Building record 10466/2 - Chester Rows: 34-38 Watergate Street Row

These three properties originally formed a single 14th century townhouse and undercroft. The original plot extended back to Hamilton Place and like the structure was originally considered one plot. The undercrofts for No 38 & 40 at least were built together while the Row level open hall was built parallel to the street with a service bay over No 42 thus incorporating all three properties. An overall assessment of the three structures was provided as part of the Chester Rows Research Project. Three phases of medieval construction were noted consisting of traces of an earlier structure in the east wall of the undercroft at No 38 followed by the construction of the remainder of the three undercrofts in the 13th century. This was followed by the construction of the Row level buildings utilising changes in construction techniques.

The facade of No 34 Watergate Street Row (directly above No 38 street level) consists of a largely modern construction dating to the 19th and 20th century, the shop itself is modern behind which is the medieval hall. The interior of No 34 extends over the adjacent two properties and consists of a large open hall running east west into No 36 with the service bay at No 38. The south wall survives in its original state while the brick walls of the north and east may be later replacements of the medieval arrangement. Much alteration was noted from the 17th century including the addition of a chimney and a new ceiling as well as some 17th century timber in the staircase. The upper floor are largely 18th or 19th century in date although some trace of the 17th century stud working was noted. The second floor is a 20th century addition removing the original roof line.

The interior of No 36 is similar to that of No 34 forming part of the medieval open hall. A late medieval to early post medieval door leading off the Row was recorded beyond which was the remains of the main stone arch leading into the hall. Like the adjacent property, the hall itself has been altered by the insertion of a 17th century fireplace. Access to the upper floors is via a 17th century staircase of Jacobean design, the upper floor is timber framed with traces of the southern stone wall of the hall also surviving in situ. In this property, the second floor remains largely 17th century although the roof itself is modern.

Unlike the adjacent properties, No 38 Watergate Street Row contains fewer original medieval features with the only exposed area of medieval origin was the east wall containing three blocked service doorways that were also visible in No 36. The door arches appear 14th century in date. A number of 17th century joists were also recorded on the Row level and first floor of the building while the medieval north wall continues as far as the first floor. A 19th century extension was added to the rear of this property and now functions as a separate property. It is not included in the listed building designation.

The Row walkway includes an 18th or 19th century planked stallboard with an area at the eastern end for a now removed staircase from street level. The upper floors are supported by stone Doric columns of a similar date while the front is enclosed by 19th century iron railings. (1)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1985-1990, Chester Rows Research Project Archive, CHER 10466 (Paper Archive). SCH6789.

<2> Brown. A. (ed), 1999, The Rows of Chester: The Chester Rows Research Project (Book). SCH6790.

<3> Smith. M.A., 1986, Chester Rows Research Project: First Interim Report (Unpublished Report). SCH6791.

<4> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

<5> Brown, A N, J C Grenville and R C Turner, 1990, Watergate Street The Rows Research Project (Unpublished Report). SCH6636.

<6> Brown A. Et al, 1986, A medieval stone town house in Chester (Article in Journal). SCH5948.