Booth Mansion, Chester

Booth Mansion, located at 28–34 Watergate Street in Chester, Cheshire, is a remarkable blend of Georgian elegance and medieval charm. This Grade I listed building, recognized on the National Heritage List for England and included in the English Heritage Archive, stands as a testament to Chester's layered architectural history. Its Georgian frontage, crafted in 1700, masks a structure rich with medieval material, making it a unique feature of the city.

The mansion owes its name and its transformation to George Booth, who in 1700 combined two medieval houses into a single townhouse. Booth's design choice to angle the frontage toward Chester Cross ensured the building would capture attention but also earned him a £10 fine for encroaching into the street. Despite this, the frontage became a focal point, showcasing eight bays and two stories, constructed in brick with stone quoins. The roof, covered with grey slates, adds to its stately appearance.

During the mid-18th century, Booth Mansion served as the assembly room for Chester’s social elite. Its role as a gathering place for functions cemented its place in the town's cultural fabric. Over time, it transitioned into an auction gallery and, later, became home to a firm of solicitors. In October 2016, the building underwent another revival, reopening as a gallery, tearoom, deli, and chocolatier, with gifts and accessories adding to its modern allure.

Booth Mansion blends Chester’s historical Rows with Georgian style. The ground-level undercroft showcases shopfronts framed by nine stone piers. Above, the Row level features three piers and six Tuscan columns. The third story has eight tall, leaded windows, while the top story includes eight sash windows, a cornice, and four gabled dormers.

Behind this stately Georgian frontage lies a treasure trove of medieval stonework and timber, revealing the mansion’s deep historical roots. Booth Mansion’s careful integration of old and new makes it a living piece of Chester’s storied past, continuing to serve as a vibrant part of the city's community.