THE CASTLE
At the time of its inclusion by Aethelflaeda within the circuit of the walls, 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.
