Oddfellows Hall, Chester
Jun 19, 2008 by Claire Statter
Oddfellows Hall is a Grade II* listed building recently extended and renovated by Lister Carter Associates to accommodate the restaurants, members lounge, bars and uniquely decorated hotel rooms of an open house members club. Built in 1676 in Neo-Classical style ‘Bridge House’, as it was originally known, was at one time used as a school. Later the name was changed to reflect its duties as the meeting hall of the Oddfellows friendly society.
Considering the building’s history, city centre location and situation within a designated area of high archaeological activity, Chester City Archaeologist advised that all ground intrusions should be archaeologically monitored. The garden area had potential for revealing meaningful archaeological remains therefore L – P : Archaeology carried out a Watching Brief during groundworks for the extension to the rear of the building.
During excavation the top of two 17th century queens vaulted ceilings relating to perpendicular red brick cellars were recorded. The choice of queens vaulting construction indicates that the original owner was of high status.
L – P : Archaeology’s historic buildings experience and effective archaeological monitoring work enabled the client to continue construction without interruption, whilst complying with planning conditions.
| Client: | Lister Carter Ltd |
| Site: | Oddfellows Hall, Chester |
| Development type: | Leisure |