Monument record 10873 - Castle - Thirteenth Century

Following the developments described by CHER 10872 (twelfth century castle) and its sub-monuments, several major developments occurred beginning in the thirteenth century and extending up to the early seventeenth century. When the inner bailey gatehouse was built is uncertain. However, twin towered gatehouses (usually with rounded gate towers) were an innovation of the thirteenth century. At some point after it ceased to be the main entrance to the inner bailey the Agricola Tower had a hall added to its southern side, which had a solar at the southern end and chamber above. A kitchen larger and butteries were also accommodated at the northern end of the hall, with steps providing access to the bailey ditch via a stone arch. These additions may have been undertaken as part of Ranulf III’s improvements, although work undertaken by Henry III is equally possible. Henry III and Edward I used the castle as a base for their campaigns in North Wales, with large armies passing through the city from as early as 1241. Following the annexation of the earldom by Henry III in 1237 the timber elements of the castle began to be rebuilt in stone, signifying its considered importance. Other references to maintenance work at the castle pertain to the rebuilding of the bridge to the keep, which fell down in 1238, a second bridge leading from the castle to an orchard was ordered in 1245, and may have been located in front of the arch by the Agricola Tower, painting of the chapel walls of the Agricola Tower chapel, the construction of the solar and chamber. In 1251 the Great Hall was completed. The building at the southern end of the Great Hall (later to be used as the Exchequer court) was apparently of thirteenth century character, and may have originally functioned as a chapel.

Under Edward I the castle was used as a base for his conquest of Wales, leading to additional requirements from the king for accommodation for his household, stables, and improved fortifications. These works included the rebuilding of the outer gateway and the erection of new domestic buildings for the king and queen. A new outer gatehouse was built in 1293 at a cost of £318, the former entrance was blocked up.

Under Edward of Caernarfon, the roof of the great chapel was recovered in lead, while the chapel in the Agricola Tower was adapted as a repository for the prince’s treasure. The shire court was moved from its place in the Great Hall to a building outside the castle near the main gate, and a new kitchen built in the inner bailey. In 1337 parts of the castle wall began to be rebuilt. There is no detailed evidence for the evolution of the various towers associated with the outer bailey, however Gowestower is mentioned during the reign of Edward I (and is believed to be the western tower of the outer gatehouse) Damaries tower is mentioned in 1328 and the Garderobe tower in 1347.

Little architectural development occurred between these construction phases and the early seventeenth century, with the exception of the function of various pre-existing buildings changing, and continuous repairs to the walls, gate and towers.

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1994, Chester Castle Cable Trench Watching Brief (Client Report). SCH6295.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1992, Chester Castle Radar survey (Client Report). SCH6294.

<3> Chester & District Standard, 1993, Fortress Dig (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH6293.

<4> Chester & District Standard, 1993, Fortress Dig (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH6292.

<5> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 1882 1/358-362 (Book). SCH1389.

<5> Daily Post, 1993, sinking car park sparks castle probe (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH6291.

<6> Cheshire County Council, 1994, Minutes of Meetings regarding Chester Castle in 1994 (Written Communication). SCH6289.

<7> Cheshire County Council, 1992, Minutes of Meetings regarding Chester Castle in 1992 (Written Communication). SCH6288.

<8> Colvin H.M. (ed), 1963-1982, The History of the King's Works, /607-612 (Book). SCH3161.

<9> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ46NW44 1976 (Index). SCH2487.

<10> Royal Archaeological Institute, 1845-Present, Archaeological Journal, 94/310 Hamilton Thompson 1938 (Journal/Periodical). SCH338.

<11> Daily Post, 1992, Facelift plan for 'collapsing' historic square (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH6290.

<12> Chester Archaeology, 1992, Chester Castle Radar survey, R3150 (Client Report). SCH6294.

<13> multiple authors, 1980/81, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5806.