| THE CASTLE | ||
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At the time of its inclusion by Aethelflaeda within the circuit
of the walls, the castle was merely an entrenched earthwork, and though strengthened considerably by William the
Conqueror, it was not until Henry III assumed the Earldom of Chester in 1237 that any extensive stonework was introduced.
The old shire hall, now demolished, was obtained from Lord Burghley in Elizabeth's reign in return for six Cheshire cheeses. The only portion of the old building which survives is the so-called Agricola Tower, containing three apartments, a crypt on the floor level, supporting a fine stone-vaulted chapel, and above that a third vaulted chamber. |
The chapel is of Early English style, and has portions of the stone altar slab remaining fixed in the solid wall. Here the unfortunate Richard II and the Earl of Salisbury were brought as prisoners "mounted on two little nagges not worth 40 francs." Other notable prisoners included David, brother of Prince Llewellyn, and Eleanor Cobham, good Duke Humphrey's Duchess, who was accused of witchcraft.
This tower now houses the Regimental Museum of the Cheshire Regiment, containing relics of many wars in different lands, photographs, maps and plans covering over 100 years of service. Among the exhibits is one of great interest, namely the white marble chair used by the Amir of Scinde on State occasions, which came into the possession of Sir Charles Napier, the conqueror of Scinde in 1843. There are also a number of Sudanese standards captured at the Battle of Omdurman; a Union Jack which was the first British flag to fly over the fort of Johannesburg, South Africa; the framed order conferring on the 12th Battalion of the Regiment the Croix de Guerre for services in Macedonia, and numerous relics of the Great War.
The Museum, which is a striking monument of the history of the County Regiment, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and an attendant is always available on application at the Guard Room.
The modern buildings of the Castle, erected in 1811, to the design of Mr. Thomas Harrison, include the grand entrance, military quarters, and Courts of Assize (used also as the meeting place for the Cheshire County Council).The Castle precincts, known as " Gloverstone," were always excepted from civic authority, and John Wesley, when his preaching met with violent opposition in the city, here found a convenient refuge where he could continue his ministrations in safety.
At the head of Castle Street there was formerly a marble boundary stone, at which point prisoners condemned to death or to be whipped, were given into the charge of the city authorities by the county authorities. On arriving at this stone, the Mayor, when he had occasion to come to the Castle, would direct the Sword and Mace, usually carried before him, to be put down and the Sheriffs laid aside their white wands of office.
The garrison church of St. Mary-on-the-Hill is medieval but has undergone much restoration. The tower was rebuilt in 1861 to replace a smaller one of 1715 which, by government order, had been designed so as not to overlook the Castle. The church contains monuments to members of the Randle Holme and Gamul families, who are buried here, and also many beautiful and ornate memorials including several military ones. When the united parish of Chester was created in 1972 this church became redundant and it is now used by Cheshire County Council's Educational Services Department. On the right of the hill is the Old Rectory where school classes were held until St. Mary's School, at the top of the hill, was opened in 1846.
Although within the walls, the Castle was, from 1506-1974. outside the jurisdiction of the city The south side, housed the county gaol which closed in 1884.The gaoler's house was in the part-octagon and overlooked the prisoners' exercise yard below. The cells, considered humane at The time they were built in 1788. are even now dark, dank and cold, County Hall, opened in 1957, now stands on this site of the Castle.
