This illustrated history portrays one of England's finest counties. It
provides a nostalgic look at Cheshire's past and highlights the special
character of some of its most important historic sites. The photographs
are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over
12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England's
archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from
the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from
Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.
The county of Cheshire was for centuries a strategically important
region of north-west England on the border with Wales, heavily fortified
by the Romans around the city of Chester, and part of Anglo-Saxon
Mercia, before becoming a County Palatine with independent powers under
the Normans. Although much of the county is still rural, the historic
city of Chester, with its Roman remains, ancient cathedral and
near-complete medieval walls, draws many visitors. The black and white
half-timbered buildings that are a feature of Cheshire can be found
throughout the county. Industry has also played an important role in the
history of Cheshire - notably at Crewe, home of railways and Rolls-Royce
for many years, Ellesmere Port on the Manchester Ship Canal and Runcorn
on the River Mersey. This book will help you discover the rich history
of this county.
