About Bank House
WELCOME TO BANK HOUSE
Bank House has been serving the community as a dental practice since 1889
Our building is not only a place of modern dental excellence but also a Grade 2 listed gem with a traceable history dating back to 1070. This rich heritage adds to the charm and character of our practice, making your visit to Bank House a unique experience.
OUR FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
A friendly and welcoming environment with the latest technology
We take pride in our state-of-the-art facilities, including nine surgeries and two dedicated decontamination rooms, ensuring the highest hygiene and patient care standards. Our top-of-the-range CT machine allows us to provide precise diagnostics and advanced treatments for our patients.
We also offer the convenience of on-site parking, making your visits to our practice as easy and stress-free as possible.
We also offer the convenience of on-site parking, making your visits to our practice as easy and stress-free as possible.
OUR TEAM
We’re improving lives through better smiles
Whether you need routine dental care or a full smile makeover, we are here to help. We look forward to welcoming you to Bank House and being a part of your journey to optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.
OUR HISTORY
The Bank House site has a long history even before the Carmelite Friars came
See the timeline below, based on Noelle Thomas’ research of Bank House’s history.
Roman Period
Early History: The area was part of the Roman Camp, specifically the old Roman Road, Via Sagularis. Roman tiles, stones, and a conduit have been found in the cellars behind Bridge Street.
Pre-Friary Period
Artisans’ Houses: Before the Carmelite Friars arrived, the site had artisans’ houses, including one used by carpenters to store props for the Guilds Mystery Plays.
Carmelite Friars
1279: Hugh Payn gave 7 messages, surrounding land, gardens, and outbuildings to the Carmelite Friars. The sandstone walls at the back of Bank House are believed to be the base of two or three of these buildings. There are also walls near the back door, which were likely the lower base of the Friars’ church or a strong room.
18th Century
1818: Mrs. Kinloch and Mr. Thomas operated a Stamp Office at Bank House. This office required a strong room for the safekeeping of deeds, warrants, and printed papers sent to London, as well as money. It is speculated that people may have thought of it as a bank due to the need to safeguard money.
Georgian Period
Georgian House: The current Georgian house was originally two houses, possibly joined by an arch in the passage on the right of the front door. The bricks and roofs show signs of this joining, and there was a gap between the small burbage houses at the back, which was likely used to enlarge the walls for a strong room.
19th Century
1889: In the late 19th century, Paxton Harding and his son operated a dental practice on the first floor of Bank House, while the family lived in the remaining rooms. The drawing room, originally used for parties, became a waiting room, and their stables housed both a coach and Chester’s first car. After Walter’s death in 1903, Henry expanded the practice, converting more rooms into surgeries, with the family moving to the ground floor and servants and children residing in the attics.
Second World War
1934: Harry Kessler, a young boy, and his father met an English couple, Gladys and William Jones, who ran the Bank House Dental Surgery, while on a trip to Vienna. Years later, when the Kesslers needed to escape Nazi-occupied Austria, they turned to the Joneses for help. The Jones family took them into their home in Chester, saving their lives.
Present Day
2024: Bank House Dental, run by Nick Cooper and Dave Orme, proudly continues a long tradition of serving the community with expert dental care. Rooted in tradition, the practice combines its caring staff and welcoming environment with the latest technology to provide the best possible experience for patients. Nick and Dave are committed to upholding the values of this historic practice while ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and well looked after.