Historian Martyn Taylor investigates the theories behind the naming of a Bury St Edmunds square

In medieval times the area around Chequer Square was prone to flooding and known as Paddock Pool, as water cascaded down and collected from Churchgate Street.

For many years it was thought that the exchequer of the abbey was here as a 15th century map of Bury shows it as ‘Escheker’.

The name derives from a chequerboard, once used in financial reckoning. An exchequer was also responsible for collecting revenues such as rents or taxes and paying out monies; the officer of the abbey or Obedentiary to do this a Thesaurarius – we would know him today as a treasurer. However, as a place akin to a treasury, would the abbot have allowed it outside of the abbeys walls beyond his watchful eye?

Another idea touted is that there was a Chequers Inn here, possibly on the site of No 4 today – again theoretical. What is definite is that No 3 was home to 15th century merchant John Baret, a contemporary of Jankyn Smyth, premier medieval benefactor of Bury. In recent years, in the course of refurbishment, medieval wall paintings were discovered here along with a 14th century stone archway. John inherited family wealth which had been founded on the wool and cloth industry and his wonderful chantry chapel ceiling and tomb can be seen in St Mary’s Church. The house adjacent to his was known for many years as The Spinners House, as this is where some of his workers were employed.

During World War Two, both houses were used as a Forces Study Centre operated by the British Army Educational Corps and highlighted in that delightful book, A Suffolk Summer, by American serviceman John Appleby.

Nos 1 and 2 Chequer Square date from 1840 – we know this because there was a row between the owners and Bury’s Paving Commissioners then as to how far the splendid wrought iron balconies were to protrude.

The much-moved Grade II-listed obelisk was originally in The Horse Market, now St Mary’s Square. It is clearly shown there from a birds eye view painting from 1842, possibly by Samuel Read. With its weather-worn borough coat-of-arms it now stands forlorn amidst parked cars.

Martyn Taylor is a local historian, author and Bury Tour Guide. His latest book, Going Underground: Bury St Edmunds, is widely available.