The earliest house on the site is thought to date from the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1652. The 17th century house included a timber above the row level bearing the inscription "GOD'S PROVIDENCE IS MINE INHERITANCE". This is reputed to be thanks for the house being the only one to have escaped an outbreak of the plague in 1647-48 - 4 years before the house was constructed so, if true, the story must relate to the previous medieval house. In the mid 19th century the owners wished to demolish it. After pressure from the Chester and North Wales Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Society it was agreed that its replacement would be constructed in similiar form and incorporate the inscribed timber. The 'new' timber framed building (seen here) is larger and more elaborate than the one it replaced and was completed in 1852.
This is part of the Series: RCH01/006 Red Box Collection (Rchme); within the Collection: RCH01 Royal Commission On The Historical Monuments Of England (Rchme) Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Donor: Hutchinson, E A
Victorian Shop, Victorian Timber Framed Building, Victorian Row