there. The tower was The elevated tower on the Canal bank belongs to the extensive Shot and White Lead Manufactory of Messrs. Walker, Parker, and Co., and forms a prominent object in the different approaches to the City. The lofty tower which stands at the angle is called The Phoenix Tower,which was formerly used by some of the companies of the city, whose arms were placed upon it, as a chamber for business. Of these the Phoenix, the crest of the Painters’ and Stationers’ Company, which was put up in 1613, now only remains. From the summit of this tower, King Charles I. had the mortification to see his army, under the generalship of Sir Marmaduke Langdale, defeated by the Parliamentary forces, which were led by General Pointz, at the battle of Rowton Moor, on the 27th September, 1645. From its elevation and command of view over the township of Newton, it was formerly called Newton’s Tower. Linked as it is with that eventful battle during one of the most significant epochs of our national history, it is not surprising that it is always regarded with intense curiosity, as a suggestive memorial of most interesting occurrences. The mind is involuntarily carried back to the period when our country was involved in the discord, strife, and bloodshed of civil war; and, perhaps, as involuntarily reflects on the genial and happy change which the progress of knowledge, freedom, and religion has accomplished in the minds and institutions of the people. We can now occupy the very spot on which the hapless monarch beheld the discomfiture of his hopes and power; but can gaze upon a prospect very different from that which greeted his vision, and with emotions more grateful than those which then distracted the monarch’s breast. His Majesty remained that night in Chester, and on the following day marched with 500 horse into Wales. Beneath the walls here, deeply cut in the solid rock, is the Ellesmere and Chester Canal. Between the Eastgate and Phoenix Tower the remains of the Roman Walls are conspicuous in the lower courses. At the distance of about seven feet from the top of the parapet, the Roman portion is terminated by a cornice, which extends in broken lengths for at least 100 yards. King Charles’ Tower, City Walls, Chester Next we arrive at The Northgate.The ancient gate, over which the gaol was situated, and where criminals were formerly executed, was taken down in 1808, and the prisoners removed to a more commodious building on the south side of the infirmary. The present gate is a Doric structure, forming a capacious elliptic arch of white stone, divided from two smaller ones at the sides by two pillars. It was erected at the expense of the late Marquis of Westminster. The North side bears this inscription—
On the South side is the following:—
The summit of this gate commands a most extensive and delightful prospect. On each side of the gate is a commodious flight of steps, by which the passenger may descend into Northgate-street. Near the gate, and on the left hand of Upper Northgate-street, stands the Blue-coat Hospital, which was founded by subscription in 1700, at the suggestion of Bishop Stratford. The greater part of the present structure was built in 1717, partly at the expense of the Corporation and partly by benefactions. Thirty-two boys are boarded, clothed, and educated, from the age of twelve to fourteen. There are also sixty probationary day scholars, who succeed to the vacancies of the former. They are well educated in the various branches of useful knowledge, and at the age of fourteen are provided with respectable situations. The chapel and hospital being destroyed during the civil wars, were rebuilt by Colonel Roger Whitley, to whom King Charles Second granted the hospital estate for his life and twenty years after. When the city charter was renewed in 1686, the reversions were granted to the mayor and citizens for ever, as trustees for the hospital. The Corporation obtained possession in 1703, and have since exercised the right of presentation. In the time of King Henry VIII. it consisted of a chaplain and six poor brethren; and had lands and profits to the amount of £28 10s. 4d. In later days there were in the Chapel-yard six almshouses for widows, who were each allowed £1 6s. 8d. a year and some perquisites. In 1801, Alderman Crewe bequeathed £30 per annum to be divided amongst them in equal proportions. Under an amended scheme, by order of the Court of Chancery, in 1852, the almshouses were rebuilt, and provision is now made for thirteen “poor and impotent persons of both sexes,” to each of whom the sum of £26 a year, by weekly payments of 10s., is given. They have free occupation of the houses, and £30 per annum. Alderman Crewe’s legacy is expended for their benefit in coals and other articles of domestic comfort. Proceeding on our circuit, we next reach a curious square building called Morgan’s Mount, a platform on the right, accessible by a flight of steps, underneath which is a sort of chamber, apparently one of the stations for a sentinel. From the summit we have a wide-spreading and enchanting prospect, exhibiting the windings of the Dee to its estuary; Flint Castle; the Jubilee Column, on Moel Fammau; the Lighthouse, at the point of Ayr; the beautiful range of the Clwyddian hills; and the church and castle of Hawarden. On the right, a very excellent view is presented of the Training College,In the Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education for 1850, there are the following remarks, by the Rev. Henry Moseley, upon the Chester Training College:—
A few paces further on is an ancient tower, formerly called the Goblin’s Tower, but now known by the name of Pemberton’s Parlour. Being in a ruinous condition, part of it was taken down in 1702, and the remainder renovated and repaired. On the front was some excellent carved work in stone, and the names of the then Mayor (the Earl of Derby) and the other corporate officers of the year in which the repairs were made; but in consequence of the stone being of a soft and friable nature, and from other causes,
On the left is a large field, anciently called Barrow Field, which was used by the Roman soldiers for their military exercises; a vast number of bodies were buried here at one of the periods when the plague raged so severely in the city. Water Tower & Museum, City Walls, Chester Continuing our route westward, we next come to The Water Tower,an ancient fortress, erected for the purpose of repelling the approach of maritime foes, for it appears that formerly the river flowed under this part of the walls, so that vessels could sail close by the Tower. At high tide, the whole of the land on which are now situated Crane-street and the neighbourhood, was covered with water. At the south angle of the walls is an old square tower, anciently called Bonwaldesthorne’s Tower, from which is an embattled passage to the Water Tower, which was built in 1322, by contract for £100, by John Helpstone, a mason. The dimensions were 24 yards in height, and 10½ yards in diameter. It had openings for cannon and rings in the walls, to which ships were formerly moored. This noble bulwark is suggestive of reflections of deep historic interest; for at the siege of Chester by the Republican army, this place was bombarded from the farm-house called Brewer’s Hall, on the opposite side of the river, but without success. Many a gallant sentinel has here kept loyal watch against the approach of the enemy. Happily, our age needs not these ancient fortifications for the warlike purpose to which they were originally devoted, and as an exhibition of the genius of the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries in happy contrast, this tower, built for war, is now occupied as a Museum of the Mechanics’ Institution,and is devoted to the more beneficent object of science and general improvement. Although the Museum is but of recent origin, the zeal and liberality of its supporters have already well furnished it with valuable relies, which will interest the antiquary, and other Camera Obscura,which is situated on the upper part of the tower. We can promise the reader much amusement from this excellent instrument, which will furnish him with a most charming prospect of the diversified and lovely scenery of the district. On the top of the tower is fixed a very good telescope by Dollond, which commands a most extensive and magnificent view. If the day be favourable, and the atmosphere clear, we can stretch our gaze over a wide and truly grand range of objects, embracing the Great Ormshead at Llandudno in Carnarvonshire, the Wrekin in Shropshire, Moel Fammau and the Welsh Hills, towering aloft in their tranquil majesty. Across the river is Brewer’s Hall, which we have mentioned, where Cromwell’s army erected a battery, for the purpose of destroying this tower, “but which had no great effect;” close by is the Railway Viaduct of forty-seven arches, and the Bridge crossing the Dee on cast-iron girders; the whole scene forming an exceedingly fine panorama. At the foot of the flight of steps close by are the City Baths and Wash-houses. The swimming bath is very capacious, and the necessary adjuncts most complete: there are also private and shower baths. We now resume our walk; and, proceeding southwards from the Water Tower, on the left, is The Infirmary;a handsome brick building, founded by Dr. William Stratford, who bequeathed £300 to the charity. It was opened on the 17th March, 1761. It is capable of containing 100 beds, with commodious offices, and excellent accommodation for its respective officers. The north part of the building is exclusively devoted to a fever ward. This asylum for the afflicted is liberally supported by voluntary subscriptions. Donors of twenty guineas, and subscribers of two guineas per annum, are governors, with the privilege of recommending two in-patients, and six out-door patients annually. The inmates receive the most humane and skilful attention from The number of patients admitted during the year 1857 were—
Of all the charitable institutions which do honour to the benevolence of the city, the Infirmary ranks the first in beneficial and important operations, and eminently deserves the sympathy and support of the public. The next large building close by is The City Gaol,which also includes the House of Correction; both are under the superintendence of a committee of the Town Council. The Gaol is in the western part of the building, with a good Doric entrance. Over the front entrance, within the iron railing, the condemned criminals are executed. The entrance to the House of Correction is at the east end, and is also of stone. Each of these establishments has four courts, with cells and day rooms adjoining; and both are under the government of one gaoler and a male and female assistant. There is a chapel common to both establishments. The chaplain is appointed by the Corporation. In consequence of the escapes the prisoners have succeeded in making from time to time, many improvements have been made in the internal arrangements of the prison, since it was first built, respecting the classification of prisoners and other matters; and the outworks of the building have received some important additions to ensure their greater security. A little further on to the left is Stanley-place, a pleasant, open square of modern residences, leading to the Linen Hall Cheese Mart, which is well supplied at the fairs, held six times during the year, with Cheese from the dairies of Cheshire and North Wales. We now ascend a handsome gateway called The Watergate,the custody of which formerly belonged to the Earls of Derby, who held a valuable river jurisdiction, in executing the mayor’s warrants on the Dee, which formerly flowed close underneath. It was purchased from the Derby family by the Corporation in 1778, taken down in 1788, and the present structure erected in 1789, the expense being defrayed out of the murage duties fund. It
The view from the summit of this gate is very extensive, the objects immediately surrounding adding much to the pleasure of the scene. On the opposite bank of the river Dee is Curzon Park, with its beautiful villa residences. On the left is Grosvenor Bridge, with its far-famed noble arch, the widest arch of masonry in the world; a little beyond may be seen the grand lodge entrance to Eaton Park, erected at the cost of £14,000, the toute ensemble forming a most charming picture. The site of the present Crane-street and the parts adjacent were formerly under water. Immediately below is the beautiful and spacious meadow called the Roodeye.It contains about eighty-four statute acres of land, and is let by the Corporation as a pasture for cattle. It was once the arena for ancient sports, and the city games and gymnastics were celebrated here, respecting which there are many curious records extant. Of these, however, the horse races alone remain, which continue to be held in the first week of May, this Spring meeting being considered one of the most important and interesting illustrations of the national sports of the turf. The course is little more than a mile, and affords the spectators the singular advantage of seeing the horses during the whole race. The Earl of Chester’s Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry assembles annually on the Roodeye for exercise. The antiquity of the Chester races appears from the following extract from the collection of the late Mr. Nicholls of Chorlton, to whose researches the authors of the ‘History of Cheshire’ are much indebted. The MS. from which this is extracted is entitled,
Chester Cemetery The House of Industry,built by the Corporation in 1757, as a refuge for age and indigence. Warm and cold baths are established for the use of the inmates, whose comfort is most studiously consulted and provided for. The pleasant row of houses on the right of the Roodeye is called Paradise-row, the site of which, as appears by an ancient map, was once in the bed of the river. Soon after passing the Watergate, on the left, there is an opening to the city, called Smith’s-walk, at the bottom of which stands a large house, on the site of which formerly stood the Priory of White Friars or Carmelites. On the north side of the open field on the left is a pleasant mansion, now the Rectory house of St. Bridget’s parish, but formerly the residence of the late Thomas Harrison, Esq., the celebrated architect, who has immortalized his genius in some of the finest works of which Chester can boast. Near this spot once stood a convent of Benedictine nuns, dedicated to St. Mary. It was suppressed, with the other lesser monasteries, in 1537, and no vestige of the ancient building now remains. Before proceeding further on our circuit round the walls, we recommend the visitor to turn off to the right on the road, for the purpose of inspecting the New Cemetery, near the Grosvenor Bridge.It is beautifully laid out, and arranged with admirable taste, and was rendered necessary by the overcrowded state of the parochial burial grounds. Opposite the Cemetery gates is a suspension bridge, for foot passengers, to Curzon Park, whence we have a fine panoramic view of Chester. We now retrace our steps to survey that interesting structure, The Castle.We have no precise authority whereby to ascertain the date of the foundation of Chester Castle. Some think there is good reason to believe it to be of Roman origin, and of equal antiquity with the City Walls. Others have fixed the date of its erection A.D. 1069, by William the Conqueror; but there are some considerations which seem to point to an earlier period than this. It is stated by Camden to have been repaired by Hugh Lupus, and additional fortifications erected by the Norman Earls his successors. It was In 1237, upon the death of John Scott, the last earl of the Norman line, the Commissioners of Henry III. seized Chester Castle for the King. In 1265 James De Aldithley and Urian De St. Pierre, at the head of the citizens of Chester, besieged Luke De Taney, King’s Justice, in the Castle, which held out for ten weeks, when, upon receiving intelligence of the battle of Evesham, he surrendered. Henry of Lancaster (afterwards Henry IV.), having taken up arms against Richard II. in 1399, mustered his army upon the bank of the Dee, under the walls of Chester, and Sir Piers Legh of Lyme, an adherent of Richard, was beheaded, and his head set upon the top of the highest tower in the Castle. Shortly afterwards, the unfortunate Richard and the Earl of Salisbury were brought prisoners to Chester, mounted (says Hall) “upon two little nagges, not worth forty franks,” when the King was delivered “to the Duke of Gloucester’s sonne and the Earl of Arundell’s sonne, that loved him but a little, for he had put their fathers to death, who led him strait to the castell.” In 1403 Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur, visited Chester on his way to the fatal field of Shrewsbury, and caused proclamation to be made, that King Richard was yet alive, and a prisoner in Chester Castle, where he might be seen. Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester, wife of the Good Duke Humphrey, was confined for several months in Chester Castle, in 1447, previous to her removal to the Isle of Man, under a sentence of perpetual imprisonment, on a charge of “practising the King’s death.” Here, in 1651, the Puritans, in their peculiar phraseology, “sought the Lord,” by trying and condemning to death the gallant and patriotic Earl of Derby, Sir Timothy Featherstonehaugh, and Captain Benbow. According to Whitlocke, the Earl “attempted to escape, and was let down by a rope from the leads of his chamber; but some hearing a noise, made after him, and he was retaken upon Dee bank.” The ancient structure was taken down at the close of the last century, and the present edifice erected on its site. On the western side of the esplanade is the Armoury, capable of containing between 30,000 and 40,000 stand of arms. This is well worthy the inspection of strangers, who cannot fail to be struck with the excellent state in which the military stores are kept, and the tasteful arrangement of the arms. Within the gate at the east end of this range of buildings is the guard-house, behind which is a venerable tower, called Julius Agricola’s, or CÆsar’s, which is still entire, and partly occupied as a magazine. Within this tower is a curious chapel, mentioned in the tax-book of Henry VIII. as the chantry “infra Castrum CestriÆ” and yielding as its tenth 10s. 8d. It is an upper chamber, about 19 feet by 16, and 16 feet in height. The roof, which is vaulted and groined, is of stone. On one side is a plain pointed recess in the wall, the back of which appears to have been ornamented with paintings, and was probably the altar. James II. heard mass in this chapel. The Gaol and County Hall.The principal entrance to the Shire Hall is through a portico of twelve columns in double rows, 22 feet high, and 3 feet 1½ inches in diameter, each formed of a single stone. The ceiling, roof, and covering, are also of stone. The hall is of a semicircular form, measuring 80 feet by 50, including the judgment-seat, and 44 feet high, and is lighted from above. The ceiling is a semi-dome, boldly caissoned with ventilators opening to the roof, in the shape of ornamental roses. It is supported by a row of twelve Ionic columns, each composed of a single stone, from the bases of which there is a gradual descent by a flight of circular steps to the bar, which enables every one in the body of the court to have a perfect view of the judges, counsel, prisoners, and witnesses. There is a subterraneous passage from the dock to the prison, which affords both facility and safety in the removal of the prisoners. On the left is the entrance to the County Gaol, which may vie in every respect with any other establishment of the sort in the kingdom. It is built upon two levels. On the east side of the range of buildings on the upper level is the Deputy-Governor’s house; adjoining are the day and sleeping rooms of the male debtors, with a large and commodious yard, commanding a view of the surrounding country; and in an extensive wing are the convicts’ cells, apartments for the female debtors and prisoners, with the matron’s house and hospital. In the centre, projecting beyond the level, and of a semicircular form, so as to command a view of the court yards, &c., are the gaoler’s or governor’s apartments. Underneath the governor’s apartments, and of the same form, is the chapel, which has lately been rebuilt and much improved. It is situate between the upper and lower level, and so contrived as to receive the debtors and criminals into different compartments, from their respective court yards. Divine service is performed in the chapel every morning during the week, and twice every Sunday. The Rev. J. M. Kilner is the present chaplain, who is most indefatigable in the discharge of his duties. On the lower level, under the jailor’s house, are the felons’ yards, five in number. They are spacious and airy, and each contains a pump and trough. A sort of area or passage surrounds these yards, and beyond that is the outside wall, built of immense blocks of stone, and conveying at once the idea of security and solidity. Nothing can exceed the excellent discipline and general arrangement of the prisoners. A large proportion of the prisoners are profitably employed, under the superintendence of a task-master. They are chiefly engaged in calico, rug, and carpet weaving, shoe-making, and basket-making. The greater part of the articles of clothing and bed furniture used within the walls are manufactured by them; and the store-room presents the appearance of a complete depository of useful articles for the prison, of almost every description. There is also a commodious schoolroom, which is efficiently superintended. Everything relating to the internal management of this prison is complete in each department, and reflects the highest credit on the governor, Mr. Dunstan. The east side of the esplanade is appropriated to Barracks, which contain excellent and spacious accommodations. Behind the Barracks is the Provost, with an enclosed yard. It is no longer employed for this purpose, having been, some time since, converted into an armoury for pensioners, military library and reading-room, &c. This wing, and the opposite one on the west side of the esplanade, were built at the joint expense of the Crown and the County Palatine. Proceeding through the gate at the east end, we come to a neat and commodious edifice, with a tolerably spacious court, magistrates’ and grand jury rooms, and a robing room for counsel on the ground floor; and upstairs are the Clerk of the Peace’s record rooms and other offices. Before leaving the Castle yard, the attention of the visitor will naturally be attracted by memorials of the Crimean war, in the form of two Russian guns, mounted on either side of the grand entrance, under a portico, enclosed with iron railings. On each of these formidable pieces of ordnance is inscribed the following historical memorandum:
Having completed our view of the Castle, we return to continue Grosvenor Bridge.This noble work of art, which is unequalled in the history of bridge-building, crosses the Dee at the south-east angle of the Roodeye, and is approached by a new road from the centre of Bridge-street, which passes by the Castle esplanade, proceeds across the City Walls, and then, by an immense embankment, thrown over a deep valley, to the foot of the bridge. The bridge consists of one main stone arch, with a small dry arch or towing path on each side, by which the land communication is preserved on both sides of the river. The cost of erection was £36,000. The great distinguishing feature of this edifice is the unparalleled width of the chord or span of the main arch, which is of greater extent than that of any other known to have been constructed. Of its dimensions the following is an accurate delineation:—The span of the arch, two hundred feet. Within seventy yards of the bridge formerly stood an ancient Roman gateway in the walls, called the Shipgate, or Hole in the Wall, at one time the only entrance into Chester from Handbridge. It was taken down some years ago, and is now in the possession of Thomas Finchett Maddock, Esq. It forms a perfect specimen of Roman masonry, originally 20 feet in height by 16 in breadth. Pennant remarks, “that this postern seems originally to have been designed for the common passage over the Dee into the country of the Ordovices, either by means of a boat at high water, or by a ford at low, the river here being remarkably shallow.” Opposite the Shipgate is a ford in the river leading through to a field on the Handbridge side, called Edgar’s Field, in which stands the ancient sculpture of the Diva Armigera Pallas, already mentioned under the head of “Roman Antiquities,” in a former part of this work. Pursuing our walk, we next arrive at The Bridgegate,a handsome arch gateway, having two posterns, erected in 1782, at the expense of the Corporation. On the tablet over the western postern is the following inscription:—
On another tablet, on the east side,—
From the top of this gateway the banks of the Dee, with the bridge, and suburbs of Handbridge, present a lively and striking appearance, which at low water is increased by the rapid falling of the stream over the causeway across the river immediately above the bridge. In the distance may be seen Beeston Castle, on its A little southward stands The Old Bridge,which is of considerable antiquity. A wooden bridge was erected on the same spot by the Mercian Princess Ethelfleda, early in the tenth century; but from the ‘Chronicle of Chester Abbey,’ we learn that in 1227 “pons CestriÆ totus cecidit;” and that in 1279 “mare erupit, pontem CestriÆ confregit et asportavit.” The wooden bridge being thus disposed of, we next find from the ‘Red Book of St. Werburgh,’ that “in 1280 the King (Edward I.) compelled the citizens of Chester to rebuild Dee Bridge at their own charge, contrary to the privileges which had been granted to them.” In 1500, the south end of the Bridge, having fallen into decay, was rebuilt, and a tower for its defence added at the entrance into Handbridge, which was taken down about sixty years ago. In 1826 the Bridge was widened to the extent of seven feet, by the addition of a flagged footpath, on the east side, bounded towards the river by a good iron railing, the projection supported by two courses of corbels. It consists of seven irregular arches, and when viewed from the west, presents an appearance of venerable antiquity; but on the east it no longer holds out that recommendation to the eye of the observer, modern alterations having left nothing on that side to render it worthy of notice. At the north end of the Bridge stand the Dee Mills,used for the grinding of corn. Although the date of the first erection of mills on this spot cannot now be ascertained, yet there is evidence of their having been there from remote antiquity. Sir Howell-y-Fwyall obtained a grant of them from Edward III. in reward for his services at the battle of Poictiers. In the fifth of Edward VI. they were granted by the Crown to Sir Richard Cotton, in exchange for the manors of Bourne and Moreton, in Lincolnshire; and by his son George they were granted in fee farm to Edmund Gamul, at a yearly rent of £100. Gamul expended a large sum in repairing the causeway originally erected by Hugh Lupus. In 1646 an order of Parliament was issued, that the mills and causeway should be destroyed, as an obstruction to trade; but this order, issued by the Puritans then in power, probably with no other view than to obtain a composition from the proprietor, was We shall now proceed to notice The Old Bridgegate,which appears to have been of equal antiquity with the bridge itself, for it is shown by documents in the possession of the Earl of Shrewsbury, that Randle, Earl of Chester, confirmed a gift of his Countess to Poyns, her servant, of the custody of this gate. And another deed, of the thirteenth century, preserved among the same documents, records, “quod ego Ricardus Bagoth de Cestr: dedi et omnino quietam clamavi Philippo clerico civi Cestr: totum jus meum in porta pontis Cestr: cum omnibus pertinentijs suis.” From Philip the clerk the custody of this gate passed to the family of Raby, one of whom, Philip de Raby, in the fourteenth century, had also the keeping of the Earl’s garden at the Castle, for which service he received the fruit of a tree called “a restynge tre,” and whatever remained on the other trees after the first shaking, under the reddendo of furnishing the Earl’s household with colewort from Michaelmas to Lent, and with leeks during Lent. From the Rabys the custody of the Bridgegate passed to the Norrises of Speke, in Lancashire, and the Troutbecks. In 1624 the Corporation purchased the moiety belonging to the Norrises; and in 1660 they also purchased the other moiety from the Earl of Shrewsbury, representative of the Troutbecks, the Earl reserving to himself, during his visits to Chester, the use of a suite of apartments in a house near the gate. The Old Gate consisted of an arched gateway, flanked with two strong round towers, on one of which was erected a lofty octagonal tower, containing a cistern for supplying the city with water, called Tyrer’s Water Works, concerning which Webb says, “The Proceeding eastward, a most pleasing view of the Dee, of considerable extent, is presented, with delightful cottage and villa residences on the Boughton bank, and in a pleasant suburb called “Queen’s Park,” the elegant suspension bridge to which forms a novel feature in the landscape. On the left of the river is a cool and shady walk, called The Groves, where there are excellent pleasure boats for the accommodation of those who enjoy a sail or a pull up the river. We have here a very good view of St. John’s Church on the right, a venerable pile, containing some curious and interesting specimens of Norman architecture. Within about fifty yards of the Recorder’s steps, the wall forms an angle to the northward. Here we ascend six flights of steps, consisting of three steps each, called the Wishing Steps, erected in 1785, at the top of which stood an ancient Watch Tower, which had formerly an apartment with a stone seat on one side, and windows commanding a view of the river and adjacent country. This room was removed in 1826. We next arrive at The Newgate,a plain arched gateway, forming a communication betwixt Newgate-street and Pepper-street within the Walls, and St. John’s-street, Dee-lane, &c., without. On the spot now occupied by this gate, formerly stood a postern, called Wolf’s Gate, or Pepper Gate. Of this postern, Fuller says, that in the sixteenth century “the Mayor of the city had his daughter, as she was playing at ball with other maidens in Pepper-street, stolen away by a young man through the same gate, whereupon he caused it to be shut up,” which gave rise to the saying, “When the daughter is stolen, shut Pepper Gate.” The postern was removed and the Newgate erected in 1608. From a Journal of the Siege of Chester, in King’s ‘Vale Royal,’ it appears that on the 29th September, 1645, “the besiegers made a breach in the walls near to the Newgate, A short way further to the eastward, after passing the scanty remains of an old tower abutting from the Walls, called Thimbleby’s Tower, we arrive at a flight of steps leading to the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in St. John’s-street, the access to which from this quarter was made under the sanction of the Corporation. This handsome and commodious place of worship was erected in 1811. Near to the chapel is a large and commodious School-house, recently erected, capable of containing from 200 to 300 children, which is occupied during the week as a day school, and is in a prosperous condition. A few paces now brings us to The Eastgate,consisting of a wide and beautiful centre arch for the passage of carriages, and two posterns for the safety and convenience of foot passengers. It was built at the sole expense of the late Marquis of Westminster, whose arms, and those of the city, occupy the centre of the principal arch. On the 8th August, 1768, the south-west corner stone of the Eastgate was laid by John Page, Esq., Provincial Grand Master, attended by four regular lodges of Freemasons; and the north-west corner-stone by the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen of Chester. On the east side, under the Grosvenor armorial bearings, is the following inscription:—
And on the west side, under the city arms,
From the summit of the gate there is a fine view of Eastgate-street, within the walls, and Foregate, or Forest-street on the outside. On a market day it is truly spirit-stirring to observe the multitude beneath, and listen to the “busy hum of men,” citizens and country folks, engaged in buying and selling,—bringing in and The Old Eastgate,removed in 1768, as too narrow and inconvenient for one of the principal entrances to the city. It consisted of a beautifully formed Gothic archway, flanked by two massive octagonal embattled towers, connected by a substantial building, two stories in height, over the gateway, the roof of which was raised to a level with and embattled in the same manner as the flanking towers to which it formed the centre. From the bearings on four shields which ornamented the front of this gate, it is conjectured to have been erected during the reign of Edward III. A Roman gateway appears to have occupied the same spot at a still earlier period; for in pulling down the Old Eastgate in 1768, two wide circular arches of Roman architecture were discovered within its workmanship. With all due admiration for the spirit of useful improvement which dictated the erection of the present Eastgate, we cannot avoid expressing our regret that the old one no longer remains to gratify the eye of the antiquary and the man of taste. Although the present gate is undoubtedly much better adapted for the entrance of carriages of all kinds, yet the Cestrians of the last century, who remembered the glories of the old structure, must have been but ill reconciled to its substitute. Having thus completed the circuit of the Walls of Chester, as they at present stand, it only remains to notice that there was formerly an outer gate in Foregate-street, about half a mile from the Eastgate, called The Bars Gate,which, being in a very dilapidated state, was removed as a nuisance in 1770. An outwork, in connection with this gate, was raised previous to the siege of Chester in 1643. This outwork, consisting of a mud wall, fortified with mounts and bastions, joined the City Wall at the New Tower, from whence it stretched out to the north-east so far as to take in Upper Northgate-street; then running eastward, encompassed all the suburbs on the north of Foregate-street, until it approached Boughton, when it turned southward, and proceeded in that direction across Foregate-street at the Bars Gate, down Dee-lane, at the bottom of which its course was terminated
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