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Northwich
is at the centre of Cheshire Plain at the confluence of
the Rivers Weaver and Dane.
The suffix
'wich' indicates the presence of brine springs and salt was
first extracted at Northwich by the Romans.
Salt
mining began again in the town in 1670 but by the 19th century
it had become uneconomical to mine for salt. Instead hot
water was pumped into the mines to disolve the salt which
was then extracted from the brine. However, this weakened
the mines and led to widespread subsidence.
Northwich
and the surrounding area have been seriously affected by subsidence
but a stabilisation programme, begun in 2004, is being carried
out to rectify the situation.
The brine
produced is transported to British Salt in Middlewich where
it is used for a range of products including road de-icers
and water softeners.
Following
the stablisation programme, the town is to be regenerated
under the 'Vision for Northwich' plan.
Northwich's
salt industry is celebrated at the Salt Museum, donated by
two local salt proprietors Thomas Ward and John Brunner in
1889. The museum is now located in the town's old Workhouse
because its former building subsided as a result of salt extraction!
Northwich
is known for its chemical industry. In 1874 Brunner Mond
began producing soda ash at Northwich using salt as a main
raw material. Brunner Mond amalgamated with other chemical
companies to form Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), one
of Europe's leading chemical companies.
One
of the most important tourist attractions is the Anderton
Boat Lift in nearby Anderton. This structure, known as the
'Cathedral of the Canals', links the River Weaver and
the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Dating
from 1875, the Anderton Boat Lift was the world's first and
is currently England's only boat lift, the only other working
UK boat lift is the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
After
being out of action for almost 20 years, the Lift reopened
in 2002 following a £7million restoration.
Another
highlight of the area is Arley Hall and Gardens, located five
miles north of Northwich.
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Northwich
Anderton Boat Lift Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich CW9 6FW
