The Watergate, Chester blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: The Watergate. When Chester was a flourishing port in the Middle Ages, the river flowed close to the Watergate. All goods entering the city from the port passed through this gate. After the canalisation of the Dee in the 1730's a new port was built lower down the river. The medieval watergate was replaced by the present arch in 1788.

The Watergate served as a crucial entry point for goods arriving at Chester’s medieval port, reflecting the city's historical importance as a significant maritime trade center until the river's canalization redirected commercial activity downstream.