John Chesshyre blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Sir John Chesshyre (1662-1738) Sir John Chesshyre was admitted to Gray's Inn in 1682, and was called to the Bar there in 1689. In 1785 he accepted the degree of Serjeant-at-Law. He became one of the Crown Counsel in 1711 as Queen's Serjeant to Queen Anne, and he was knighted in 1713. After the accession of the Hanoverians in 1714, he was reappointed as King's Serjeant to King George I in 1715. In 1727 he was appointed Premier Serjeant-at-Law to King George I, which was the peak of his career. A very wealthy man, he was responsible for building the vicarage which bears his coat-of-arms in Castle Road in Halton Village, as well as the adjacent library. This library has a claim to be one of the first free libraries in England. Although Sir John spent most of his working life in London, he expressed a wish to be buried in his home town of Runcorn. He was buried in Runcorn Parish Church, which was demolished in 1846 after falling into a state of disrepair. This church was replaced by the present All Saints' Church in 1849. There is a monument to his memory in this church, but it is currently out of sight behind the organ. The Tricorn pub was one wing of a mansion house called Hallwood Manor. It was built c.1710, and was originally a moated property. Sir John was born and lived here in the 17th Century. It is Grade II* listed building. The building to your right was the former stables. It was also built c.1710, and is a Grade II listed building. Recorded plaque organisation: Runcorn Heritage.

Sir John Chesshyre (1662-1738) was a prominent English barrister who served as Queen's Serjeant under Queen Anne and later as King's Serjeant under George I, contributing significantly to the legal system of his time. He is also remembered for establishing one of the first free libraries in England, demonstrating his commitment to public education and knowledge dissemination.