| Administrative History | Purchased from the West Cheshire Brewery Co., Ltd., 1930.
This property, on the west side of Northgate Street, consisted of a public house known as the 'Blue Bell', and two adjoining cottages. The 'Blue Bell' is listed as a 15th century house, and is said to have been licensed as early as 1494 see Provisional List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest, 1949, p.46. The 'Blue Bell' and adjoining property was bought by the West Cheshire Brewery Co., Ltd., in 1924, who sold it to Chester Corporation in 1930. Because of the lack of sanitary accommodation, the inn lost its licence in 1930, and in 1936 the building was scheduled for demolition. However, it was decided that the 'Blue Bell' should be preserved, and it was restored and re-opened as an antique shop in 1948 see K.C. Wood, Ye Olde Blue Bell Northgate, Regent Press Bootle Ltd., 1950. The 'Blue Bell' is now occupied by 'Snow Whites', children's outfitters |