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Feathers Lane, CHESTER, CH1 1NJ

No. 49, with a pent roof, is by W.M. Boden, 1891, the single-bay nos. 51-53 is by James Harrison, 1858, so early for this style in Chester, and no. 55 (the Art Gallery) is by Thomas Edwards, 1889. It has a very ornate sign (Image]). Grade II listed.

The grade II listing (entry 1376103) describes the building as 1889 'probably by Thomas Edwards' on an 18th century undercroft. The unusual feature is the wording 'To God my King and my Country' beneath some Biblical scenes. At one time it was an art gallery, now shops. See Image for context.

Feathers Lane is one of the medieval lanes that leads off Bridge Street. Today it only provides access to private properties. The blue plaque reads: FEATHERS LANE This lane led to the yard of the Feather's Hotel, Chester's principal coaching inn in the early 19th century. Twenty coaches left here every day. The Feathers, situated just to the north of the lane, was demolished in 1866.

This dinky number, St Michael's Rectory, is early C17th. It is much too small and humble to be Victorian. Grade II* listed.

A stylish shop front at #51 Bridge Street Row that used to be the County China & Glass shop.

39 Bridge Street, Chester is famous for having the remains of a 2nd century Roman hypocaust and bath house in its cellar. The ground floor and cellar are now used by Spudulike. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/39_Bridge_Street,_Chester

39 Bridge Street, Chester is famous for having the remains of a 2nd century Roman hypocaust and bath house in its cellar. The ground floor and cellar are now used by Spudulike. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/39_Bridge_Street,_Chester

Because of the elevated 'Rows' offering different premises to those at ground level, buildings in Chester city centre often have dual numbering. 43 is the shop at ground level, 49 above. Like many of these medieval buildings it has seen several changes of use: as a town house, then a shop and parsonage (it was bequeathed in 1659 to St Michael's Parish), but since 1907 back in commercial use - currently a mobile phone shop below and Italian bar above. Listed Grade II* (list entry 1376089).

Made redundant in 1972, St. Michael's was purchased by Chester Council, and in 1975 opened as the very first Heritage Centre in Britain.

The buildings and Rows on the eastern side of Bridge Street. Row level: Smooberry, Chester Health Store, ?, Lesley Simon (actually Cakes 2 Remember). Street level: Coffee Mill, Kingkabs, Cinderbox Cafe, (vacant).