Monument record 10391 - Post-Dissolution Use of Former Franciscan Friary

After the Dissolution, the site of the Franciscan friary, together with its tenants, passed through the hands of several owners, until 1588 when it was granted to the Warburton family (1). In 1622 it passed from them to the Stanleys (2), and it remained in that families hands until 1775 when it was purchased by the Linen merchants, who erected the Linen Hall on the eastern part of the site and sold the rest for residential development.

It was during this period up to 1775 that the friary buildings must have been demolished (1) (CHER 10392). On several maps of Chester drawn from the seventeenth century onwards the only structure shown on the site is a tower, thought to be part of the church (CHER 10318/2).

<1> Ward, S. W., 1990, Excavations at Chester: The Lesser Medieval Religious Houses - Sites Investigated, 1964-83 (Grosvenor Museum Archaeological Excavation & Survey Reports) (Monograph). SCH1193.

<2> Bennett. J.H.E., 1921, The Grey Friars of Chester, Bennett J H E 1921 24/5-80 (Article in Journal). SCH5681.

<3> Knowles, D & Hadcock, RN, 1953, Medieval Religious Houses: England and Wales, /190 (Book). SCH2177.

<4> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Report on an Archaeological Evaluation at Linenhall Stables, Stanley Street, Chester., R2408 (Client Report). SCH4237.