Our History
The Shipgate was originally an entrance to Chester; a 12th century archway leading from the docks on the River Dee. It was built as part as an extension to the Roman walls. Ships would bring cargo for horses to carry up St. Mary's Hill, paying a toll to enter the city, it was still cheaper than paying the toll for the bridge.
During the Jacobite Rebellion the Shipgate was closed up for fear of attacks and reopened only in times of emergency. So, when a modern 19th century gaol was built, the disused Shipgate and surrounding wall was removed to make way for the prison grounds.
The original archway was moved on April 12th, 1831 to a private garden in Abbey Square belonging to Mr John Finchett-Maddock, the Town Clerk (1817-57). In 1897 it was moved again to the Groves and finally in 1923 to Grosvenor Park.
Back at the original site of The Shipgate the Roman foundations are still accessible underneath our carpark, buried beneath the current development, erected in 1984, where we live today.
