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The Chester Hangman Historic Pub Tour

5.01 review

  • 3 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

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.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Tour Guide

What's not

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

Itinerary

  1. 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.

    25 min

  2. 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.

    25 min

  3. 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.

    25 min

  4. 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.

    25 min

  5. 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.

    25 min

  6. 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.

    25 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
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Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Wait outside the Chester Visitor Information Centre. Your guide will be there 10 minutes before your tour begins.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 15 travellers
Operated by
The Noose of Samuel Burrows
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Chester

  • Its from-price is 20% below the median of the 38 experiences we list in Chester.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 28 of 38.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Chester

Chester is a walled city on the River Dee in north-west England, with Roman remains, timber-framed Rows above its shops and a red-sandstone cathedral.

Chester was founded by the Romans as the fortress of Deva, and the circuit of its city walls, about three kilometres around, is among the most complete in Britain, with a walkway along the top. The east gate carries the Victorian Eastgate Clock, and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre lie just outside the walls.

Top-ranked sights in Chester: Chester City Walls, Chester Cathedral, Chester Castle.

See all 38 experiences in Chester

Special offers in Chester

Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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