THE CASTLE

The museum occupies this 19th century building which was originally the accommodation for both soldiers and officers. The officers moved into the building opposite sometime in the late 1830s.

Behind the museum building is a yard surrounded by a wall. In 1790/1800 when this block was being designed and completed, barracks for soldiers were a fairly recent innovation. Previously they had all been billeted out in pubs and with local townsfolk. At this time the army acted as the police force for major disturbances. This is why the garrison was put between the town and the Crown Courts.

Thomas Harrison's symmetrical design for the castle included the tower of St Mary's Church as it balanced with the Agricola Tower.

The church is now a centre run by the County Council. It is noted for its extremely beautiful ceilings and the Gamul family tomb one of whom was a mayor during the civil war.

In the centre is the Crown Court. These buildings replaced the smaller Palatine Courts. The expense for most of the new castle - the main building and the right-hand wing of the castle - was borne by the Crown and the County.

The Agricola Tower was built in the late 12th century. The ground floor was rebuilt after a fire in the Royal Apartments in 1302.

There are the remains of some very fine 13th century frescoes on the walls of the Regimental chapel (on the 1st floor of the tower). It is likely that these were painted by artists who were brought back from Europe by Edward II.

The Officers Mess is on the opposite side of the square to the museum. This building, named Colvin House after a VC holder of the Cheshire Regiment remained a Mess until 1st July 1997 when the army vacated it. This building was originally built as an armoury.

One of the most famous guests at the Mess was Major Bernard Montgomery who stayed there in the 1920s; Montgomery later to become Field Marshall.

A panoramic view of Chester Caetle in 1900

A more detailed history of the castle can be found at the following website:

http://www.chesterwalls.info/castle.html

The entrance to the museum. When the castle was a military barracks this was an accommodation block.

Agricola's Tower, A three-floored building was built c1150 as the gate tower for the inner bailey. The second floor is now a Chapel for the Cheshire Regiment. It is maintained by English Heritage.

The castle entrance is by way of a propylaeum, a massive gateway leading into the parade ground with the main castle block beyond with its portico and stone columns.

There is also a bar in the castle which is used for Cheshire Regiment Association branch events and private parties. Food can be prepared on premises. A small hire rate applies for private party use.

This bronze statue of Sir Stapleton Cotton Viscount Combermere, which records his battle exploits in the Peninsular War and elsewhere, is positioned directly in front of the entrance to Chester Castle.

St Mary's church. It's tower was built to balance with the Agricola tower. It is currently available for use as a concert and exhibition venue and the Chester Music Society hold many concerts there throughout the year.