Site Event/Activity record ECH6914 - St John the Baptist, Chester: Site History and Architectural Assessment (Conservation Management Plan)

An architectural historical assessment and site survey were produced in 2019 for the Church of St. John as part of an amended Conservation Management Plan, produced in 2018. The purpose of the Plan was to assess the significance of the Grade I listed church, the ruined north-west tower and their setting to inform proposals for re-ordering within the church. Accordingly, the focus of the study is the body of the church and the north-west tower, but not the eastern remains of the church, including the Collegiate Church, or the Chapter House. It discusses the history and archaeology of the building, including the architects involved in its construction. It gives an overview of the broad phases of change affecting the church and its site including:- Foundation and Early Development, 7th or 10th Century Building of New Cathedral, 11th Century Provision of Additional Chapels, mid-14th Century Falls from N.W. Tower, 15-16th Century The Dissolution, Late 16th Century Improvements, 17th Century Casting of New Set of Bells, 18th Century Construction of Further House on Site, Repair of Chancel and Installation of Organ, 18th – early 19th Century Repairs by R.C. Hussey, 1859-66 Collapse of N.W. Tower, 1881 and Restoration Work, John Douglas 1882-86 New Organ Case by T. M. Lockwood, 1894 Extension of Warburton Chapel to form Lady Chapel, 1925 Restoration of Chapter House, 1937 and Use as Air Raid Shelter, WWII New Boiler and Heating Pipes, 1957 Re-Design of Lady Chapel, 1970 Repairs to Roof and Improvements to Rainwater Disposal, 1978-80 Tower Development, 2000 and Repairs Early 21st Century The site survey, supported by photographs, discusses the exterior and interior of the church, including the stained glass, fixtures and fittings. (1)