This fine half-timbered house at the start of Bridge Street is dated to 1664. And was home to the mayor of Chester 1641-1642 Thomas Cowper (1595/6-1671).
At the outbreak of the civil war Thomas Cowper prevented Sir William Brereton beating a drum for parliament at the cross to enlist followers. He took the drum of him and smashed it up!
Sir William Brereton (1604-1661), MP for Cheshire and Parliamentary Commander.
It is thought this building replaced an earlier building destroyed during the Siege of Chester in 1645.
Gable End
The main oak beam on the gable end is inscribed T.C. 1664. The initials stand for Thomas Cowper. And the date is when the building of constructed.
Row Level
Bridge Street Row West passes through this building at first floor level.
Shop at Ground Level
The Arthouse cafe has closed down - May 2025.
Basement
The basement contains a fine 13th Century crypt dated to 1270.
The entrance to the crypt is to the rear of the street level shop. After the entrance you decent a small flight of steps.
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