Bear and Billet

History

Built in 1664 to replace a building destroyed during the civil war, the Bear and Billet is one of the finest examples of a black and white half timbered buildings in Chester. Originally the town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury, the sergeants of the Bridgegate, the building has served as an inn since the 18th century. It is said that the Earls of Shrewsbury had leased it to an innkeeper on condition that a suite of rooms was always kept available for the Earl and his family. A drawing of 1820 shows it as the Bridgegate Tavern and it is believed to have acquired its present name soon after.

Collectors of obscure Beatles information will be interested to know that John Lennons (and his halfsister Julia Bairds) grandmother, Annie Jane Millward, was born in the Bear and Billet in 1873. The Bear and Billet is said to have several resident ghosts, including an old lady that greets visitors.



History Built in 1664 to replace a building destroyed during the civil war, the Bear and Billet is one of the finest examples of a black and white half timbered buildings in Chester. Originally the town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury, the sergeants of the Bridgegate, the building has served as an inn since the 18th century. It is said that the Earls of Shrewsbury had leased it to an innkeeper on condition that a suite of rooms was always kept available for the Earl and his family. A drawing of 1820 shows it as the Bridgegate Tavern and it is believed to have acquired its present name soon after. Collectors of obscure Beatles information will be interested to know that John Lennons (and his halfsister Julia Bairds) grandmother, Annie Jane Millward, was born in the Bear and Billet in 1873. The Bear and Billet is said to have several resident ghosts, including an old lady that greets visitors.