The Market Tavern. Its location, according to readers Audrey and Ralph Hodgkinson, was "at the end of Back Brook Street at the Hoole end came into Brook Place which in turn linked into Lyon Street, Newton"- an area changed beyond recognition by the redevelopments of the 1960s. Can anyone be more specific?

Reader Peter Wright then wrote to tell us, "It was in George Street, opposite the Cattle Market. To the left hand side of the pub was Thomas Street and about 50 yds to the right was Back Brook Street. The street that ran parallel to the back of the pub was Pitt Street, which was where I lived (No1) until February 1958, when our house was compulsory-purchased due to the forthcoming demolition of the street".

In February 2008, Helen Sawyer wrote to tell us, "I loved the site listing the old pubs of Chester. I am currently researching my family tree and my great grandfather ran the Market Tavern in Chester with his wife Alice. Are you able to tell me where you found your information from, as I'd like to know which other pubs he ran in the area (I believe he also ran the Horse & Jockey in Ellesmere Port prior to this one), and when he left the Market Tavern. I understand that he was kicked out of the pub in the 1950s after some money was stolen from the till, but it would be good to tie this up a little more factually'. In 1910 to at least 1914 the licencee was Mrs Emma Turner, in 1942 to at least 1952 Robert Stoddard McLarty.

In April 2013, Ingrid Blau wrote, "I have been looking at your wonderful site. In particular the Market Tavern. My grandmother Alice Mclarty was mentioned by Helen Sawyer. Are you able to put me in touch with her please? My mother (Alice's daughter in law) in still alive and remembers Robert. I have pictures of the Tavern and of my father standing outside. I remember going there as a child. Perhaps you could pass her my contact details?"

We've lost Helen's contact details sadly but hope she reads this and gets back in touch. Click on Ingrid's name to contact her..

The Market Tavern may be seen in this detail from the 1875 Chester OS map.