Bishop Lloyd's Palace, Chester

Bishop Lloyd's Palace, also known as Bishop Lloyd's House, is an iconic timber-framed building located on Watergate Street in Chester. This Grade I listed structure is celebrated for its architectural splendor, with historian Nikolaus Pevsner deeming it "perhaps the best" house in Chester. Its fascinating history and intricate design make it a must-visit landmark.

The building stands on two medieval sandstone undercrofts with timber framing above, showcasing Chester’s unique architectural heritage. Its first floor incorporates a section of the Chester Rows, a distinctive feature of the city. Originally two separate townhouses, the structure was rebuilt in the 17th century, unifying the buildings and introducing a more modern design.

The house is named after George Lloyd, Bishop of Chester from 1605 to 1615. It has connections to the Yale family, notable for their association with Yale University. By the 18th century, one side of the house bore the name "Edgar's Academy." However, neglect in the 19th century left the property in disrepair until a major restoration in the 1890s by architect Thomas Lockwood, who revitalized its façade and structural elements.

Bishop Lloyd's Palace consists of two gabled houses with three stories and attic spaces. A stone staircase with a wrought-iron railing leads to the row level, featuring a shopfront with an oak handrail. The façade is adorned with carved brackets of figures, square panels, mullioned windows, and ornate gables.

Inside, a Chinese Chippendale staircase connects the floors. One upper room features a grand 17th-century plaster ceiling and a large fireplace from the Bishop's Palace. The smaller room has Tudor rose motifs, a sea monster frieze, and a unique Cupid-on-lion fireplace overmantel.

Today, the building is home to shops at street and row levels, while the upper floors house Chester Civic Trust’s headquarters. Visitors can explore the historic rooms, which are open free of charge at designated times, and hire elegant meeting spaces for events. Bishop Lloyd's Palace remains a testament to Chester’s rich history and architectural excellence, drawing both tourists and locals to admire its timeless beauty.