The Chester Civic Trust which celebrates its 66th year this year, is opening its HQ Bishop Lloyd’s Palace to visitors during the national Heritage Open Days festival on Saturday, 12th September between 10am and 4pm. Volunteers will be on hand to point out the superb features of this Grade I listed historic building in Watergate Street on Chester Rows and provide tea, coffee and refreshments.
Bishops Lloyd Palace is considered by many architects to be the most beautiful building in Chester, remarkable because it dates from the 17th century with foundation stones from the 13th & 14th century. It was originally two buildings converted into one dwelling and incorporated into the famous South Rows on Watergate Street.
It has been associated with Chester Merchant Adventurers, a king’s ex-mistress, a coaching firm, a girls’ school, a pub and a cheesemaker. These days it is available to hire and can be booked as a hospitality and meetings venue or by community groups and businesses.
The three reception chambers will also be on show, with their Jacobean plasterwork and two intriguing fireplaces.
Refreshments will be served for which a small cash donation to charity would be appreciated.
Leaflets will be available and Chester Civic Trust members will be present to answer any questions.
More details at Bishop Lloyd’s Palace – Open Bishop Lloyd’s Palace is accessed from Row level, next to Rainforest.
