The Boot Inn: Chester’s Timeless Pub with a Haunted Past
The Boot Inn, tucked away on Eastgate Street within The Rows, is one of Chester’s oldest pubs, with origins tracing back to the 14th century. Named for its medieval association with travelers and their sturdy boots, this black-and-white timbered gem has served ale to locals, merchants, and weary pilgrims for centuries. Rebuilt in the 17th century after wear and tear, it retains its low-beamed ceilings, uneven floors, and cozy nooks, offering a glimpse into Chester’s medieval life. Today, it’s a popular spot for a pint, but its long history hints at more than just frothy tales—it’s a place where the past might still linger.
Situated in the heart of Chester’s historic Rows, The Boot Inn has weathered plagues, wars, and changing times. Its proximity to the Eastgate Clock and cathedral made it a hub for gossip and trade. Patrons over the years have swapped stories by the fire, but some swear the inn harbors ghostly echoes of its rowdy past, cementing its place in Chester ghost story lore.
Alleged Ghost Stories from The Boot Inn
One tale whispers of The One-Legged Beggar, a 15th-century vagrant who lost his leg to a cart accident outside the inn. Refused entry for lack of coin, he cursed the place and froze to death on the steps. Now, a limping figure with a tattered cloak is seen hobbling along The Rows near the pub, his wooden peg tapping the boards, only to vanish into the shadows. Another story involves The Singing Maid, a young servant who fell down the cellar stairs in the 1700s, clutching a tankard. Her cheerful humming is heard late at night, and bar staff find tankards inexplicably stacked by the cellar door, as if she’s still tidying up from beyond the grave. Join us for drink at The Boot Inn