Watergate, Chester

The Watergate in Chester is a notable 18th-century structure forming part of the city walls and spanning the A548 road between Watergate Street and New Crane Street. A key feature of Chester’s architectural history, it carries a footpath above the road and stands as a Grade I listed building on the National Heritage List for England.

Constructed between 1788 and 1790 for the Chester City Council, the Watergate replaced a medieval gate that was badly damaged during the Siege of Chester in the English Civil War. Renowned architect Joseph Turner designed the new gate, which was necessary after the old structure was deemed “dangerously ruinous” and subsequently demolished. The original medieval gate was once heavily fortified with double doors, a portcullis, and a drawbridge, serving as a crucial customs point where goods passed through and tolls were levied.

The Watergate is built in red sandstone ashlar and features a basket arch with short, rusticated voussoirs. Above the arch, the parapet consists of elegant stone balusters interspersed with decorative panels, highlighting the gate’s refined 18th-century style. A now-dry drinking fountain, dated 1857, is attached to the gate’s northern abutment, reflecting the structure's later additions.

Historically, the River Dee approached right up to the Watergate, with a quay situated just outside the medieval gate. This allowed for the loading and unloading of goods directly into the town. However, as the river silted and receded over time, the quay area was replaced with an open space known as Watergate Square.

Today, the Watergate stands as a fine example of Chester’s enduring heritage and Georgian architectural ingenuity. It remains an integral part of the city walls, offering visitors a tangible link to Chester's medieval past and its 18th-century evolution.