Bear and Billet, Chester

The Bear and Billet, a historic public house on Lower Bridge Street in Chester, is a quintessential example of 17th-century timber-framed architecture. Recognized as a Grade I listed building, it holds the distinction of being one of the finest and last remaining timber-framed townhouses in England, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance.

Constructed in 1664, the building originally served as the town residence for the Earls of Shrewsbury, who oversaw the nearby Bridgegate. While its primary function was residential, it likely doubled as a grain warehouse, evidenced by the double doors and a hoist bracket on its street-facing gable. By the 18th century, the property transitioned into an inn, retaining connections to the Shrewsbury family until 1867. Its name, Bear and Billet, references the heraldic emblem of the Earls, depicting a bear tethered to a billet (or stake).

The building’s design is a striking showcase of timber framing with plaster panels, rising from its cellars to include three stories and an attic. The jettied stories create a layered façade, adding depth and visual intrigue. The roof, clad in purple slates, runs at a right angle to the street, crowned by a carved bargeboard and a decorative finial at the gable’s apex.

The ground floor has two doors (one central, one to the south) framed by three-light windows. The first floor showcases 16 plaster panels and a 32-light mullioned and transomed window with leaded lights. The second floor includes 12 arched timber panels and a wide window like the one below, topped by 12 square decorative panels. The attic features a double timber door with panels and two light-led windows, while the gable’s apex displays decorative herringbone timber framing.

Today, the Bear and Billet stands as a cherished piece of Chester’s architectural and cultural heritage. Its legacy as both a residence and an inn, combined with its impeccable timber-framed design, makes it a landmark worth admiring for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.