6-9,Market Place

Chiesman's Store, formerly known as Hide's Store, is a large modern department store. While most of the building is not of significant interest, it does contain some noteworthy features. In the basement, there is flint walling and 17th-century brickwork. Inside the store, there is a remarkable mid-17th-century timber staircase that was originally from the Castle Hotel, which used to be on this site. The staircase has heavy square newels with carved, panelled sides and ball finials, and the strings are carved with laurel leaves. The handrails are heavily moulded, and the space between the handrails and strings is filled with intricate foliage and roses, including some human figures. Some of the newels bear initials. Additionally, the new structure incorporates an 18th-century hipped, tiled roof above a much-altered three-storey, four-bay range. The building is listed solely for the items described.