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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1942

A WALK
ROUND THE WALLS, &c.

THIRTY COPIEg ONLY ARE PRINTED ON THIS PAPER,

IfV^AlLK. BDITJSflD THE W^ILILS

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CITY OW CHESTER,

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CHESTER:
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THE
ANCIENT HISTORY
OF THE
CITY OF CMESTJEBl
JL HIS Ancient City, which Ptolomy calls Dpunanna
and Antoninus, Deva, from the river on the banks
of which it stands ; the Britons, Cafer Legion, Caer
Lleon Fawr, Caer Lleon ar Ddyfr Dwy, that is, the
camp of the great legion on the Dee ; is now called
Chester, from its westerly situation. It is situate in
the west longitude, 20 degrees, 23 minutes; in
latitude, 53 degrees, 15 minutes, and is 182 miles
from London.
Chester was a place of great consequence in the
time of the Romans, and to them we owe the art of
B

6
Cheese-making. The famous twentieth legion, stiled
Valeri and Victrix, being placed here, after the defeat
of Boadicea, by Suetonius; Julius Agricola formed a
colony here, and called it Colonia Devana.
There has been several Roman altars found here ;
one now in the possession of Mr. Dyson, erected by
Flavius Longus, tribune of the victorious twentieth
legion, and his son Longinus, in honour of the em
perors Diocletian and Maximian. Another was
discovered in 1653, now at Oxford, inscribed to
Jupiter. The statue of Mithras, in the possession of
the late Rev. Mr. Prescot, was found here some years
ago, and a beautiful altar, hypocaust, and other Ro
man antiquities were found in the Yacht field in 1 TTQ.
The coins of Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian, Con-
stantinus, and other Roman Emperors have been
discovered here. The Roman Legions quitted this
island in 448 ; afterwards the City was governed by
the Britons, until the Saxon conquest. Ethelfrid
King of Northumbria, conquered it in 607, and put
to death 1000 of the Monks of Bangor, who came

i
with Brochmail Yschithroc to its assistance. Egbert
about the year 828, wrested it from the British Prince
Mervyn, and his wife Esylht. The Danish Pirates
wintered here in 895, but were driven hence by Alfred
the Great. It was restored about 907, or 9O8, by
the celebrated Ethelfleda, who was the daughter of
King Alfred, and wife to Etheldred, Earl of Mercia;
who after the death of her husband, governed Mercia,
and received the titles of Lord and King, and having
erected nine castl€s in different parts of the kingdom,
died at Tamworth, in 922.
King Edgar, in the year 973, was rowed in triumph
from his palace on the south bank of the Dee, opposite
the Castle, to the Monastery of St. John, ( now the
parish church of St. John ) by eight Kings.
In the following century it was ravaged by the
Danes ; then Edmund Ironsides being driven out, it
was possessed by Canute in 1016. It was afterwards
possessed by the Eails of Mercia, until the Norman
conquest in 1066.
B 2

8
Hlgtleni in his Polychronlcon, sa.ys, " li this ci,t-e-
ten w/rys under erthe, xiith xotrtcs and stoneworks -aondei fully
urought ihre chambred iLerks, Gnte stones I graie rsilh oli/e
marines names therein. There /'s sAo Julius Cez*ii's name
•wonderfully in stones grate, and other noUc menncs names nl'r,
•ciitli the wrytynge al/out : " But of tlieae there are no
traces now remaining.
Lucian the Monk, who lived almost 600 years ago,
says much in praise of this city; and Drajton in his
Folly-olbion, celebrates the rounty thus —
' Of all our Counties, She the Pl:ce of P«laline doth hold,
' And thereto hath her High Regalities enrolled ;
< Besides, in many Fields since conquciing Williatn camr,
* Her people she hath proved, to her eternal Fame;
* All Children of her own, the Leader and the Led,
• The mightiest Men of Bone in her full Bosangi bred.
The city is of a square form, which evinces its
origin to have been Roman, being in the ('gurc oi
their camps; with four gates facing the foitr points four
principle streets and variety of lesser, crossing the oihor
at right angles, dividing the whole into lesser squares.
The gates were formerly placed under the protection
of certain great men, who held lands within the
county palatine.

9

The Bridge-gate, next the city, (there having been
one formerly at the other extremity ofthe Bridge,)
was a plain Gateway, with two towers and a super
structure on one of the towers erected for the purpose
of supplying the city with water; this gate was held
by tl^e Earls of Shrewsbury.
A suit of Rooms are yet reserved in a house nea'
the Bridge-gate, for the reception of the Earls, of
Shrewsbury.

10
The West or Watergate, was a plain Gateway
with two round towers, and was held by the Earls of
Derby ; the Northgate, with appartinents over and
adjoining, appropriated for the City Goal, (a heavy
confined and in-elegant structure,) and was under the
command of the chief Magistrate for the time being.
Each Earl appointed a Serjeant of mace to attend
the Mayor. Mr. Crewe, of Crewe, who lately dis
posed of his property of the East-gate, still retains
his right of appointing a Serjeant of mace. The Earl
of Derby sold his property of the Water-gate to the
Corporation.

The Old Eastgate, (formerly held by the Earls
•f Oxford,) now taken down, consisted of two wide

11
Arches of Roman Architecture ; the east side was
covered with a large tower of late workmanship, on
the face of which were placed four shields with the
arms of Edward III. and is said to have been erected
by him.
In the Foregate-street was an outer Gate, called the
Barrs, or entrance within the outworks of the For
tification of the City, which encircled it from the
River above St, John's Church to the Watei Tower.

William the Conqueror gave Cheshire to Gherbodus,
a. noble Fleming; but he dying, appointed his
nephew Hugh Lupus, the first Norman Earl of
Chester, and to him he delegated a great power;

12
ihade it a County Palatine, and invested with such a
sovereign jurisdiction, that the ancient Earls held
their own Parliaments.
Hugh Liipus, by virtue of the King's grant, (which
runs in these words, ) tenere totum hunc Comitatum sibi, et
hceredibus suis it a libere ad Gladium, sicut ipse Hex teneiat
AngVuB Coronsm, created several Barons to assist him
in his council and government, some of which we find
upon record, as Nigel, Baron of Hallon ; Sir William
Maldebeng, or Malbanc, Baron of Wich Malbanc,
or Nantwich; Richard de Vernon, Baron of Ship-
broke; Gilbert Venables, Baron of Kinderton ; Hamon
de Massey, Baron of Dunham Massey ; Warren de
Poynton, Baron of Stockport ; Eustace de Monthalt,
Baron of Monthalt.
He converted the church of St. Werburgh into an
abbey by the advice of St. Anselm. He continued
Earl 31 years, died the 27th of July, 1101, and was
buried in the Church-yard, and afterwards removed to
the present Chapter-house of the Cathedral, where his
body was found in 1 724, wrapped in leather, enclosed

13
in a stone coffin ; at the head of the coffin was a stone
in the shape of a T, with a wolf's head, the arms which
he bore, engraven on it.
His Sword of Dignity is preserved in the British
Museum ; which is in length about four feet, and so
unweildy as to require considerable strength to bran«
dish it with both hands; His Parliament was formed
of eight Barons, who were obliged to attend him, and
every Baron had four Esquires, every Esquire one
Gentleman, and every Gentleman one Valet. The
Barons had the power of life and death. This govern
ment continued till the reign of Henry the III, 1237,
who resumed the Earldom.
Chester was probably in the time of the Romans,
or earlier, a considerable port ; the Saxon navy was
stationed here, and here was the seat of the Mercian
kings. About the time of the Conquest, the imports
and exports were very considerable ; one article of the
latter was slaves, some of which they were probably
furnished with in their frequent wars with the Welsh ;
G

14
and amongst the imports wine was not the least consi
derable — according to Lucian the Monk, who praised
its excellent flavour and drank it plentifully ; and by
the old Saxon Law, if any persons made bad Ale,
they were to sit in a chair full of dung, or pay a fine
of four shillings. EARLS OF CHESTER.
Hugh Lupus was succeeded by his son Richard, who
was drowned in his pasbn^e from Nornia:;(]y : he lo-
veriied nineteen years and was succeeded by Ranulph
surnamed Meschines, son of Margaret sister to Lupus.
Ranulph died at Chester A. D. 1120, and was
succeeded by the heroic Ranulph II. surnamed Gero;;-
ijs, who having held the Earldom twenty-fuc years
was poisoned in 1153.
He was buried at Chester, his son Hugh II. surnamed
Cyvelioc succeeded him, and continued in the Earidom
twenty. eiiiht years, he died at Leeke, in Staffordshire,
and was buried at Chester.
He was succeeded by his son Ranulph, surnamed
Blundeville, who for his benevolence was stiled Ran-

15
hulph the good. He served in the holy wars, and
was as celebrated as any of the seven Champions df
Christendom. After his return, he built Beeston
Castle in this county.
This Earl Ranulph, was besieged by the Welsh 111
the castle of Rhudland, and was relieved by Roger
Lacey, constable of Chester, who collected a large
body of fidlers. Musicians, &c. who were then as
sembled at the fair of Hugh Lupus ; the remarkable
priviledge of which was, that no thief or malefactor
that attended the fair should be attached, or punished.
With this motley crew, Lacey marched into Wales,
and raised the siege ; for which Ranulph rewarded
him with full power over all the instruments of his
preservation ; with the priviledge of licencing the
minstrels. John, son of Roger Lacey assigned this power to
the Dutton family, whose heirs claimed from the min
strels four bottles of wine, and one lance, with a fee
of fourpence-halfpenny : and from every Meretrix in
the county and city, officium suum exerccns, four-pence,
C 2

16
The anniversary of this solemnity was, till within
these few years, constantly celebrated, on the festi\al
of St. John the Baptist, by a regular procession of the
minstrels, to the church of their tutular saint in this
city; and all subsequent vagrant acts except, the min
strel jurisdiction of John Dutton, of Dutton, in Che
shire, Esq. This Earl died in 1232, and was buried
at Chester.
John, surnamed Scot, succeeded him in right of his
mother, Maude, sister to Ranulph the Good. He
married Helen, daughter of Llewellyn apJorwerth,
Prince of North Wales, and died vf ithout issue ( sup
posed to have been poisoned ) having been Earl al
most five years.
The line of the Earls failing. Henry 111. took the
Earldom into his own hands in 1237, and gave it to
his son Edward, afterwards King Edward I. who with
his father being taken prisoners by Simon de Montford,
at the battle of Lewis, I2(M, in order to purchase their
liberty, resigned the Earldom to him, who enjoyed it
but a bhoit time, being slain at the battle of Evesham,
in leciS.

17
Edward of Carnarvon, son of Edward I. was sum
moned to Parliament by the title of Earl of Chester,
1303, and was succeeded by Edward of Windsor, his
son, in 1322.
Edward of Woodstock, commonly called the Black
Prince, was created Earl, 1233, his son, Richard of
Bourdeaux, was created Earl, 1376, who in the 21st.
year of his reign erected this county into a principality;
which honour was of a short duration, being repealed
in the first year of Henry IV.
Henry, eldest son of K. Henry the VI. was created
Earl of Chester 1399, and was succeeded by Edward
only son of Henry IV. who was murdered after the
battle of Tewksbury
Edward, eldest son of K. Edward IV. was created
Earl of Chester 1471, soon after the murder ofthe late
Earl, and succeeded to the throne by the name of
Edward V. who with his brother Richard, Duke of
York, was murdered by their barbarous uncle Richard
afterwards Richard III.
Edward, only son of Richard III. was created Earl

18
of Chester 1483, and died the next year. Arthur,
son of King Henry VII. was created Earl of Chester,
1489, and was succeeded by his brother Henry in
1504. The next created Earl was Henry Frederic Stuart,
son of James I. in 1610, who dying without issue,
was succeeded by Charles his brother in 1616, after
wards Charles I. who in 1630, created his son Charles
Earl of Chester, afterwards Charles II.
The next created Earl of Chester was George, son
of King George I. 1714; he was succeeded by his
eldest son Frederick, in 1728, who dying in 1/50, was
succeeded in 1751, by his son George his present
Majesty. In 17('2, George Agustus Frederick, eldest
son of his present Majesty, was created Earl of Ches
ter. Having given a short account of the Earls of
Chester, we shall return to our history.
Here in 1159, Malcolm IV. K. of Scotland, ceded
to Henry II. all the lands that had been wrested from
the English crown.
In 1255. Llewelyn ap GryfFyd, Prince of Wales,
carried fire and sword to the gates of Chester. In

19
1257, Henry III. summoned his nobility and bishops
to attend with their vassals at Chester, in order to in
vade Wales ; and in 1275, Edward I. appointed Ches
ter as the place for Llewelyn to do him homage;
whose refusal ended with the ruin of him and his
principality; for in 1300, Edward of Carnarvon here
received the final acknowledgment of the Welsh, to
the sovereignty of England, and in a few years after
wards this inoffensive prince was brought a prisoner
here from Flint Castle. Richard IL visited this his
favorite city in 13,97, and in 1399, he was brought a
prisoner from Flint Castle to the Castle of Chester,
which Henry IV. had seized, and put to death many
of his adherents. In Owen Glendower's wars, this
city was a Place d'' Ames. In 1459. Henry VI. with
Queen Margaret, and her son Edward made a visit
here, and bestowed little silver swans on the Cheshire
Gentlemen who espoused her cause,
Henry VII. and his Queen came here in 1493. In
the year 1617, Edward Button, Mayor, presented
King James I. with a gilt cup, and in it a hundred

20
Jacobins of gold. From this time nothing particular
happened, till the city was Involved in the calamities
of a siege, in consequence of its loyalty to Charles I.
The siege continued twenty weeks, and the besieged
having been reduced to eat horses, dogs, and cats,
yielded the city on February the 3d, 1645-6, on terms
that did them great honour.* K. William visited th's
city In the year I69O. Here was a mint for the coin-
rgeol silver. In tlie reign of K. V\'illiam III. and by
an act then passed, Chester was one of the six cities
in Lii;j,!and, where an Assay Master was appointed.
This city had for several centuries public stews or bro
thels, which were permitted by the legislature, and
the houses were distinguished by having the fronts
white-washed, and their signs painted on the walls;
they were suppressed in 1543.

• Vide a work published by the editor, printed uniform with this,
entitled "HisTHRY of th» iiioK of cuestib, during the Civil
Wars of Charles Ist.

A WALK

nOUJVlD THE Wr^LlLS-

I

T is necessary before we conduct the Traveller upon
the Walls, to inform him that they are the only entire
specimen of ancient fortification now In the kingdom j
are built on a soft freestone rock, high above tha
circumjacent Country ; are one mile three quarters, and
a hundred and one yards In circumference, and kept
In excellent repair by the Murage Duties, the most
considerable of which is, a duty of two-pence, on
every hundred yards of Irish Linen brought into the
Port of Chester. Ethelfleda Is said to have " encompas
sed the city with Walls," but she most probably only
repaired the ruined fortifications, the whole form cf
which, plainly appears to have been Roman. Tha
old Towers, which are within bow-shot of each other
are still remaining on the north and east sides.
D

We conimeiT i our perambulation at a flight of steps
on the North side of the l-.;i:lgate, pr;;cfceti;iig to
the right a short distimce, thit ven^rab'e and time
stricken pile the CatlitJral couiip.aatls our- attention,
seen in one of its best points of view, clear, and not
disgraced by contiguous brick buildings.
Crossing a small arch-way to the gardens called the
Keel Yaids, or cabbaue gardens, belonging to the
Monastery, you pass the .\bbey street then come to a
but-ment on the right, on w hich formerly stood a tower
called Sadler's tower.
An extensive view commands our attention here
over a line flat country hiu.lily cultivated, interspersed
with gentlenun's seats, the village steeples ot
Christleton and Waverton, with the wh jIc terminated
by the rising grounds at the edge of the forest of
Delamere. Before us are the suburbs of Flookers-
broik, a pleasing vicinity with some excellent houses ;
the elevated tower and buildings adjoining, are the
shot and white lead maufactory of Meisr. Walker,
Maltby & Co. and form a conspicuous object in the
different approaches to the City.

23
The lofty tower which stands at the angle, is called
the Phoenix Tower, and was formerly used by some
of the companies of the city, as a chamber for busi
ness ; the Phoenix, the crest of the Painters and
Stationer's company is placed on the front, with the
arms of the other companies.

- *T»

J
r

. -I* -'

From the leads of this tower, K. Charles I. had the
mortification to see his army, under Sir Marmaduke
Langdale, routed by General Pointz, at the batde of
Row ton Moor.
D 2

21-
Beneath the walls here, deeply cut in the solij rock,
IS the Chester Canal navigation, which extends tq
Nantwich. In the time of the Rebellion, a ditch surrounded
these parts ofthe \A'alls, from the Eastgate to the
Water Tower, though not so deep as it Is at present ;
next we arrive ^t tho
NORTHGATE.
V^hich we understand is likely soon to give place to a
modern structure; from hence east and west are fine
prospects in Cheshire and Wales, with a spacious
street in front called Further Northgate-strcit, on
the left side of which stands the
BLUE COAT HOSPITAL,
situate near the Northgate, and was founded by Bishop
Stratford, (uncle to the Commissary,) in the jear
;f7QQ. Thirty-fue boys are maintained four years,
^lid then put out apprentices to sea, or to bu-
jiness, The ^nqual subscription and benefactions,

25
to this charity, are instances, amongst many others,
of the bountiful liberality and beneficence, of the
inhabitants of this City and neighbourhood.
One hundred and twenty-four boys are also instruct
ed in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
The chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist is within
this building ; U was formerly an hospital, or sanctuary,
and endowed with great privileges ; The mastership
was granted in the ninth year of Edward the II. to the
pfior of Birkenhead.
In the time of K. Henry VI II. it consisted of a
C^aplairi and six poor brethren ; and had lands and
profits, to ttje amount of twenty-eight pounds, ten
shjllings and four-pence, There arg now in the
chapel yard, six alms houses for widows, who are each
allowed one shilling and two pgnce weekly, besides a
load of coal annually and other small donations.
On the descent from the Northgate a fine variegated
landscape lays before us, enriched by water, wood and
mountains — The river Dee navigation — a well cultivat
ed plain of great extent— the castle and village

2G
af Hawarden with the woods abounding on the
neighbouring hills, terminated by the mountains of
Flintshire and Denbighshire. On the level several
thousand acres of fine land have been already
enclosed and good farm houses now stand, where
the tide flowed a few years ago.
This part of the walls bear more the appearance of
a fortification than any other, from the number of tow
ers which appear in view.
A person, long resident In Chester, can with dilTicuIiy
recall to his recollection the appr arance of tbe place,
which the new canal wan-'iouses, hotel &:. now
occupy, and the bustle of trade causes him to form a
pleasing contrast between its former and present ap
pearance. A communication is now formed, through the ine-
dium of the old canal to Nantwich, Whitchurch,
Ellesmere, Oswestry, Welsh-pool, Berrlew &:c. into
tbe beautiful vale of Montgomery ; and also a branch
to Chirk and Llangollen, by the stupendous aqueducli
of Chirk and Pont Casylti.

27
The communication between Liverpool and Chester
is encreased much, by the easy, pleasant and cheap
passage by the canal boats, which leave each place
every day, regulated by the serving of the tidej and of
which a card specifying the time may be procured on
board of the packet.
The embankment which keeps the river within its
bounds, formed in 1735, is a delightful walk, when
the tide is full in, and affords a very fine view of the
city and surrounding country ; nor will the Valetudi
narian in many places find a finer air, or more agree
able ride, than along the enclosed sands to Blacon
Point. There are two ferries established on the river, one
at about the distance of a. mile, and the other lower
down about five miles, which convey the traveller into
the county of Flint.
The act of parliament passed in 17'35, gave to a
number of adventurers, incorporated as " the River
Dee Company," all the land on the north-east side of
the channel ; this, much to the injury of the trade and
port of Chester, induced them to conduct the river ia^

§8
at circuitous course, which has now nearly choaked
the Navigation ; but, from the circumstance of a clause
in the act, enabling Trustees to seize possession of
the land so taken, in case the channel should not be
a certain depth, the citizens of Chester, are much in
debted to the present laudable exertions of C. Dunda?,
Esq. and other patriotic gentlemen In the neighbour
hood, who have recently adopted measures ( agreeable
to the Intention of the bill, ) to clear the channel,
which we hope eventually may prove a considerable ad
vantage to the City of Chester ; the Port of which vs ill
in stormy seasons be a haven, void ofthe great risk of
the dangerous banks ot Hoyle, which are in the course
to Liverpool,
After viewing the distances, we now return in
our walk. The large projecting tower at the angle,
is called the Water Tower, which formerly jutted into
the channel of the river, and to its sides the vessels
¦were used to be fastened by iron rings, infi.xed in the
stone. This tower was built in 1S20, and was by
contract finished, for the sum of one hundred pounds,
by John Helpstone, a mason.

29
The Infirmary, and the spire of Trinity renders this
ruin a pleasing object at a short distance.

The Water Tower.
We lament that this tower has suffered, so much
from the dilapidation of time.
The large field on the city side and the open country
opposite, render this a fit situation for the
INFIRMARY,
which is a handsome pile of building, situate on an
airy pleasant spot, on the west side of the city ; it was
E

30
opened on the 17th day of March, 1761, and has
been supported by a subscription, and benefactions,
that do honour to the city and its environs. The hu
mane attention and care, which the patients receive
from the Gendemen of the faculty, justly entitles
them to public thanks.
The portrait of Doctor William Stratford, Com
missary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond, who was
the fouijder, and left three hundred pounds to the
charity, is placed in the council room.
On a piece of ground next to the Infirmary, is nov/
erecting a new Goal and House of Correction for the
city, which was rendered necessary from the ruinous
and unsafe state of the Northgate prison, and by the
plan appears to be extremely well calculated to answer
the purposes it is designed for.
On the left is Stanley Place, two modern ranges of
handsome houses, which forms one approach to the
Irish Linen Hall, built by the Irish Linen merchants
in the year 1778, It is a handsome brick building, and
contains 111 shops, enclosing a spacious Area.

31
The imports of linen cloth from Iieland are very
•onsiderable, particularly at the times of fairs, on
July the 5th, and October the 10th; likewise hides,
tallow, feathers, ox bones, butter, and sundry other
articles. In the lower part of the field, where this hall is
built, in the year 1779, ( in forming foundations for a
row of houses near to the Watergate,) was dis
covered very little below the surface, the remains
of a Roman Hypocaust and Sudatory, buried in
their own ruins, besides which, was part of a Tes-
selated pavement, and an elegant Roman Altar,
dedicated to the God .^sculapius ; by a standard
bearer of the '* Legio Augusta," or second legion.
The inscription is rendered imperfect by the violence
used in getting it up.
The Hypocaust consisted of the same number of
like formed pillars to those which are to be seen
near the Feather's Inn.
The Sudatory stood lower down, much nearer the

32
gate; the upper floor of which was supported by
twenty-four pillars, composed fif tiles, nine inches
square and two inches thick, filled up with a fine red
clay ; on the top of each pillar, was placed a tile of
two feet square, which seemed to have supported a
double floor of coarse cement; round the sides ol the
room, there appeared to have been a row of funnel
bricks, (like those found a few years ago at Wroxeter,)
fixed with their upper ends level with the surface of
the floor ; each tunnel having two opposite mortice
holes, for a cross passage, to convey the heat more
regular over the sweating room. Its pavement run
ill a circular Mosaic figure ; the Tesser.^e of which
it was composed, were of three different colour:, viz.
a dusky blue, a brick colour red, and a yellowish
white, of cubes not exceeding half an inch.
The precipitate rashness of the owner in disturb
ing the materials, prevented many persons from
making proper designs from the whole, as was
most ardently wished, for the future speculation of
the curious.

Amongst the ruins were found several tiles, with
LEG. XX. VV. stamped on them ; some few cohis
of the Emperors Hadrian and Trajan, also horns of
the small red deer in entire preservation; the altar
and instrument of sacrifice are in the possession of
John Egerton, Esq. of Oulton, with great part of
the antiquities.
We now ascend a handsome spacious Gate-way
called the
Watergate.

From this Gate we stop to com template with much
pleasure that large and spacious piece of land,
sailed the Rood-eye; this extensive flat, more

34
than half surrounded by a range of high grounds,
recently cultivated to their base, at which the Dee
ebbs and flows, and the circle, continued by the
Walls to this Gateway, gives it the appearance of
an amphitheatre, within which the races are annually
held in the begining of May, continuing five days.
The Prince ol Wales's (as Earl cf Chester) plate of
100 guineas ; the city plate, a silver punch bowl, value
fifty pounds which is from ancient custom run for
upon St. George's day, and, in less enllghtned times,
w as sanctioned by the presence and good cheer of the
chief Magistrate and his brethren — The gold cup,
given by Earl Grosvenor, and a purse value fifty
pounds, presented by the members for the city, are the
prizes run for, besides matches and sweepstakes
formed by the Gentlemen of the turf.
When the weather Is favorable, the views from the
different parts of the course, are rendered singularly
interesting by the concourse of people, the various
cairiages and horsemen, and what adds still more to
the whole appearance, is the beauty, fashion and

35
gaiety which are ranged on the walls, and on the hill
beneath them.
The meetings are honored with companies of the
first rank, and the assemblies equal most in the
kingdom. On the west side of the Rood-eye stands the general
Work-house, or House of Industry, where the poor
of the several parishes are employed, and provided for
in a proper manner. It is a commodious building,
and contains generally two hundred persons. It re
ceives the poor from distant parishes, by agreement
between the governor and the parish officers. On the
north east side is Paradise Row, a street built within
these few years ; beyond that. Crane-street. By an
ancient mjip, in the Editor's possession, the deepest
part of the river, two centuries back, was formed in
the centre of these streets, and the channel flowed ta
the entrance of the Gate-way.
From the Watergate, up the street, the spire of
Trinity Church forms a conspicious object, and is said
to be one of the most perfect and beautiful architectu-

56
ral needle in England ; this is a neat church, and has
been enlarged and beautified within these few years.
A part of the spire was some time back taken
down and rebuilt, having received damage by light
ning. Here is an ancient monument to the memory
of Thomas Wooton, Mayor, in 1433 ; the living is
in the gift of the Earl of Derby.
A short distance further stands the house of E. O.
Wrench, Esq. on the cite of which stood the ancient
priory of the White Friars, or Carmelites.
On the left, the church of St. Martlps occurs, a small
neat structure and a rectory in the Bishop's patronage.
The nursery or nuns gardens on the left — in these
gardens was a convent of Benldictine nuns, dedicated
to St. Mary, and is supposed to have originated from
the monastery of St. John, or was a relique of one of
the old nunerles belonging to St. Werburgh. This
( with other religious houses ) was suppressed in 1537^
The revenues were, according to Dugdale, sixty-
pounds, eighteen shillings, and two-pence. Th?
Church was twenty-two yards long, and fifteen broad.

37
and supported in the middle by a row of pillars. The
Chapel was nine yards by four and three quarters; the
cloisters thirty yards, by twenty. Vestiges of the walls
and arches are yet remaining. In 1805 a roman tesse-
rated pavement was discovered and may be seen in the
gardener's house.
The city, viewed from this part, has rather a pictua
resque appearance with the gardens iil the fore
ground, and when the approach to the Castle Is com->
pleated will be truly magnificent.
At the end of the Nun's gardens you proceed to tha
castle and county goal.
The Intended new approach to the castle is through
a handsome gate-way on a large Esplanade with tha
armoury on one side and the barracks and provost on
the other, the front of the county goal standing In tha
centre; through a magnificent portico, supported by
twelve columns emblematic of that great bulwark of
Englishmen's rights the trial by Jury — you enter by
one of the most elegantly designed and highly finished
courts in England.

38

THE NEW COUNTY GOAL,
It is imposible to give the reader an adequate idea of
the grandeur and magnificence of this Court of Justice,
or the ingenuity extent and convenience of the various
cells, by a description ; we therefore shall briefly say,
it contains forty-two cells for criminals and fourteen
for condemned persons ; there are five courts, two day
rooms and working room each ; the women are sepa
rate from the men. Large and spacious apartments
(on the higher ground ) for the debtors, which foim
two wings, to the centre, which is the goalei's house
so situated as to command a view'ofthe whole of the
courts and buildings ; underneath which house is a
neat chapel.
We cannot leave this building without strongly re
commending an inspection of the finest goal in the
klngr'om, erected fronc the profits arising from the
navigriijon ofthe river Weaver; and beg leave to
observe in respect to the architect, Mr. Harrison, that
it would be presumption in the Editor of this work to
Introduce a C3mpliment on the merit of an artist, who

59
has justly influenced the applauding pen of a Cumber
land, and the universal approbation of the most dis
cerning men of science.
The castle was composed of two parts, an upper
and lower, each had a strong gate, and round bas
tions on each side, with a ditch and draw-bridges,
and it is probably was entirely re-built by the
Conqueror, when he visited this city, A. D. 1109.
Within the higher Ballium, are some towers of
Norman architecture ; one called Julius Caesar's,
in the upper part of which has been a chapel, as
appears by the holy water-pot and some {figures
painted on the wall, and seems from the elegant
roof and pillars to have been built at the same
time, and in the same stile as the Chapter House
In the Cathedral. The arsenal, store-keeper's house,
and some batteries occupy the remaining part. The
view from these upper wards is very fine.
Previous to the present new erections, on the east
side of the lower court stood the ancient Shire Hall, ia
F 3

40
which t'le court? of justice for the county used to be
held. It was a mignificeni building, near ninety feet
in length, and foity-five in breadth ; the height very
a^vful, and worthy the state apartment of the first
Norman Earl, Hugh Lupus, who required a hall
suitable to the greatness of his hospitality. Adjoin
ing to this hall was the court of exchequer, or
court of chancery, of the county palatine of Chester.
It was the Parliament house of the little kings of the
palatinate, and had neat gothic seats for the abbot, and
eight barons.
As you leave the castle to return to the walls on the
right hand stands Glover's Stone, which separates the
city fiom the castle, and is a part of the county, where
non-lreeman may exercise their trades unmolested by
the corporation. It is here the crirninals are delivered
over to the sheriffs of the city for execution ; this cus
tom is accoun td for only by tradition, that when the
city by the charter of Henry VII. was made a county
pf itself the citizens were so tenacious of their privileges
^nd independent rights, that they took upon themselves

41
to conduct the criminals to execution, rather than the
county officers should exercise any authority within
their precincts.
Another tradition says, that a felon was formerly
rescued in his way to the gallows by the citizens, for
which they have had the disagreeable duty inflicted on
them of executing all criminals, whether they be ofthe
county or the city.
You return to the walls by the same path and conti
nue by the side of (he castle on the left on an
eminence, stands
St. MARY'S CHURCH.
a very neat structure and contains several ancient
monuments belonging to the knightly families of the
Gamuls and the Troutbeck's names, famous in
history, but long since extinct. The Rectory is in the
patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. Robert
Hill, A. M.
Passing the outer walls of the prison, you descend a
flight of steps which lead you to a round arch, called
the Hole in the Wall, and is the' only roman arch

42
remaining in these parts; through this postern seems to
have been the common passage over the river Dee
before the building of the bridge, ( which is supposed
to have been built by Ethelfleda ) either by means of
a boat at high water, or by fording It at low, the river
being very shallow here.
We now ascend another handsome arch Gateway,
called the Bridge Gate, built anno. Dom. 1781,

A large octagonal tower stood above the old gate,
which was built in the year I60O, and was intended,
by raising the water to a cistern at the top, to have
conveyed it in pipes, to all parts of the city : but
this did not answer the purpose, and it was taken
down.

43
There was likewise an outward gate on the Hand-
bridge side, which had a narrow passage made through
the masonry, suflScient only to admit of one person at
a time. The frequent attacks made upon this part of the
city by the Welsh seems to have rendered this caution
necessary. Between the two ancient round towers,
was placed the plume of feathers, the badge of the
victorious black prince and of the succeeding princes
of Wales.
The appearance of the banks of the River Dee as
you ascend the gate-way, is very striking. This
grand River, so celebrated by the earliest poets and
historians, approaches with a majestic heaviness over
an extensive causeway, erected by Hugh Lupus,
where it empties itself into the channel and soon
terminates its course in the bosom of the ocean. The
distant grounds are terminated by the Castle of Beeston
and the successive ranges of Bucklow and Peckforton
hills. The traveller would be much gratified by taking a
boat from the Groves below the walls, where men

44
attend for the purpose, and you sail up a river, which
certainly affords as many subjects for the pencil and
admiration as any river in England ; the magnificent
residence of Eaton, the seat of Earl Grosvenor,
lately erected in the gothic style, the beauty and ex
tent of the Park, and various new Cottages plan
ed with infinite taste along the banks, add much by
art to the natural beauties through which you sail.
Over the bridge In the front of a rock in the field
on the right is cut a rude figure of the Dea armigera,
Minerva with her bird and altar. Here were formerly
some ancient buildings whose scite Is marked by certain
hollows ; for the ground ( probably over the vaults )
gave way and fell in, within the rememberance of per
sons now alive. Tradition calls the spot the scite ofthe
place of Edgar, from whence he was rowed in the
year 973 by eight tributary Kings to the monastery of
St. John Baptist, and back again to his palace.
At the end of the bridge are the corn mills, which
with the causeway, were the works of Hugh Lupus,
and retained to the succeeding Earls of Chester of the

45
loyal line. They were leased in 1355 by Edward the
black Prince, at the annual rent of one hundred and
ninety pounds. The inhabitants were then obliged to
grind at these mills, except tihe tenants of the abbot of
St. Weiburgh, ( and in after times of the Dean and
Chapter, ) who had a mill of their own at Beach-pool,
about a mile from the city.
They were granted for life to Sir Howd y Fwyal, fof
his valour in taking John, King of France prisoner,
at the battle of Poictiers ; here are also the water-worka
which by an engine supply the city with water, fo»
which the inhabitants pay the proprietors in proportion
to the rent of their houses, or their consumption.
The bridge Is built upon seven arches ; the passage
over it is very disagreeable, and indeed when crowds
ed rather dangerous, owing to its being so narrow j
a new bridge would certainly add much to the con-<
venlence ot the public and the appearance of the City,
The suburbs on the other side of the bridge is called
Handbridge, by the welsh Tre Boeth, ox burnt town.
G

46
As we pass along on this very pleasant part of the
walls, the elegant houses and gardens on the banks of
the Dee, with the venerable structure and ancient ruins
of St. John's Church, render the scene worthy of ad
miration. This church ^stands without the walls, upon the
banks of the Dee, on the east side of the city ; it was
a collegiate church, said to have been founded by
King Ethelred, in 689, on being admonished by a
vision to build it on the spot where he should
find a white hind ; the legend is represented by a white
sculpture on the west side of the steeple.
To this monastery King Edgar was rowed from his
palace. The church has been a magnificent pile and claims
priority of foundation to any other ; the interior part
is evidently of Saxon origin, the massy round pillars
which supported the circular arches, are sufficient
proofs of its antiquity.
When Peter bishop of Lichfield removed his epls*
copal see to Chester, he is said to have made this
church his Cathedral.

47
A great part of the east end was demolished by the
fall of the centre tower, nor are there any remains of
the north and south transepts, though there are evident
marks in the wall of the parts to which they were
joined. The ruins of the chapels above the old choir,
( which is now the parish church, ) are remarkable
picturesque, one part of which has lately been fitted
up, in an elegant manner.
The Chancel contains, ( amongst several others ) a
decayed monument belonging to the ancient family of
Cotes, some time patrons of this church. Also a
mutilated figure of a knight templar, who by the re
maining arms upon his shield, appears to have been
one of the knightly family of Carrlngton, long since
consolidated with the Booths now Earls of Stamford.
Here are some handsome monuments belonging to
the Warburton family ; likewise a flat stone insculped
with a flowery cross, on one side of which is a sword,
with the following inscription cut in Saxon characters,
flic jacet Johannes le Sergeum,
G 2

it
At the dissolution here were found, a dean, seven
prebendaries, seven vicars, two clerks, four choris
ters, sextons and other ser\'ants. Their yearly income
in the 2Gth, of Henry Vfll, was eighty-eight pounds,
sixteen shillings and eight-pence. On the east side of
the church stood the chapel of St. Ann, afterwards
•called Cholmondeley hall, but now totally demplished.
On the south side of the church yard, impending
over a high cliff, -supposed to be the Radclive of the
Dooms-day book, is a small anchorite's cell, dedicated
to St. James, to w hich it is said ( by Giraldus Cam-
fcriensis, ) that Harold, after his defeat at the battle jjf
Hastings, retired and ended his days here.
* Harolde had many woundes, and lost hys left eve
* wylh the strooke of an arrowe, and was ©vercome ;
* and yescaped to the countrey of CSiester, and lived
< there holylie, as men troweth, an Anker's life, in
« Saynt Jame's cell, fast by Saynt John's church, and
* made a good ende, as yt was Icoowen by hys last
* c^Hi&ssion.*

49
"Some few years ago, in altering this cell, the work-
jmen discovered two human skeletons, deposited in
coffin shaped cavities, cut in the live rock.
Near this church was the monastery of St. Mary,
jnentioned in Dooms-day book, but the scite is not
now discoverable. The church yard is embellished
with the picturesque ruins of the old chapel, and
.affords a most beautiful and extensive prospect.
Crossing an archway called Newgate, the scene
•becomes uninteresting owing to 4he number of dwel
ling houses which have been allowed in former times
to have encroached upon the walls, until we arrive at
The Eastgate,

iO
the termination of our circular excursion ; which is a
magnificent arch, erected in I769, at the expence of
Richard Lord Grosvenor, upon the scite where, a
few years ago, the old Eastgate stood, which consisted
of two wide arches, of Roman architecture ; the east
side was covered with a large tower, of later work
manship, on the face of which were placed four
shields, with the arms of Edward III. and is said to
have been erected by him.
This had been a. Porta principalis, was the grand en
trance into the town, and was upon the great Watling
street road from Dover to this place. This was the
gate formerly held by the Earls of Oxford.
It may be supposed, without partiality, that the tra
veller will be much pleased with this walk ; as in all
seasons the cleanliness and order in which it is kept,
render it a pleasing relaxation to the resident, and a
scource of agreeable investigation and amusement to
the stranger.

A WALK THROUGH
THE CITY.

Ik

commencing the Walk through the City, the
stranger is particularly struck with the singular ap
pearance of the Rows, or Galleries, formed on each
side the streets, with ranges of shops in the front, and
the houses above ; the streets are excavated out of
the ground, the back gardens being uniformly upon
a level with the rows, and was Supposed to have been
so planned by the Romans,* that the citizens might
repel the frequent incursions of the Welsh into the
city, by bows and arrows from these elevations.
• The -old Roman, or Watlinj-street pavement, ii irsqsiently
4iGcov«ted considerably below the pietent lurfacet

52
St. PETER'S CHURCH
at the Cross, which is supposed to occupy the scite of
the Roman Praetorium, and from which we shall
commence our walk, as being the centre of the city.
This church was finished in 1489, and was ornamen
ted with a handsome spire, taken down sometime
since ; when it was repairing a few years before, a man
was killed by a fall from the scaffold. The living
is in the gift of the Bishop. Nearly opposite to the
church, stood the Conduit, and adjoining, the Pen-
tice Office, where business was transacted by the
sitting Magistrates, but from the circumstances of
these buildings projecting so far in the centre of the
city, and a spirit of improvement having shewn itself
in the inhabitants, which has since been manifested in
various quarters, it was deemed necessary to remove
these two buildings, in the first instance. In taking tha
latter down was discovered the remains of the ancient
Cross, which in the time of Cromwell, was wrath-
fuUy deposited beneath a large flight of steps leading t«

53
church, the mutilated remains of which now lay in
a corner by the west door.
Proceeding eastward, we enter
EASTGATE STREET,
A large spacious street, where the markets for fowl,
butter and cheese are kept, which for cheapness and
plenty, equal most in the kingdom. It is about 209
yards In length, and In most parts fifteen yards in
breadth. ' On the right hand side is Flesh-monger's
Lane, or Newgate-street, and opposite is St. Wer-
burgh's Lane, leading to the Cathedral.
Passing under the arch, you enter Foregate, or
Forest-street, which is a spacious airy street, about
572 yards in length, and in most parts 18 yards in
breadth ; on the right hand side Is St. John's-street,
which leads to the church. On the opposite side is
Cow-lane, which crossing the Canal, leads to Frods-
ham and Warrington. On the same side is Queen-
street, the houses in which have been built within
H

54
these few years ; here Is a Meeting-house for a sect of
Indpendents, also a Chapel for the Roman Catholics,
the architecture and inward decorations of which are
worthy of inspection.
It has been in contemplation amongst our other
improvements, to change the Frodiham road which
now goes through the narrow lane of Cow-lane,
through this handsome street by means of a bridge^
across the canal.
Nearly opposite to this street, Is Love-lane, where
a considerable trade is carried on, in making Tobacco
Pipes, great quantities of which are exported ; and at
the bottom is Barker's-lane, where the Tanner's have
their yards.
A little below stood a strong large Postern-gate a
few years ago, called the Barrs, which divided Fore-
gate-street, from the Suburbs, called Boughton, which
is a very wide street, here is the place of execution
for criminals ; nigh this spot, George Marsh was
burned, for his adherence to the protestant cause, in
the reign of Q. Mary.

65
A little further, on the right hand side, just where
the roads to Nantwich and Whitchurch divide, stood
the hospital for Lepers, instituted in the beginning of
the reign of K. Edward II. and is still used as a place
of interment for the parish of St. Johns ; it is now
called Spltal Boughton.
Near this place Is a pleasant retreat called Barrel
Well ; affording a most beautiful prospect, and an
excellent cold bath. At a small distance are the
Cherry Gardens, whose pleasant walks and arbours
entice a great number of people In the summer time.
Returning to the Cross, we proceed down the
West or
WATERGATE STREET,
which is In length about 429 yards, and about 1 1
yards In breadth. On the right hand side is Gorst-
lane, which has no passage through now, though it
formerly communicated with the Northgate-street,
near the Fish-Shambles.
A little below is Crooks-lane, in which is the Ana-
H2

66
babtist and Presbyterian meeting houje ; lower down
is Trinity-lane, at the end of which stands the church,
dedicated lo the Holy Trinity. Opposite is Weaver's-
lane. Adjoining (:o the church Is His Majesty's Custom
House, where attendance Is given from nine o'clock
in the morning, untill tw.o In the evening ; holy-days
excepted. Close to the custom house is Loweij-lane, or New
Linen hall-street. Opposite is Nicholas-street. Near
this place was a house of Grey Friars, which was as
ancient as the time of K. Henry III. Speed says It
was founded by K. John, and places the church in
the field where the Ncn Linen-hall stands.
Returning to the Cross, we proceed northwards to
NORTHGATE STRE^.T,
which is In length about 440 yards, the entrance was
for many years much Incommoded by a projection of
shops, which supported an ancient building, called
the Inn^r Pentlce, and rendered it very dangerous for
passengers, at fairs and public times; but by a volun-

57
tary subscription of three hundred pounds by the
inhabitants, they were taken down, some years before
the outer Pentice was removed. On the right hand side
Stands the Theatre Royal, which was formerly a
chapel, dedicated to St. Nicholas, and afterwards
used as a common hall ; Plays are performed three
times a week during the btay of the company, which
may In general be said to be as good as any country
company of comedians In the kingdom. The daily
market for fish and vegetables, is held opposite to the
exchange, which Is well supplied and reasonable.
THE EXCHANGE,
is a large handsome pile, supported by five columns ia
the centre, and has a row of shops on the west side.
It was built about the year I698, in the mayoralty of
Colonel Robert Whidey, who gave his toll towards
defraying the expences of the building. The length
is 126 feet, and the breadth 46 feet. The courts of
Justlcesareheldin a large commodious common hall
over the exchange, which is adorned with the fol-
lowing portraits ;

58
King Charles II, King James II. Sir R. Levinz,
Recorder ; Sir Harry Bunbury ; Sir Thomas Grosve
nor ; Sir Richard Grosvenor ; Sir Robert Grosvenor ;
ancestors of the present Earl Grosvenor ; Roger
Comberbach, Esq. Recorder; John Egerton, Esq.
Thomas Cholmondeley, Esq. Robert Townshend,
Esq. Recorder.
In this place the Mayor, assisted by the Recorder,
holds the courts of crownmote, portmote and sessions.
Here the body corporate hold their assemblies for
making bye-laws and other public business. The
elections for Mayor, and other annual Officers, as
likewise for Members of parliament, are held here ;
also the mansion house, where the Mayors have their
entertainments, and the citizens their assemblies
during the winter. The Interior of this building has
recently been considerably improved under the direc
tion of Mr. Harrison, a very elegant and commodious
Justice's Room, Offices for the Town-clerk, &c,
which together with the Town-hall and entertaining
Koom, form a convenient and handsome suit of

£9
rooms for every purpose required. In the enter
taining room the city assemblies are held monthly
in the winter months.
Below is the Public Library, in which is an exten
sive collection of books, belonging to the subscribers ;
by a recent regulation, shares are purchased for five
guineas, and one guinea subscription is paid annually ;
the books are the property of the subscribers.
THE ENGINE HOUSE,
near the Exchange is a neat building, with fluted
columns, and a rich cornice, of the Corinthian order,
and was built at the expence of the Duke of Ormond,
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The fire engines are
kept here at the expence of the Corporation, and
they keys by persons in different parts of the city.
On the east side of the Exchange stands the Bishop's
palace and the Cathedral.
The three flesh shambles, (where the country but
chers are allowed to sell their meat upon market days, )
fill up a great part of the street ; upon one of which

60
is placed a large cistern, or reservoir of water, con
veyed there by pipes, from the water-works at the
bridge, which supplies the inhabitants of the upper
parts of the street with water.
On the west side of the shambles is Princess-street,
which leads to the Infirmary. Opposite to which,
passing through the Abbey-gate, which is a noble
entrance of two Gothic arches, included within a
round one of great diameter, you enter the
ABBEY COURT.
On the arch over the gate-way Is the Register's Of
fice, consisting of large convenient rooms, surrounded
with neat oak cases, where the wills are kept, and two
smaller rooms, for the Register and his clerks. The
present Register is Benjamin Keene, Esq. William
NlchoUs, Esq. public notary, his deputy.
On the front of the gate are two niches ; in one of
which, the image of Hugh Lupus was used to be.
placed during the fairs.
The Abbey Court is a neat square, within an obe-

61
IiSk arid grass plot In the middle, enclosed by a neat
iron railing ; there are handsome modern built houses
on two sides ; the Bishop's Palace filling up the south
side, which is a plain stone pile, built by Bishop
Keene, in 1753, upon the walls of the ancient Ab
bot's house.
The house in which the Dean resides, was lately
built upon the walls of St. Thomas's Chapel, and Is A
Commodious handsome building.
The Prebends, Minor Cannons, and VI;ars Cho
ral, have houses within the Abbey Court.
The Abbey-street leads to the city walls and to the
Kale Yards, which were formerly the kitchen gardens
belonging lo the Abbot and monastery."
THE CATHEDRAL,
is situated on the east side ofthe Northgate-street, arid
is the largest church ; the principal parts now standing
were built in the reigns of Henry the VI. VII. dud
VIIL The broad aisle was begun by the abbot Ripley,
I

62
the initials of whose name appear on the capitals of
some of the pillars interlaced in cyplser. He w.is
elected abbot in 1435. The abbey out of which this
see was formed, was of great antiquity. It is said to
have been originally a nunnery, founded In 6o6, by
Wulpherus, King of the Mercians, for his daughter
St. Werburgh, who took the veil, after living imma
culate for three years with her husband Ceolredus.
The pious Ethelfleda restored the buildings, and
established a set of canons in the place of the nuns.
Hugh Lupus suppressed the canons, and by the
advice of Anselm, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, estab
lished a set of Benedictines.
At the dissolution, Thomas Gierke the abbot suf^
rendered and was rewarded with the Deanery,
The Ciioir is separated fi"om the broad aisle b}' a
neat Gothic skreen that supports the organ ; on the
upper parts are painted the arms of the ancient Eatls
cf Chester, the episcopal bearings, and coats of the
o'd Barons,
The Choir is very neat, and the Gothic tabernacle

63
yaork Is carved In an elegant manner. In the Chancel
are four stone stalls for the officiating Priests, and a
few recesses for the preserving either the rellques or
sacred utensils. The Bishop's throne is a fine piece
of stone sculpture, of curious workmanship, said to
be the ancient shrine of St. Werburgh, and Is richly
ornamented with Gothic carving.
Round It is a range of little images, designed to
represent the King and Saints ofthe Mercian kingdom.
Each held a scroll in one hand, wit'i the name inscri
bed ; but the names are now obliterated. Here are
several handsome monuments of Bishops and Church
men, and one of Sir William Malnwaring, a young
officer, who was killed in defence of the city, during
the siege.
In digging a grave for the late Dean Smith near
this spot, a stone coffin was takefi up, having a roof
shaped lick and within it a leaden one. The curiosity
pf some persons induced them to open it, the
body appeared to be in fine preservation, and to
18

64
have lain in a Tquoror pickle, which had an agreeable
scent. It IS very probable that it was ^he body of
Abbot Berchelsey, alias Lythelles, who, according
to Browne Willis, succeeded to the Abbacy in 1291 ,
died in 1324, and was buried under a grave stone
that had his effigy on it in brass in the south side of
the Choir, on his breast was placed a Crucifix em-
iDOssed upon a piece of vellum.
The Altar piece is of very fine Tapestry, represen
ting the history of Elymas the sorcerer, struck with
blindness, from a design of Raphael. In the win
dows of the north aisle of the Choir, amongst some
relicts of painted glass, are the arms generally given
^o K. Edward the confessor; and, Azure, three
crowns, or, the ensign of the kingdom of the East
Angles. Behind the choir Is St Mary's Chapel, which was
formeily the high Altar, in which prayers are read
at six o'clock every morning ; in the aisle leading to
w^ich is a tomb, of an altar form, said to contain tht

65
l)ones of Henry IV. Emperor of Germany. The
transepts are of an equal length ; the south is very
large, and is the parish church of St. Oswald.
1 his is said to have stood on the first church of
St. Peter and St. Paul, which was afterwards changed
to that of the Holy Trinity, and finally to the name
it now bears.
Cii the rebuilding of the church, this aisle was
des.giiedly enlarged, and allotted by the monks to the
neighbouring inhabitants.
Ac first, the religious wished to have the whole to
themselves ; and on that account, built at a distance
from this aisle a Chapel called St. Nicholas's, ( now
the Theatre Royal ) and endowed it with a vicarage
for the use of the Laity ; but, afterwards at the re
quest of the Inhabitants, and by a composition
between the Mayor and Abbot, about the year 14?8,
they were restored to the church of St. Oswald, which
they still retain : Lord Chancellor Gerarde, lies buri-
fd here, he died in the year 1581, his coffin was dis-
yovered in 1794, and appeared to be quite perfect.

66
There is a chapel of ease to this church at ChurtoB
Heath, about three miles distant. This vicarage is
in the gift of the Dean and Chapter.
On the north side of the aisle are the Cloisters,
which now consist only of three walks, and appear
by the different arms on the roof to have been re
paired at several times ; from the time of Edward 111.
to that of Woolsey, whose arms, with those of the
See of York, with the Cardinal's Cap are also to be
seen here. The south walk has long been taken
down ; there are four arches remaining in the wall
of this walk, under which are interred four of the
mitred abbots, viz. Richard, the first abbot, William,
the second abbot, Ralph, the third abbot, and Robert
Hastings, the sixth abbot. In the east walk is the
beautiful edifice the Chapter House, which merits
a visit from every traveller. The Vestibule is arched,
and supported by eight elegant Pilasters ; it is thirty-
three feet by twenty-seven.
The Chapter House is fifty feet long, twenty-six
wide, and thirty-five feet high ; the neatness of tlie

67
masonary is remarkable; a narrow gallery runs along
three parts of the room, divided from the windows by
a triplet of most elegant lofty slender pillars, the roof
is of stone ; the springs of the arches are supported
by neat pilasters with palmy capitals ; it is surrounded
by book-cases which reach up to the bottom of the
windows. It is supposed to have 'oeen built by
Randal Meschines, Earl of Chester, who died in
1128. Here the body of Hugh Lupus was found interred
wrapt in leather, in 1 742, having been removed out
of the church-yard to this place. Several others of
the Earls of Chester, their countesses, and the abbots
were buried here.
On one side ol the Cloisters stood the Fratery, part
of which is now the Free School, and was founded
by K, Henry VIII. for twenty-four boys, who are
appointed by the Dean and Chapter, who likewise
appoint two masters for their instruction.
In the cloisters is a flight of steps which led to the
dormitory and the kitchen and cellars belonging to
the ancient priests.

68
I'he Blshoprick was founded by K. Henry VIII.
It was anciently in the diocese of Lichfield, untill
by doom of cannon law, all Bishops were to reside
in the greatest cities in their diocese ; and thereupon,
Peter, Bishop of Lichfield, A. D. 1705, removed
his seat to Chester, and was styled Bishop of Chester;
but Robert de Lindsay, his next successor leaving
Chester, fixed his seat at Coventry, A. D. IO95,
which was again brought back by Roger Clinton, in
the reign of Henry I. from which time the Bishops
took their titles from the places of their residence ;
and finally in the thirty-third year of Henry Vlil-
at the dissolution of monasteries, the King ejecting the
monks, it was made an entire Episcopal Seie.
There are in it two archdeaconries, Chester and
Richmond ; it is a suffragan to York. The diocese
includes Cheshire and Lancashire, a part of \''orkshire,
Cumberland, Westmoreland, Flintshire and Den
bighshire. It Is, considering its great extent, one of
the least in value of any in England ; the first Bishop,
J. Bird having granted the manors and demesnes of
tiie see, and accepted impropriations in their stead.

69
It Contains two hundred and fifty-six parishes, one
hundred and one of which are Impropriate. The Bi
shopric is valued in the King's books, four hundred
and twenty pounds, one shilling and eight-peace; and
the clergy pay for their tenths, four hundred and thirty-
five pounds twelve shillings per annum.
To return to our walk ; the present goal at the
Northgate is soon to be removed and a handsome
arch gate-way intended to be erected, to correspond
with the other three entrances into the city.
A few paces further is a lane which leads to Gorst
Stacks, and opposite is a small lane called Dee lane,
which leads to the Crane. At the end of the street
are two roads ; that on the right hand leads to East-
ham, and the Liverpool ferries; and that on the left
leads to Parkgate, Soon after you enter the Eastham
road, on the left hand side are the remains of St.
Thomas's chapel, now used as a barn.
BRIDGE STREET,
The south or Bridge street, is an open spacious
K

70
street, In length from the Cross to the Bridge, about
533 yards. The house at present ofcupied by Mr.
Brltiain, was formerly the most capital Inn, and per
haps the only one in the city ; known by <he sign of
the Blue Posts, and was the scene of a remarkable
transaction. In the year 1558, Dr. Cole being appointed by Q.
Mary one of the commissioners for prosecuting the
protestants in Ireland ; whilst the Doctor was at
Chester, he was waited on by the Mayor, to whom
he communicated the business that he was going
about ; and taking a leather box out of his cloak-bag,
said, " Here Is a commission that shall lash the
Ilereticks of Ireland." The woman of the house over
hearing their conversation, and having a brother then
in Dublin, was troubled at the Doctor's intention ;
and whilst he complimented the Mayor down stairs,
she opened the box, and taking out the commission,
placed in its stead a pack of cards, with the knave of
clubs uppermost. The Doctor, unsuspecting, packed
up the box again, and upon his arrival at the Castle of

71
Dublin, presented the box to the Lord Deputy and
Privy Council, who upon examining the contents,
found the pack of cards with the knave of clubs up
permost to the great surprize of the Doctor, who
assured the Deputy and Council that he had a com
mission, but was entirely ignorant how it was gone.
The Deputy made answer, " Let us have another
Commission, and we will shufHe the cards in the mean
while." Tbe Doctor In great disappointment returned
to court, and obtained another commission ; but before
he could return again to Ireland, the Queen died, and
Queen Elizabeth rewarded the woman, whose name
¦was Elizabeth Edmonds, with a pension of forty
pounds a year during her life.
On the west side is Common Hall-lane, where the
old Common Plall of the city yet remains, and is at
present used as a meeting-house for some of the city
companies, and as a conventicle for a sect of Ana-
babtists. The only remains of any Hotel, and that
of no very ancient date, stood on the north side of this
K2

72
lane, re:ir he old Conin )ii I'all, which when en
tire, sjrToinded a sq'.^:are, aid communicated with
\^ atergate-sireet It was ibunded by Sir Tho:nas
Egerton, Lord Chancellor of England and Cham
berlain of Chester.
On the 5th of November, 1772, this place was the
scene of a dreadful calamity : The first floor was en
gaged by George Williams, a puppet-show man ; at
the moment he was exhibiting to a very full audience,
by some unknown accident, eight hundred pounds
¦v\ eight of gunpowder, which was lodged in a cellar,
or warehouse beneath, took fire, and blew up three
stories. Twenty -three people perished, eij,hty-three
were much burnt, biuisL'd, and recei\ed broken and
dis'ocattd limbs, of which number only three died,
and those vviili locked jaws.
i'\-ar tbe riimie of leathers Inn, in this street, is
a Uon.an Bath ei:tiie, thcn'i;h the only part that can
be seen is the 1 1\ inj^jausi, \vhiehis of a rectangular
form, supported by ihirty-two pillars, two feet, ten
inches and half high, and about eighteen inches dis-
tanec iioiii cu.1.11 other.

73
Upon each is a tile eighteen inches square, and over
them a perforated tile, two feet square ; such are con
tinued over all the pillars, which stand on a mortar
floor spread over the rock. On the south side is the
vent for smoke. Here is an anti-chamber, which was
the room were the slaves attended to heat the place;
in the sweating chamber above, the people used to sit
during the time of the operation.
A little lower, on the right-hand side, is White Fri
ars, where the Carmelites, or white friars hada convent
in St. Martin's parish ; and the ancient arches of the
gateways towards the stieet were lately remaining. By
a view of the city in 1581, the church appears to have
Stood a little west of it. Here stands the two churches
of St. Michael and St. Bridget. The monastery of St.
Michael is mentioned in the charters of Roger the con
stable, and Henry II. to the canons of Norton. Op
posite to St. Bridget's church is Pepper Stieet, which
leads to Newgate Street; opposite to which isCuppin's
Lane, (from a cupping-house or bagnio being formerly

/4
in that lane) which leads to St. Martin's Ash ; a small
cross lane called Bunce lane, leads to the castle. —
Chester, with respect to its situation, the salubrity
ofthe air, the singular convenience of the rows, the
delightful pleasantness of the walls, and the prospects
of the adjacent country, merits the notice of the man
of taste, claims the attention of the antiquary, and
courts the admiration of the stranger.
Before we close our walk, amongst other numerous
charitable institutions already noticed, it would be
unpardonable to omit mentioning the following excel
lent endowments, of all other charities, the most
beneficial, as contributing to the comforts so much
wanted by the infirm and aged of our fellow creatures,
and which are always contemplated with pleasing
sensations and grateful remembrances to those, who,
when leaving this world have so piously provided for
their needy survivors.
The first is an institution for thirty-five decayed
freemen, of upwards of sixty years of age, who are

75
allowed four pounds, { nine of the Senior, by Alder
man Cotgreave and Alderman Broadhursts' will
have five pounds yearly ) and a gown every third year.
They go in procession before the Mayor to church
on public days, when they are allowed one shilling
and a beverage.
Mr. Owen Jones, one of the donors to this City,
bequeathed the annual profits ot an estate In Denbigh
shire, to the poor of the several city companies in
rotation ; a very rich lead mine was discovered on the
estate, so that the interest of the annual profits of the
legacy, which has been funded, is now upwards of
four hundred pounds.
From a regulation about to take place, the disin
terested earnestly hope that the intent ofthe will ofthe
donor will be fulfilled, that Is, that it may be justly
administered, and that the unfortunate, or decayed
citizens may look forward with the pleasing hope of
living with comfort at the close of life, the casualty
of the discovering of the mine, proving a scource of
comparative riches to those who really want them.

76
The portraits of the donors ornament the Pentice,
one side is now filled by the additional portrait of the
late Alderman Crew, and with submission to the
wealthy, the citizens would be proud to see, in due
time, the other walls so laudably and so respectfully
decorated, for the grateful admiration of future ages.
ALMS HOUSES.
Besides the other houses mentioned, there are the
following. In Little St. John's Street, four, built by
Mrs. Deighton Salmon, In 1738, with a small endow
ment. Ten alms houses in Pepper Street, in St. Michael's
parish, called Jones's alms houses, for six poor men
and four poor women, decayed housekeepers of good
reputation, with good endowment.
Six alms houses In Common hall lane, with an an
nual endowment of one pound six shillings and eight
pence each.
Six alms houses in St. Olave's parish, with an an
nual endowment of twenty shillings each.

77
Four Alms houses in St, Martins in the Fields, with
an annual endowment of twenty shillings each.
Besides these. Alderman Thos. Wilcocke, left an
estate in Wirrall, between the parishes of St. John,
St. Bridget, and town of Neston, the profits of which
to be distributed annually amongst those decayed
housekeepers, who have never troubled the parish, and
conducted themselves soberly and piously ; deducting
small sums for a sermon, &c. and reading the will
annually, at the altar of each church so named, when
the money is then distiibuted to the objects attending
for that purpose.
LOCAL INFORMATION.
POSTS.
The post goes out every night about Ten o'clock,
takes to Atherston, Bath, Berkshire, Birmingham,
Brecknockshire, Bristol, Bromwich, Cardiganshire,
Carmarthenshire, Coventry, Devonshire, Drayton, Ex
eter, Glamorganshire, Glocestershire, Herefordshire^
L

78
Leicestershire, Dorsetshire, Ma>'i'ck, Me; ionetlishire;
Monmouhtshire, Nantwich, Norihamptonshire, Ox
fordshire, Pembroksliire, Railnoishire, Staffordshire,
Somersetshire, V.'arv\ici. shire, Wiltshire, Worcester-
shi.e. and returns evjry night at a late hour.
The North, or Lnncashire Poat goes out every nij,!)t
at ten o'clock, takes to Altringham, Buxton, Cuii^'-
leton, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Derbyshire, Dur
ham, Huntingtonshire, Isle of Man, Leicestei shire,
Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Manchester, Xewcaitle
under line, Ncrihumbeiland, Notiinghamshire, Pe
terborough, Rutlandshire, Scotland, Talk o'th' hill,
Warrington, Westmoreland, Winsford, Wisbeach,
and Yorkshire, returns every morning early.
A bye post to W hltcliurch and Shrewsbury, ^etj out
every Sunday, Vs ediiesday and Frid:i\ , at three in
the evening; takes letteis to Barnhill, Chirk, llanmer,
Llangollen, Malpas, Merionethshire, Montgomery
shire and Shropshire.
The Irish post goes out every nij;ht at ten o'clock,
to Northop, Holywell, St. Asaph, Conw.iy, Bangor,

79
Holyhead and their neiglibourfiood. This post comes
in early every morning.
A bye post to Mold every night, to Iluih'n and
Denbigh on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday nights
at ten o'clock, and returns early on Sunday, Tuesday
and Friday mornings.
A bye post to Wrexham, every night about ten q'
clock; returns every night at a late hour.
The Parkgate post goes out and returns every night.
The letter-box at the post-office is closed at ten o'
clock at night; no answer will be given in the time
of divine service on Sundays.
WAGGONS,
From the Wgoi, Hall, Northgate Street.
To London every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, returns same days. Birmingham,
comes in and goes out every Wednesday. Holyhead,
Monday, returns Friday. To London, Newcastle,
Nottingham, Derby and Lichfield, every Thursday,
returns Friday. Manchester, every Monday, Wed
nesday and Friday, returns same day.

80
From Mr. Jackson's New Crane Street.
Shrewsbury, Tuesday and Friday, returns same days.
From The Hop Pole, Foregate Street.
To Manchester — Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,
eturns same days.
' Goods are now conveyed by Canal to London, by
way of Preston Brook, and are taken in at Messrs.
Manley and Co. and Coffield, Whittell and Co. Eles-
mere Canal Warehouse.
INNS AND PUBLIC HOUSES.
There are about one hundred and forty Inns and
public houses. The principal inns are the White
Lion in Northgate-street, where the coaches and ma
chines come to, the Hotel in Eastgate-street, the Plume
of Feathers and Red Lion Bridge-street ; Pied Bull
Coach and Horses Northgate-street ; Blossom's
Inn, Hop Pole, Golden Lion, Foregate-street; Green
Dragon, Eastgate-street ; Yacht, Watergate-street.
NEWS PAPERS.
There are two News Papers published weekly, one

81
on Tuesday morning, by Mr. Monk, in Newgate-^
street, and one by Mr. Fletcher, in Foregate-street,
Friday morning. The publishers of both papers have
newsmen who go into all thp adjacent countries, and
parcels are taken in at tie printing offices the night
previous to publication.
RATES OF CARTERS AND CARMEN.
Plying within the City of Chester, for the carrying
and conveying goods, &c. to and from the Crane and
Bridge Wharfs, to and from any part of the city.
For every butt of fruit — — —
For every cartile — — —
For every pipe of wine — —
For a ton of iron, steel, or hoops — —
For a hogshead of sugar or any other goods —
For everv hogshead ot molasses — —
For a Tierce of sugar or other goods —
J"or a barrel of rice or any package of that size 0
For a barrel of sugar or package of that size
For every barrel of pitch, or tar — —
For every sack of seeds, containing six strikes
For every bariel of raisins — —
For every basket of raisins — —
For every firkin of soap, or rosin —
For every half firkin of ditto, — —
For every barrel of gun-powder — —
For every half barrel ditto. —
For every Hogshead of whiting, allum,
copperas, or fuller's earth, above six
teen hundred
^or every Hogshead of ditto, under l6 hdd.

I

s

d

1

0

0

6

0

9

1

0

0

8

0

6

0

6

0

6

0

2

0

2

0

3

0

1

0

0|

0

1

0

o|

0

2

0

I

1

0

0

10

82
For every half ditto. — — —
lor e- cry ton ot flax or hemp — —
lor every half ditto — —
1' ir ev ery pipe of oil — —
I or e\eiy hop,sliead of ditto — —
tor every ha[r" ditto — —
I'or every chest of t'luit, soap, or starch —
lor e\ery hag of nuts — —
l'ore\eiy load of cork, or wood —
J- o! eveiv load of corn or fio'ir —
lor every puncheon of oil or spirits —
lor every load of hides — —
lor e\ery ton cf fuller's earth, chalk, allum, \
sand or slack, loose — J
For every crate of glass — —
For evei) bag of hops — —
lor eveiv pocket of ditto — —
loreveiy semn of indigo — —
lor c\ crv baricl of red or vvhile lead —
]"<n' every b.Tg of dye-wood — —
loreveiv brig ot shumach — — "
1 or t\ 1 1 V jar of oil — —
I'or e\er) thest of ditto — —
For every hail' chest ot diltn — —
J."o, every b; g of black pepper — —
]<'-re\ei» bfig of clove diitii — —
for c\ery h.j^slieafl ot Irish tnllow —
lor e\eiy c.isk of Russia tal'u.v —
lor every bundle of sacks — —
1 nr every barrel of salt petre — —
l<jr every elusc ef bohea tea — —
For every half chest of tea — —
Foreveiy quarter chest of ditto -^
'For everv I utt of madder — —
lor e\eiy ba^" of wool — —
Foreveiy p.iekrif^e of skins — —
For every b.ile ot dryed skins — —
lor every load of houshold, or other ]
goods, ( except those that are above and j
herein alter oilier\\ise rated ) Ironi any part ^ 2 0
of the said ciiy, oi liberlies'thereot, to any 1
other part of ihe same }

0

[>

1

G

0

;^

0

9

0

5

0

n

0

5

0

2

2

0

1

6

0

8

2

0

1

0

0

4

0

6

0

2

0

2

0

t

0

1|

0

4

0

()¦

0

3

0

u

0

4'

0

o

0

;)

0

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0

1

0

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0

4

0

3

0

2

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0

4

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6

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G

2 6

83
For half a load of ditto — — 1 0
and so on in proportion.
For every 1000 bricks from Haugh-green to 1
any part of the said city J
Without the gates — — 3 0
For every load of sand for house use — 12
For every load of ditto for buildiiisj — 10
For eveiy load of coals — — id
And tor every load of slates from any ot 1
the said city or liberties, to any part {.IS
other part oi the;:ime. J
For every load of timber from the Crane^ 1
Bridge, or Canal, to any part of the said i 1 0
City S
No other rates or prices, thari those before mention-i
ed shall be taken by the carters or carmen plying
within ihis city ; and every such carter or carmen
shall carry the goods and materials of every person
applying to him for that purpose, on demand ( unless
he shall be then employed in the carrying of goods
for some other person or persons ) and on tiis refusing
or neglecting so to do, or taking any greater rates or
prices than are before mentioned, he shall forfeit for
each offence, five s liUings, on his being convicted
upon the oath of any one person, before a justice of
the peace of the said city, to be levied by warrant
under his hand and seal, together with the costs at
tending the same on the goods and chattels of every
such offender.

RATES OF CHAIRMEN.
For every set down from any part of the city withlfe
the distances after-mentioned. s d
To the May-pole in further Northgate-street 0 6
To the May-pole in Handbridge — — 0 6

84
T*© Mrs. Bold's house without the Barrs — 0 6
To any houses without the Watergate and with
in the Crane — -— 0 6
To any bouses by Dee-side to Mr. Gastrel's — 0 6
Double Fare — — 1 0
For waiting the first hour — — 10
For every hour afterwads — — — 0 9
The hours of waiting to be from nine o'clock In
the morning until twelve at night, at the several
places where the chairmen usually stand, or at their
respective dwelling-houses
At all assemblies, balls, plays, or other public
nights, where the chairmen attend, they are to range
their chairs In a line; to take each their fare in rota
tion as they come upon their stand, and to continue
plying until half an hour past twelve o'clock.
The chairmen cannot engage their chairs, or keep
them in waiting for any particular peisonson any of
the above nights.
If a chair be sent for to any house, and brought at
the time appointed without being used, the person
sending for it is to pay sixpence for il instead of a
fare. Every person sending for a chair, and keeping it
above a quarter of an hour before using it, shall pay
a fare of one shilling.
The chairmen to attend at any house or place where
desired, and to carry the person applying for that
purpose, unless they are engaged in carrying any
other person.
The chairs to be numbered, and the names of the
foremen to be painted on the front of each chair.
Taking more than the above fares, or breaking any
of the above rules, subjects the chairmen to a penalty
of five shillings, or to suspension for such time as the
"jommissioners shall think fit.

ROADS FROM CHESTER.

London to Chest
Holyhead
To Islington, Church,
Middlesex  -
Holloway, x. g. - - -
Highgate, -----:
r. to Enfield 7 \ m.; \.''to
Kentish Town 2 m.
Whetstone - - - -
% Barnet, Hertfordsh
The OheYisk," Middle
sex.
r, to Hatfield 71 w, and
Hertford 12 m,; 1, to
Kill's End - - - -
South Mims 
Colney, Hertfordsliire
^ St. Albans - - -
r, to Hatfield 5 m, and
Luton \Q\ m.; 1, to
Watford 8 m.
Redburn 
At the 26th milestone, 1
to Hemel Hempstead
41 m. London to
*([ Hemel Hempstead
30| m.
Market Street 
^ Dunstable, Bedford^
HocklifFe  -
forward to Fenny Strat-^
ford 7i m. ; x. io I

2

I
2
213i
3

41

'er And ^ Woburn - - - -
to Amp thill 41 m.
Wavendon, Buds -
JiiBroughton - - -
2-l\Cross the Ouse river.
4i ^ Newport Pagnell
Cross the Ouse river.
r. to Wellingborough
9 ^7 m.
II Stoke Goldlngton -
r. to Olney 4 m.
1 1 a Horton Inn, Northamp
tonshire - . -
Hackleton - - -
12^ Queen's Cross - -
15 |1. to Stoney Stratjord 12
l8i m.
2l|1[ Northampton - -
I. to iDaventry 12 m.; r.
to Wellingborough 1 1
m,
25^KIngsthorpe - - -
r. to Market Harbiyrough
15| m. ; I. to
Chaptl- Brampton
Creaton - - -
IThornby - - -
291'Welford - - -
331 r. to Leicester l6 m.
375 3 m. farther r. to Mar
ket Hurborough 8 m
North Kilworth, Lei-\

M

4| 41 1
3| 45|
21 471

2i

41

4
4

1|

50
54|
58i
60^64
66
675

701
73 i
771
3 1 80|

Si
•'2•-'2

87

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

88

cestershire, -
Walcole - - -
^ Lutterworth -
r. to Lci(est.r 12J m
1. to Rug'iy 8 m. one
Coventry ].b\ m.
Bl ties well - - - ¦
Claybrook - - - ¦
High Cross f on Wat
tling Street )
T. lo Lescester \Z\ m.
Smockinglon - -
The Traveller in a ehai.K,
£(C. may go forw/rrd
along Wattlinn-streei
•which saves above
mile; but tie mail
coach turns on the r
to
Burbage - - - ¦
Hear Hinckley, T. to
Leicester \2\ m,
if Hinckley
r. to A'^hby de la 7,ouch
\6\m. l\m.fi-. Hinck
ley, the mail coach comer
into Watling-'itrett a-
gain; 1. to Nuneaton,
from Hinckley, 5 m
London to
% Nuneaton 1041 ,„.
Witherley1. to Nuneaton .*> m.
^ Atherstone, War-
iciekshire
I. io Burton upon Trent
20 m. and Tamworth,
by Grendon, 9 w- ; 1.
to Colcshill Q m.
Hall End - - - -

31
H
2

83S
87
89

1
S

CO
!.3

2

95

1

96

98|

99

1061

075

Wilnecote Beyond Wilnecote, 1 ,
through the Whitacres,
to Coventry 18 m.
r. to
^ Tamwoith, Slaf-
fordshire - - -
r. to Ashby de la Touch
13^ m. and to Burton
upon Trent 1 5m. ; 1
to Coleshill 9. "'i and
to Sutton Coldfield 7i
m.
Cross the Thame river,
and Grand Junction
Canal.
Hoppas - - -
LiCHPIELDThis road to Lichfield is
b\m. farther than by
the route of the Liver
pool mail coach, thro'
Daveritry, Coventry,
and Coleshill.
r. to Ashbom 24 m, and
to Abbots Bromley 10|
m. ; \. to Birmingham
1 5| m, and io Wal
sall 9 m.
Longdon Green - ¦
Longdon - - - -
Bruerton - - - -
^ liugeley - - -
Wolseley Bridge - -
r. to Stone ISJ m. ; 1. to
Milford - - - -
Crvss the Penk and Snow

11113

2|1I5|

211173 51 1231

^ Stafford - - -
11 1 jl r. to Stone 7\ m, and i»

3 1261
S127I
21 129 J
11131
2il33i
3il37

33 140 J
I

^9

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

90

ia

Sandon St m. ; 1. to
Penridge 6 m, and to
Newport \3i m.
Great Bfidgeford
Cross the Sow river.
I. to Newport 10 2».
Walton - w ,¦
^ Eccleshall - -
r. to Stone 6 m.i 1.
Newport 9 W.
Broughton
3 m. farther, r. to New
castle 10 J m. ; I. to
Drayton 4 m. London
to
^ Drayton, Shropshire,
160 m.
MucklestonKnighton - -
I mile farther, r. toStone
13 TO.
Dorm oton , Shropibire
i mile farther, r. io
Newcastle Sj »».
Woore - - -
I. to Whitchurch ISj m,
and to Drayton 7 m,
Bridgemore, Cheshire
Walgherton - - ¦
Stapeley . - - .
Beyond Stapeley, r. io
Newcastle.
^ Namptwich
1. to Whitchurch 10 m
and to Drayton \Zlm
Cross the Weaver river.
Acton - - - - .
Hurleston - - - ¦
Barbridge - - - .
Highway Side

3\

144

145|
147|

51153

3i I56i
2 158 J

1159*

il60i

2 1621
3 !l65|
UI67

211691

1 1701
1^1711 1JI72I
211751

1^ Tarporley - - -
r. lo Northrthich 10 m.
Utklnton - _ - .
Clotton - - - —
Dutton - - - - -
Tarvin _ _ - - .
r. to Frodihom, 8| m,
and to Northwich X'dm.
Stanford Bridge -
Vicar's Cross - - ¦
r. to Frodsham 9| in
Cross the Chester Canal.
Boughton - . - .
I. to Whitchurch 19 m.
Chester - . _ .
r. to Frodsham 11 m, to
Liverpool, across the
Ferry 18 m, and io
Park Gate 12 m.
A mile beyond Chester, 1
to Wrexham \0\ m.
Broughton, Flintshire
A liitle farther, 1. to
Mold 6| m.
% Hawarden - -
liwloe Castle - -
Northop - - -
to Flint 3 m; \. to
Mold 3 m. I
llalkin 
.4 mile farther, r. to Flint
2i m. I
^ Holywell - . -
. to Denbigh 12 m. I
Brick Kiln - - - J
St Asaph - -
to Denbigh 5| m.
Cross the Elwy river,
1. to Denbigh 5^ m.
Llan St. Sior, or
M2

1781'79J
'80|
!81i
1831

1|I84|
1 J 1861

]|,I88

- 21
- 21
- 21 ¦*2

2t

St.

35 5!
4i

189i

f93|

1 961
198|
20 li

204

207|2I3i 2171

91

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

9S

4'n

222|224 i
227

George's Dcnbighsh
*f, Abergelley - - ¦
Llandulas - - . .
Cross the Comcay. rivrr.
% Aberconway, Caer
narvonshire . - - 9I
1 . to Llanwrst 12m.
Over Pcnniacn Mawr
Mountain to
Aber - - - - -1 91245I

across the Lavan Sandi
and Fit ry, io Beau
maris 5\m. London to
^ Beaumaris 250 J m
From Beaumaris to llan-
grf/ii IS 10 m, thence
to Holyhead as below
Llandygai . - -
^1 Bangor - - - -|
1. to Cmrnarvun 9 m.
Bangor Ferry - - -!
Cross the Mcnai Sirnil
and enter Anglesea. I
Braint . _ . _ -|
r. to Beaumaris 5 m,
Llangefni - - - -'
r. to Llaiierchymedd G<\ni.'-
G w i n tl i , or Hal Iw ay ,
House _ _ - -
Bodedern - - - -
Llanyngenedl - - -
Here the road divides ; if
the tide be out you may
keep /u the r, over th.
sands, otherwise turn tp
the 1, to
1; Holvhead - -
Near Whetstone, on r.
Grove, — Read, Esq

battle fought in 1471, between
the Houses of York and Lan
caster, in which the latter,
of which he was the Leader,
was defeated.
236iAl Kill's End, on r. New
Lodge, — Baronneau, Esq. ; &
Wrolhain Park, G. Byng,
Esq. ; on /, Derehams, J.
Trotter, Esq,

At 13, on the r. Dancer's Hill,
Capl. Allen ; and Rt. Harvey
Gedgp, Esq.
A mile to the /, of Ridge Hill,
Shenley Parsonage, Rev. Mr.
Willis.
Between Ridge Hill and Colney,
35 24pi| on r, at North Mims, Duke
2 ,251 {j of Leeds.
I I To the r, of 17, Tittenhanger
l\2bZ^ Park, the Earl of Hardwicke.
I Beyond Colney, on /, Porters,
1 Earl Howe.
2^255 Near Si. Albans, on/, St. Ste-
I phens, Mrs. Howard.
5i2G01|At St. Alban's, HoUowoy House
¦ I Countess Dowager Spencer.
I On the I. of 23, Gorehambury,
5 QG:-.\ Lord Viscount Grimsione.
4, 2(ii)i Opposite the 27ih mile-stone, on
11270' I, Flamsiead House, — Collin,
Esq. rem.arkable for being the
nursery of Edward \\.
Near Market Street, on r. Mar
ket Cell, Joseph Howell, Esq.
formerly a Nunnery of Bene-
'52775' diciines.
GreenhiUOn /, of Dunstable, Eaton Bray
— Beckford, Isq.

At the Obelisk was slain the Earl Beyond Hocklife, on I, R. Gil-
of Warwick, in the decisive pin. Esq,

93

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

94

At 39, on /, Battelsden Park,

Sir Gregory Page Turner ; and
on r, Milton Bryant, H. Ing-
lis, Esq.
At Woburn, on r, Woburn
Abbey, Duke of Bedford.
At Wavendon, Lord Charles
Fitzroy,
Half a mile beyond Newport
¦ Pagnell, on /, Lathbury, Col.
Mansfiefd.
^wo miles beyond Newport
' Pagnell, on r, at Tyringham,
William Ptaed, Esq. ; near
half a mile farther, on /, Gay-
hurst, George Wrighte, Esq
At 59, on r, Horton House,
Sir Robt. Gunning, Bart.
Between' 6l and 62, on /, at
Preston, Charles Newman,
Esq-.
.^t 63|, on I, Courteen Hall,
' Sir Wm. Wake, Bart.
At 64, on r, is Queen's- Cross,
erected by Edward 1. to the
memory of Eleanor his Queen,
and adjoining thereto is Dela-
pre Abbey, Edw. Bouverie
Esq.
At Kingsthorpe, on I, Mrs. Fre-
meaux
Beyond 69, on r, Boughton
House, — Vyse, Esq.
At Chapel Brampton, on r, Na
thaniel Pearce, Esq.
At 72\, a mile to the /, on i
Hill, see Holdenby House,
where King Charles I. was
imprisoned by the Parliament
Forces ; and on r, at Sprat-
ton, Andrew Nacket, Esq.

Near Creaton, on /, Teeton

House, John Langton, Esq.
About a mile beyond Creaton,
on /, HoUowell, Wm. Lucas,
Esq.
At 75, on r, Cottesbrooke, Sir
Wm. Langham, Bart.; and a
little farther, on /, Guilsbo-
rough, W. Z. L. Ward, Esq.
At Thornby, on/, J. W.Roberts,
Esq.
Two miles beyond Thornby, on
r, Naseby Field, which is
judged to be the centre of Eng
land : in this place about two
miles N. E. of Naseby, was
fought the fatal battle between
Charles 1. and the Parliament
Army.
In the village of Naseby, oppo
site the Church, is the source
of the Avon, Nen, and Ise
rivers.
About a mile before Welford,
onr, SulbyHall, Mrs. Payne.
Beyond Walcole, on r, at Mis-
terton, — Franks, Esq.
At Bilieswell, the Rev. James
Powell ; two miles farther, at
Ullesthorpe, John Goodacre,
Esq.
At Claybrook, on I, Christ.
Saverland, Esq. ; and on r,
Thomas Dicey, Esq.
Two miles beyond Hinckley, on
r, Linle/ Hall, Bracebridge
Abney, Esq. ; and on /, Wed-
dingion Hall, Saml. Whalley,
Esq.
On /, of WItherly, Caldecott
Hall, Ambrose Salisbury, Esq.

95

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

96

Oldbury, — Okeover, Esq,
and Mancester, a Roman sta
tion.
Beyond Atherstone, on /, Mer
rivale Abey and Hall, Lord
Belfast.
At Tamworth, an ancient Cas
tle, belonging to the Earl ol
Leicester.
Entering the city of Lichfield,
on /, George Parker, Esq.
At Lichfield, the Cathedral, and
in tbe Market-place, the house
in which Dr. Sam. Johnson
was born
Leaving Lichfield, on /, Beacon
Place, Geo. Hand, Esq. ; on
an eminence on /, a mile from
the city, Malple Hays, Geo.
Addams, Esq
Three miles from Lichfield, on
r, Liswis Hall, Francis Cobb,
Esq.
At Bruerton, on r. Rev. Geo.
Talbots ; on I, at a distance,
Beaudesart Park, Earl of Ux-
brldge.
Before Wolseley Bridge, on /,
Hagley, LordCurzon.
At Wolseley Bridge, Wolseley
Hall, Sir William Vi'olseley,
Bart. ; and opposite to it a
handsome brick House, —
Sneyd, Esq.
Beyond Wolseley Bridge, on I,
Oak Hedge, Mrs. Anson ;
farther on r, Shugborough,
Lord Anson, a fine build
ing with a great variety

actly opposite the Mount,
Thos. Selllck Brome, Esq.
Two miles from Stafford, on /,
Cresswell, Lord Chichester.
Through Eccleshall, on r, the
Castle, Bishop of Lichfield
and Coventry.
Two miles from Eccleshall, on
/, Sugnal Hall, John Thomas,
Esq.
At Broughton, John, Broughton,
Esq.
A mile from Bridgemore, on/,
Doddlngton Hall, Sir Thos.
Broughton, Bart.
At Stapeley, on r, James Bay-.
ley, Esq.
A mile from Nantwich, on /,
Dorfold Hall, J. Tomkinson,
Esq.
Beyond Barbridge, on r, Calve-
ley Hall, Hon. Willbraham
Tollemache ; and on /, Crew
Hall, Lord Crew,
At Dutton Hall, J. Egerton,
Esq.
Three miles from Tarvin, on r,
Ashton Hayes, H. A. Leices
ter, Esq.
At Vickar's Cross, on the /, T.
Dixon, Esq. and ^m. I. Christie-
ton, Bishop of Chester, Thos,
Ince, Esq. and J. Calveley,Esq.
At Boughton, Boughton Hall,
Rev. Weston Bayley.
NTear Hawarden, on r, Hawarden
Castle, Sir S. Glynn ; and on
/, Hawarden Ease, William.
Boydell, Esq.

of wood and water; and ex- Beyond Ewloe Castle, on r

&7

LONDON— HOLYHEAD.

98

, Aston Hall, — Dundas, Esq.
Near Northorp, on I, Lower
Sychdn, Rev. John Conway
Potter ; and beyond it. Mid
dle Sychtin Hall, J. Wynne,
Esq.
On r, of Northorp, at Wepre, E
Jones, Esq. Kelstreton near the
Sea, John Edwards, Esq. and
near itj William Dickes,
Esq.
At Halkin, on I, Halkin Hall,
Earl Grosvenor, and a little
farther, Robert Hughes, Esq
Three miles beyond Holywell,

concern in the Island^ Corn
wall, &CC.
At Llandygai, on r, Penrhyn
Castle, Lord Penrhyn.
About a mile from Llandygai,
on r, Lime Grove, Benj. Wy
att, Esq.
Near Bangor Ferry, on I, Gor-
phwysfa, Thos. Parry Jones,
Esq.
Two miles before Llangefni, on
/, Hirdrefraig, Mrs. Lloydj
and half a mile farther, on /,
Tregarnedd, Sam. Grindley,
Esq.

on r, Whitford Church ; close Three quarters of a mile beyond

by it, Downing, the seat of
the late celebrated traveller
and historian, 1 hos. Pennant,
Esq. and now of his son
David Pennant, and a mile
beyond, near the Sea, Mostyn
Hall, Sir Thomas Mostyn,
Bart.
Four miles beyond St. Asaph,
on r, Kinmel Hall, Rev. Edw.
Hughes, part owner of the
famous Copper Mine in Angle
sea, called Parry's Mountain ;
and a little beyond, on /,
Adwynt, J. Roberts, Esq
A mile beyond Abergeley, on r,
Gwyrch, Robt Hesketh, Esq
¦Near the Conway River, on r
Marl, Thos. Williams, Esq
M. P. for Mario. This gen
tleman has share in the cele-

Bodedern, on
Lord Bulkeley.

r, Presaddfed,

brated Parry's Copper Mine .
in Anglesea, and the manage- arrives at Charing Cress
went of the whole Copper! Ten m the morning.

COACHES TO tONDONi
The Royal Mail — every night
about eleven o'clock from the
White Lion ; arrives at the Golden
Cross, Charing Cross at Six each
evening.
The Telegraph — on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, at Five
in the evening, from the White
Lion, through Birmingham and
Coventry ; arrives at Charing
Cross at Seven each morning.
The Royal Chester — on Tues
day, Thursday and Saturday at
Five in the evening, from the
White Lion ; through Lichfield
and Northampton the mail road,
about

99

CHESTER-^MANCHESTER.

100

Coaches To Holyhead.

The Mail— every morning a-
bout One from the White Lion ;
arrives the same evening about
Six and a packet sails
evening at Sevien

CHESTER TO
Manchester.

To. Flookersbrook,
Cheshire - - - ^
Hpole - - - - J
every Mickle Trafibrd , - J
Dunham on the Hill -

The Earl of CHESTER--every jy^^^ Netherton, r. to
Sunday Monday, Wednesday! Namptwhich, 2Hm. \
andlriday morning at 6 from |«jgt{jgr{o[j _ _ _ J
the Coach and Horses, through jr^ojgfjjjjjj _ _ . _|
Wrexham, Llangollen and Lord Cross the Weaver'ri^er by
renrfiyns new road. , _ .. ¦^

Lately Published by Broster Sf Son.
Price 2s. 6d. or elegantly bound
as a pocket book, 4s. 6d.
The

pedestrian s circular tour,

Trunk

a wooden bridge,
Sutton - - -
I. to Halton, l\m.
Cross the Grand
, Canal,
Preston on the Hill
Daresbury - - -
Cross the Duke of Bridge
water's Canal.
High Walton - - .
Low Walton - . .
A mile before Warring
ion, r.. te Northwich,
10m. Near the mersey
rivei, r to Knutsford
llim.

Through North Wales from
Chester ; with a beautiful en
graving of Bedgelert, and (onrCrms'tue mersey river
accurate maps of the journey. «f Warrington, Lan-
A work which has been much cashire
approved of.

1. to Liverpool b^ Prescot
\7%m, Newton 5 m
T.io
V^'oolston • - -
Mariincroft's Green,
T. G. - - -
Hollings Green > •

11 ^2

2 1^

2| i

i
36

1011

13

15
16|

18i19

20|

23 J
24
27

101 CHESTER— MANCHESTER. i03

9X
^4

29 30 33;

341 36i

n

Cadishead Green, - 1 28
Irlam Green, Dixon's
Inn. - - -
Irlam - - - - -
Part the Croft Bridge
Cross the Duke ol
Bridge-water's Canal.
Eccles - - - -
Pendleton - _ -
1. lo Chorley 20 m.
Bolton 9i m.
^ Manchester - -
At Hoole on r, J. Oliver, Esq
From Dunham to Frodshani,
see on the /, an arm ofthe sea.
After you cross the Weaver.
river at Frodsham- Bridge, on
r, on the Banks of the river,
Astor^ Hall, Hon. Mrs. Aston
Opposite to Frodsham, on /,
across the river see Halton
Castle, in the parish of Ran
corn.
On I, of Sutton, in the road to
Hallon, Hallwood, R. New
ton, Esq.
On I, of Preston Norton Hall
Sir R. Brooke, Bart.
On ;•, right of Daresbury, Geo
Heron, Esq.
On /, of Warrington, Bank
Hall, T. Patten, Esq.
Beyond Warrington, on /, Or-
ford Hall, J. Blackburne, Esq
On r, of Hollings Green, Mill
Bank, Js. Blackburne, Esq.,
On r, of Eccles, Trafford Hall,
John Trafford, Esq.
Beyond Eccles, on I, Hope, T.
B. Bayley, Esq. and a little
further, on I, Claremont, J.
Ford, Esq.

Coaches to Manchester.
Royal Sailor — every morning
at seven o' clock, from the
Coach and Horses, through
Northwhich, and Knutsford,
and arrives at two.
The Mercury — every morning
{ except Sunday) at six on the
same road, from the White
Lion, arrives at two.
The Friendship — every morn
ing, at seven from the White
Lion, by Frodsham, and
Preston Brook, thence by
Boat on Canal, and arrive^
at seven.
To Liverpool.

Bache Pool - -
Two miles further
cross the Canal,
which joins the Mer
sey
Backford - - -
Great Sutton -
Little Sutton -
Childer Thornton
Eastham - - -
About a mile in the
road direct through
Eastham, is the Fer
ry, to which the
Coach goes.
Bromborough - -
Great Bebbinglon -
Half a mile from the
turnpike gate on the
r, to nfw-ferry
and about a mile
further on r, to
Rock Ferry.

2J 3 I
2
1 2
^4

3i6in
9^

12

103 LIVERPOOL— SHREWSBURY. 104

Tranmore Ferry - 2;! 6
The Ferry to which
the mail coACHand
Commercial drive to
Wood Side - - - 1 17
Further on isSeacombel
which is the last fer
ry to Liverpool.

One mile from Chester Bache
Hall, Hughes Esq.
Two mile further on I, Mostyn,
— Massey, Esq.
At Backford, on r, Mrs. Eger
ton.
Beyond Backford, on /, Capen
hurst Hall, R. Richardson,
Esq.
Near Thornton on I, — Wade,
Esq. one mile from Thornton
on r. Sir T. M. Stanley Esq,
Eart.
At Eastham, on /¦, Rev. J. T.
Trevor.
At Bebington, on /, Rev. —
Jackson, and at Brombo
rough, on /-, James Malnwar
ing, Esq.

ing at seven, by Tranmore
Ferry, from the Coach and
Horses, returning the same
evening from the Kings Arms
Liverpool.
N. B. The Canal Packet sails
every morning two hours be
fore high water ; there is also
a Coach from Parkgate thro'
Chester, to Wrexham daily,
from the Coach and Horses .

Coaches to Liverpool,
The Royal mail  every
morning at two o' clock and
arrives at seven by Tranmore
Ferry, from the W hite Lion
The Eastham, every day two
hours before high water, from

To Shrewsbury,
To Belgrave - - ¦
Pulford - - - -
Gresford - - - -
Wrexham - - .
Marchwiel - -
Eylon Denbighshire
Overton Flintshire
Ellesmere - - -
Cockshut . - -
Boulton Grove -
Middle - . . _
Harmer Hill - -
Albiighton . - -
Shrewsbury _ - -

31

2i

51

3-^

9

3i

I2|

21

14

2

16

3

iq-t

5

241

^2

29

2i

311

11

33

1-i

341

21

3Gl

H

401

Just beyond Belgrave on /, Ea
ton, Earl Grosvenor.
A mile from Wrexham, on /,
Acton Park, Sir Foster Cun-
lift'e, Bart, formerly the Jef.*
fries, of which Lord Chan
cellor Jeffries was a younger
son.
About a mile east from Wrex
ham, Cefn, R. Kenyon, Esq.

the \Nhile Lion, by Eastham A mile South from Wrexham
Ferry. I Erddig, Phillip York, Esq.
The Commercial — every morn- M. P.

105

CHESTER— SHREWSBURY.

106

Two miles on this side Overton Two miles on I, Christleton,

on r. Rose Hill, Mrs. Boates.
on /, Eyton, Edw. Eyton
E^.
Half a mile on this side Over
ton, from a fine Bridge cross
ing the Dee, with a most ro
mantic view, P. 1.. Fletcher
Esq. and Sam. Ryley, Esq.
Near Ellesmere on r, Oakley
Park, Mrs, Vaughan, ; on /,
Birch Pall, Duke of Bridge-
water ; and near it, but fur
ther to the I, Hardwick, John
Kynaslon Powell, Esq. M. P.
for Salop.
On this side Burlton Grove,
on r, at Petlon, Petlon Hall
— Sparling, Esq.
Chester to Shrewsbury by
Whitchurch and Wem

Boughton - - - -

11

Christleton - - -

1

2

Higher Halton - -

3

5

Golborne Bridge - -

li

6|

Handlev - - - -

1

7\

r. to Farndon 5 m.

thence to Wrexham

6 m.
Barnhill - - .
2\
10
Broxton - - - -
1
11
r. to Malpas 1§ m.
Hampton Guide Post -
2i
131
No Man's Heath -
14
15
Bell on the Hill - -
2
".7
Grindley Bridge
1
18
Whitchurch Shropsh.
2
20
Tilstock - - - -
2i
221
Wem - - - - -
6i
29
Broughton - - -
3
32
Shrewsbury - - -
7
39
Townshend Ince, Esq. Three
miles on r, Rowton, — Hig-
net, Esq. Four miles Oti /,
Wawerton Village five miles
on r, at a distance Saighton
Hall, or Castle. Sir Foster
Cunliffe, on /, Goulborne-
Bridge, Calveley Hall, John
Egerton Esq.
Beyond Handley on I, Boles-
worih Castle, T. Tarleton,
Esq.
On r, Broxton, Broxton Hall,
John Egerton; Esq.
Near No Man's Heath, at a dis
tance; on I, Cholmondeley
Castle, Earl Cholmondeley.
This road is much improved be
tween Whitchurch and Shrews
bury, and one mile nearer,
after leaving Whitchurch five
miles along the road on I, va
rious views ofthe House Obe
lisk Pleasure Ground Sec. of
Hawkstone, seat of Sir Rich.
Hill, Bart.
About 7 m. on r, — Pajme Esq,
a little further/-. Ride Bank,
Capt. Hill.
Coaches to Shrewsbury,
On Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday, at eight o' clock
in the morning, from the
While .Lion, though Wrex
ham, and Ellesmere, and ar
rives at seven.
On Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday, at eight in the morn
ing from the Pied Bull, thro*
Whitchurch, and Wem, and
arrives at seven.
FINIS.
YALE