Northwich has an impressive history stretching back to Roman times when
the surrounding area was exploited for its salt pans. Although the
town's history goes back so far, the township was a very small one,
comprising little more than 6 square acres of land. It was surrounded by
nearby larger communities such as Witton-cum-Twambrooks, Leftwich,
Hartford and Davenham. However, during the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries, Northwich expanded to incorporate many of these neighbouring
towns and villages, and is now largely indistinguishable from such
parishes. There is one long continuous ribbon of development stretching
out into the Cheshire countryside. In Northwich & Around in 50
Buildings, local authors Adrian and Dawn L. Bridge seek out landmarks
and structures from across the centuries which are significant to the
town. These are the buildings that reveal the fascinating history of
Northwich and its environs and tell the story of its people and their
way of life. Focusing upon key themes including ancient buildings,
portable buildings, industrial heritage, residences of the rich and
poor, Victorian paternalism, leisure and retail, and modern buildings,
the authors study a wide range of structures that served many different
purposes and were built in contrasting styles. Among those featured are
Vale Royal Abbey, Arley Hall, the Lion Salt Works, Anderton Boat Lift,
the local workhouse, churches, schools, pubs, hospitals and places of
entertainment. Coming right up to the twenty-first century, the Baron's
Quay development and the Northwich Memorial Court complex are also
included in this detailed and engaging chronicle of the area's history
and architecture.
