See how Chestergate Macclesfield changed between around 1900 and 2025. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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Chestergate, one of Macclesfield's principal medieval streets, has long been a vital thoroughfare leading out of the town towards Chester. The suffix "gate" derives from the Old Norse "gata," meaning road, indicating its function as a main road rather than a guarded gate. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the late 16th century, Chestergate was home to The Bate Hall, a public house dating back to the late 1500s. Local legend suggests it was the site of a witch's execution, with reports of a "grey lady" haunting the premises. (wyrdways.uk)
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Chestergate develop into a bustling commercial hub, with several buildings from this era still standing. Notably, numbers 40 and 42 Chestergate, built in the early 19th century, are Grade II listed buildings, reflecting the area's historical significance. (thewrennreport.co.uk)
In recent years, Chestergate has undergone redevelopment, with plans approved in 2023 for a 45-apartment block and two retail units, aiming to rejuvenate this historic area while preserving its heritage. (macclesfield.nub.news)
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