Monument record 10089 - Commercial Hall, Frodsham Street

The Commercial Hall on Frodsham Street was built in 1815 as a private enterprise. It comprised a galleried courtyard around which two floors contained 56 single and 20 double lock-up shops. During the fairs, when the majority of business was carried out, it was occupied by a variety of traders from London, Glasgow, Manchester and so on. Although it did not specialise in a particular type of goods, there was an emphasis on hardware and cutlery. (1)

The business of large fairs gradually died out during the 19th century and by 1850 the emphasis had shifted from large market halls temporarily occupied to more permanent businesses and the hall gradually fell out of use and by 1910 it was used as a warehouse and for workshops. It was demolished by 1966. (1)

<1> Lewis C.P & Thacker A.T. (eds), 2005, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume Vii, The City of Chester - The City of Chester, Culture, Buildings, Institutions (Book). SCH6522.