Building record 10593/2 - Chester Rows : No 67-69 Bridge Street Row

No 67-69 Bridge Street Row consists of a four storey town house of late 17th century origin but with extensive alterations in the 18th and 20th centuries.

The Row level town house has a mid 20th century facade in red brick with large sash windows in a fair imitation of the Row style.

The interior of the structure shows several phases of reconstruction; at Row level there is an 18th century door providing access to the entrance passage and a mid 17th century staircase to the rear. At first floor level there a hearth includes an 18th century surround, moulded plaster cornice and a door while at second floor level the internal features are largely 19th century in date with the exception of a late 17th century hearth. (6)

The Row walkway consists of a Row walk 2.37m wide and a stallboard 1.99m wide with brick piers supporting the upper floors. There are large central sash windows at first and second floor level with a smaller window in the attic space. (1)

A serious fire in February 2002 destroyed the roof of the back range and leading to internal damage as a result of fire and soot. A subsequent preliminary building survey aimed to assess the extent of damage and identify features of historic interest; although this property was not as extensively damaged as the adjacent site, the partial demolition of the back of the structure was required. A number of closely spaced vertical charred timbers were probably inserted studwork than original medieval timbering. Internal features identified including a good open staircase and panelling of a 17th century date. (4)

A more detailed building survey of No 69 Bridge Street Row was later carried out in 2004 as although the damage to the structure was limited, subsequent proposals were made to alter the interior layout. The report indicated that despite the fire, the interior and plan form appears to retain much of its 17th century interior. (5)

A survey carried out during the demolition of the party wall between No 67-69 Bridge Street Row and the adjacent property (No 63) indicated several phases of development. The evidence from the Row level wall indicated a construction date sometime in the medieval period with subsequent additions at first and second floor level in the 16th century. Further survey carried out on the southern party wall at No 67-69 Bridge Street Row also indicated medieval construction at Row level and later additions above. (8)

In 2015, proposals were made for the conversion of the three upper floors into one bedroomed residental apartments and a Heritage Impact assessment concludes that the changes would have little or no significant impact on the fabric, character or significance of building.

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1985-1990, Chester Rows Research Project Archive, CHER 10593 (Paper Archive). SCH6789.

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

<3> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

<4> Bob Meeson, Historic Buildings Consultant, 2002, 59-61 Bridge St., Chester: Preliminary Historic Building Assessment following Fire Damage, R3134 (Client Report). SCH6207.

<5> Richard K Morriss & Associates, Historic Building Consultants, 2005, 67-69 Bridge Street Row, Chester: an Archaeological and Architectural Analysis and Impact Statement, R3132a (Client Report). SCH6205.

<6> Richard K Morriss & Associates, Historic Building Consultants, 2004, 67-69 Bridge Street Row, Chester: an Archaeological and Architectural Analysis and Impact Statement: Addendum I, R3132b (Client Report). SCH6762.

<7> Grosvenor Estate, 2002, Report on fire damage at 59-61 Bridge Street and 71-73 Bridge Street Row, Chester, R3332A-C (Client Report). SCH6811.

<8> L - P Archaeology, 2002, Architectural Watching Brief of 63 Bridge Street Row, Chester, R2445 (Client Report). SCH4422.

<9> Richard K Morriss & Associates, 2015, Heritage Impact Assessment on Proposed Residential Apartments at 67-69 Bridge Street Row, Chester, Cheshire (Client Report). SCH7827.