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The market
town of Nantwich, situated on the Cheshire Plain, lies
on the banks of the River Weaver. Nearby are the Langollen
and Shropshire Union Canals.
The suffix
'wich' denotes the presence of brine springs and the settlement
dates back to Roman times when salt from the area was used
to supply the garrisons at Chester and Stoke-on-Trent.
Nantwich's
salt industry reached a peak in late-16th century and its
last salt house closed in 1858.
Despite
being burnt to the ground by the Normans, and almost destroyed
in the Great Fire of Nantwich in 1583, the ancient town is
second only to Chester for the wealth of historic buildings.
St Mary's
Church, is one of the finest medieval churches in the UK,
is known as the 'Cathedral of South Cheshire'. Surrounding
the church are narrow winding lanes with many fine old timber-framed
buildings.
Nantwich
Museum illustrates the history of this town.
Tourists
and locals alike can take the pleasant walks along the River
Weaver and the Shropshire Union Canal, as well as around Nantwich
Lake.
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