Stanley Palace, Chester

Stanley Palace, located on Watergate Street in Chester is a remarkable Grade II* listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance. Built in 1591 as a townhouse for Sir Peter Warburton, a prominent lawyer and Member of Parliament, the palace has a storied history spanning over four centuries, serving various roles including private apartments, a boys' school, and a museum.

The house was constructed on the site of the former Black (Dominican) Friary, which dates back to medieval times. Upon Sir Peter Warburton's death in 1621, the house was inherited by his daughter, who married Sir Thomas Stanley, giving the residence its enduring name. During the English Civil Wars, James Stanley, the 7th Earl of Derby, was held under arrest in the house before being transported to Bolton for execution.

In the early 18th century, part of the house was demolished, and the southwest wing was rebuilt. By the 19th century, it was divided into apartments and fell into decline. In the 1870s, it became a boys' school, and in 1889, the 15th Earl of Derby acquired it. By the 1920s, Stanley Palace housed a museum with "1,000 curios." The north wing was rebuilt in 1935.

Stanley Palace is a striking example of Elizabethan architecture with its distinctive timber-framed construction resting on an ashlar sandstone plinth. The two-story structure features slate roofs and showcases four prominent gables on the east facade and three on the north, which faces Watergate Street.

Today, Stanley Palace is administered by the Friends of Stanley Palace and serves as a hireable space for meetings, events, and other community activities. Its historical significance and charming architecture make it a valuable cultural landmark in Chester.