Middlewich Tourist Information

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.