History of The Courtyard Frodsham

The Cottage was built in 1645 during the time of the English Civil War. It is believed that it was originally two smaller cottages that became one larger cottage sometime during the late 1800's. At this time it became a butchers shop and the ceiling and floor dividing the dining room and living area were removed to allow greater height for meat to hang and mature. Also around this time the exterior of the walls were rendered hiding away the beautiful English oak timber frame and this was to be for the next 140 years!

Around 2003 the building was derelict and in much need of renovation. Some of the render on the front was removed and it was expected to reveal some Cheshire brick behind. You can imagine the excitement when the beautiful timber frame you see today was gradually exposed. A systematic and sympathetic renovation of the building began which was to last over two and a half years. The entire framework of the building is held together with over 2,500 hand carved wooden pegs and many of these were in such a poor state so were hand carved in the traditional wayand refitted to hold the building up. Not a single nail is used to hold the frame together!

The assistance of English Heritage, who specialise in offering advice on the restoration of England's heritage buildings was greatly appreciated and helped to turn it into the building that you see today.

Inside some of the wattle and daub walls have been left exposed so you can the lengths of willow that form the wattle that supports the daub. Daub was usually made out of a mixture of soil, clay, straw, animal dung and lime that was mixed together to form a plaster like surface.

This is a very special cottage and we very much hope that may choose to book a stay and experience what it is like to live in a traditional English cottage as well as life in a Cheshire market town for however long a period you are with us. It is our pleasure to be able to share this experience with you and very much hope that you will enjoy your stay.