The King's Head Hotel (no 2 Grosvenor Street, corner of Whitefriars) was closed and demolished in 1986. The site of this handsome building is now occupied by Jessop's camera shop and insurance offices within a 'Tudor Lego-style' development by the name of 'Friarsgate'.

The pub was listed in Pigot's Directory for 1818-20 when the licencee was William Roberts. The licencee in 1840 (when the house was also listed as a coaching office) was Thomas Onslow, in 1850 John Roberts, in 1857 P J Bedson, in 1880 John Parry, in 1902 Thomas Bridge, in 1910 John Sampey, in 1914 Alexander McLean, 1970s Jack Blackwell (see below).

The King's Head- or an earlier inn on its site- was previously called The White Horse, and prior to that was called The Horse and Baggs.

In November 2007, Graham Blackwell wrote to us, "My uncle Jack Blackwell was the landlord of the King's Head Hotel, which must have been around the early 1970s. He was well known in publican circles around Chester and I remember after his funeral, when licensing hours meant closing at 3pm, that all attendees were cordially invited to spend the afternoon in a variety of establishments all over town! I think it ended in the sadly demised Commercial.

Jack's last 'post' was running the bar at the Gateway Theatre. Since embarking on family history and knowing nothing about my own family (and sadly now no-one to ask!) I have often wondered how many other establishments Jack had been involved in. I know he got the sack from many due to his liking for the drink. Nothing to do with Chester I know but the list also includes Hawkstone Park Hotel in Shropshire, the Equestrian Club in Raby Mere and hotels in Blackpool and the Isle of Man! I think I have some of his genes!"

Compare the very different layout of the windows and other features in the old engraving, below left, with sthe two more recent photographs...