Chester Timeline
A chronology of some of the significant, and not so significant, events that have shaped the City of Chester:
1066
Domesday Book records that the city of Chester is worth £45 and has 487 houses.
1075
Bishop Peter of Lichfield moved the seat of his see to Chester. The Church of St. John the Baptist became his cathedral.
1093
St. Werburgh's church converted to a Benedictine Abbey by Earl Hugh.
circa 1150
Benedictine nunnery founded in area to north of Chester Castle by Earl Ranulf II. The remains of the chancel arch of the church was moved to Grosvenor Park in the 19th century, where it still stands.
1237
Dee Mills were torn down during a riot following the death of Earl John.
1275
The monks of St. Werburgh's abbey petitioned Edward I to allow them to cut a gate through the walls to their vegetable garden. Permission was granted on the proviso that the gate was locked at nightfall. The closing of the gate continues to the present day.
1277
Edward I began a building programme of castles in Wales that lasted until the end of the century. Much of the commerce associated with the building programme passed through Chester.
1322-1325
Water Tower added to the northwestern angle of the city defences. It was connected to the main walls via a spur wall to Bonewaldesthorne's Tower.
1349
The Black Death swept through the city of Chester.
1399
Henry, Duke of Lancaster occupied Chester Castle and seized King Richard II who had been at Flint in North Wales. Richard was forced to abdicate and the Duke of Lancaster was proclaimed King Henry IV.
1495
The White Friary Church was rebuilt with a tall tower and steeple added.
1555
George Marsh was tried for heresy after he refused to recant his Protestant beliefs. He was then burned at the stake at Boughton.
1597
Stanley Palace was built on the former site of the dissolved Black Friary.
1642
The English Civil War starts. King Charles visited Chester between 23-28 September and was welcomed by the mayor and corporation.
1643
The house of Sir Richard Grosvenor in Lower Bridge Street, more recently the Falcon public house, was the first recorded instance of enclosing of the Row. The Row walkway still survives within the building.
1671
Following the Great Fire of London, it was decreed that all new houses in the four main streets of Chester should have roofs of tile or slate rather than flammable thatch or shingle.
1676
Bridge House, the first neo-classical building in Chester, was built on Lower Bridge Street by Lady Calveley.
1687
King James II visited Chester and stayed at the Bishop's Palace.
1690
King William III visited Chester.
1715
The first Jacobite Rebellion. Following the battle of Preston, 500 Jacobite prisoners were incarcerated at Chester castle and gaol.
1745
Chester's defences were reinforced at the outbreak of the second Jacobite Rebellion and citizens were instructed to stock up in preparation for a two week siege. However, the Jacobite army did not arrive at Chester.
1768
The East Gate was replaced with a new elegant arch designed by Joseph Turner.
1781
The Bridge Gate was replaced with a new elegant arch designed by Joseph Turner.
1788
The Watergate was replaced with a new elegant arch designed by Joseph Turner.
1808-10
The North Gate and city gaol was replaced with a new elegant arch. A new gaol was built overlooking the Roodee.
1829
The new St. Bridget's Church, designed by Thomas Harrison, was built opposite Chester castle.
1829
Thomas Harrison died and was buried in a vault in the new St Bridget's churchyard.
1832
Grosvenor Bridge, designed by Thomas Harrison, was opened by Princess Victoria.
1862
God's Providence House was restored, though it is said to have in fact been mostly rebuilt.
1881
The northwest tower of St. John's Church, which had dominated the Chester skyline, collapsed.
1977
The High Cross, removed after the civil war siege, was restored to its old position in front of St. Peter's Church where the four main streets of Chester converge.
