The Bear and Billet, standing tall on Lower Bridge Street in Chester, dates back to 1661 as a Tudor masterpiece. Built by the Earl of Shrewsbury, its black-and-white timber frame first served as a grand residence before turning into a bustling inn by the 18th century. Overlooking the River Dee, it welcomed travelers and locals near Chester’s historic Rows, its creaky floors soaking up tales of trade and turmoil. Today, it’s a beloved pub, but its ancient beams creak with Chester ghost stories that linger from its storied past.
This inn thrived as Chester grew into a bustling port and market town, its hearths warming weary souls through centuries of change. Its prime spot near the city walls captured the pulse of Tudor life—some say with echoes that refuse to fade. The Bear and Billet blends Chester’s rich history with a haunted charm, drawing fans of Chester ghost stories and Tudor haunts to its bar.
One chilling tale tells of The Drunken Soldier, a Civil War trooper who died here in 1645, gutted in a brawl over ale. His staggering figure lurches near the bar, a faint clank of armor trailing—patrons smell sour beer when he’s close. Another story spins The Mourning Innkeeper, a woman who lost her son to plague in 1666 and took her life in the attic. Her soft sobs drift from above, and candles flicker as if she’s still pacing. These Chester ghost stories weave a spectral shroud around The Bear and Billet, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters.