The Chester Hangman Historic Pub Tour

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The Chester Hangman Historic Pub Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Chester Hangman Historic Pub Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Join Historian and Author Nick Kevern as he takes you around the pubs of Chester that featured in his book, The Noose of Samuel Burrows.

During this exclusive tour by the author, you will learn more about Chester's infamous executioner and the crimes that led many to his gallows.

In each pub, you will hear the fascinating stories about Samuel Burrows and the crimes of those who faced him on his grisly gallows as he sent them to their deaths during the era of public execution. You will also see images of Chester during his lifetime and the historic broadsides that told the criminal stories in all their gory detail.

You will also hear an exclusive story that did not feature in the book and is only available on this tour.

Copies of The Noose of Samuel Burrows are available to purchase from the Chester Visitor Information Centre and Ye Olde Cottage. At some venues, Burrows Noose English Pale Ale by Weetwood will also be available.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Operated by: The Noose of Samuel Burrows

Ages: Adults (18–95 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tour Guide

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic beverages: All drinks are not included as part of the tour but you will have the opportunity to purchase your own from the bar.

Itinerary

Stop 1

25 min

Our first pub on the tour. Samuel Burrows lived on Northgate Street. See how the street would have looked during his time and find out more about his family life prior to becoming the executioner of Chester in 1809.
Stop 2

25 min

We will move to our second pub—The Coach House.

Here you will learn about Samuel Burrows first job as a butcher on the street outside and the history of the pub itself. You will also find out more about his character and his time as the parish beadle and special constable.
Pied Bull Building Blue Plaque

25 min

Your guide will sit you down and tell you a story about the Pied Bull and how it became the centre of a life-changing moment in Samuel Burrows' life, and about William Wilson, who was executed in 1814.

You will have the chance to get yourself a drink before the story begins.
Stop 4

25 min

How did Chester treat its criminals as they prepared for execution? At this stop, you will find out about the condemned parades that passed this very pub as Burrows prepared to execute them.

You will hear stories about those who passed here on their way to the gallows.
Stop 5

25 min

This building dates back to 1777, and it was just outside this pub where Jonathan Marsden was brutally attacked and robbed. What exactly happened that night as those within this building went to help him?

Brace yourself for a grisly story that led to another execution by the hands of Samuel Burrows. Grab yourself a drink and find out more.
Stop 6

25 min

Welcome to the street where Samuel Burrows lived and died in 1835. This pub was his regular local. Find out more with a nice pint of Burrows Noose, which is available for purchase at the bar.

As this is the final stop it is also a good opportunity to talk to the author of The Noose of Samuel Burrows about the book and ask any questions.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Wait outside the Chester Visitor Information Centre. Your guide will be there 10 minutes before your tour begins.

End point

The Tour ends at Ye Olde Cottage Inn on Brook Street near the centre of Chester. Your guide can always help with directions to get back to the centre of Chester.