Chester Rows, Chester (must see)

Chester Rows are a number buildings on the four main streets of Chester. When they were originally built, the Rows were shops with living areas. Today, they are mostly shops but also include restaurants, offices and meeting rooms.

The Rows are thought to have been built atop ruins of Roman buildings during the medieval era, but their origin is still subject to speculation. Many have suggested that they were created after a fire in 1278 destroyed most of the city. The earliest recorded information about Chester Rows 1293.

During the medieval period the Rows serves as both business premise and living accommodation. The doorway led into a hall which was often used as a shop. The story above the hall was the private living space for the residents. In some cases, where the hall was larger, there were several shops sharing the space.

Behind the hall was more domestic accommodation. Normally the kitchen was a separate building in the yard behind the house. The back yard was also used for cesspits which are temporary storage of sewage and for the disposal of rubbish. Below the Rows were crypts or undercrofts. Many of these were stone-lined with ribbed vaults used for storage or for more valuable goods.

Of the original Rows, about 20 are still standing. Cowper House is the best example of the architecture. It has an undercroft of six bays and rib-vaulting. It is on the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

Those who visit Chester Rows will find the buildings transformed into spots like the Grosnevor Shopping Center and an array of other shopping spots. Pedestrian-only streets make it easy to visit the Rows. Today Chester Rows are one of the city's main tourist attractions.