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Middlewich
lies on the Cheshire Plain where the Rivers Dane, Croco and
Wheelock meet, and on the Shropshire Union and Trent and Mersey
Canals.
The suffix
'wich' indicates the presence of brine springs and salt was
extracted here during Roman times. Known as 'Salinae', the
settlement was one of the Roman's major sites for the production
of salt.
Salt
manufacture has continued right up to the present day and
its one remaining manufacturer (British Salt, makers of Saxa)
produces 57% of the UK's cooking salt.
The area
is also known for the production of Cheshire Cheese.
Parts
of Middlewich's parish church, St Michael and All Angels,
dates back to Norman times but most of the building was constructed
during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. The church was
the scene of defeat of the Royalists by the Parliamentarians
at the First Battle of Middlewich in the English Civil War.
The town's
location near the M6 and other important routes has meant
that it has grown rapidly since World War I.
Because
the town centre was not been extensively redeveloped in the
1970s, like many neighbouring towns, it has retained many
original small shops.
A replica
Roman amphitheatre, known as the Bull Ring, has been built
near the parish church. This venue has been regularly used
to host arts and music events and an ice rink
Since
1990 a highly-regarded Folk and Boat Festival has been held
in Middlewich.
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Middlewich
