FOREGATE STREET

The Hop Pole Hotel on the corner of Frodsham Street (replaced by the District (now the National Westminster) Bank) was a rival to the Blossoms. Behind it was a yard in which for nearly half a century a local newspaper was printed. In the back of both the Hop Pole and the Blossoms were 'extensive hop warehouses where the Wholesale Dealers attend at our two principal fairs (Midsummer, July 5th, and Michaelmas, October 10th) for the purpose of vending their commodity'. (Hemingway). Other goods sold at the fairs, apart from cattle and horses included immense quantities of Irish linen, Yorkshire woollen, Welsh flannel and Lancashire cotton. Up to 1860, a glove was hung outside St. Peter's Church at the site of the ancient Pentice. During this time, and this time only, non freemen and strangers were allowed to exhibit their goods and trade in the city.

Two of the trading halls were in Foregate Street, the Union Hall just outside the picture on the left, of which a part remains behind Burrell's shop, and the Commercial Hall opposite about where the Holborn Cafe was.

The Holborn Cafe was a remarkably old Chester establishment of high quality with a resident orchestra. It was taken over in the 1930s by Littlewoods (of football pool fame) and converted into a store rivalling Woolworths.

Victorian & Edwardian Chester By John Tomlinson A Deesider publication