Sandbach (pronounced Sandbatch) gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon 'Sandbęce' meaning 'sandy valley-stream'. The settlement, mentioned in the Domesday Book, has held a market since the 16th century.
In its cobbled market square stand two historic Saxon crosses. The origin of these crosses is not certain but it is thought they were created in the 9th century to mark the advent of Christianity in this kingdom of Mercia in 653 AD.
In 1651, during the English Civil War, a skimish took place at Sandbach, when nearly 1,000 Scottish troops on horseback retreating from the Battle of Worcester were attacked by local people.
The Church of St Mary, dating from 1661, was restored in 1847 - 1849 under the direction of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
Opposite the church stands the Old Hall Hotel, a fine timber-framed building dating from the 17th century.
At the turn of the 20th century Sandbach became famous for the production of heavy goods vehicles. E.R.F and Foden were successful manufaturers but both have since located elsewhere.
The Foden Richardson Brass Band, originally created for the employees of Foden, is world-famous.
Sandbach has excellent transport links, being close to Junction 17 on the M6, and having its own railway station on the Crewe to Manchester mainline.
The Trent and Mersey Canal also passes through the town, bringing many visitors in the summer.
In recent years Sandbach, surrounded by pleasant dairy farmland, has developed as a dormitory town for nearby Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Stoke-on-Trent. The town is the administrative centre of the Borough of Congleton.
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Holmes Chapel Road Sandbach CW11 1SE MAP Strategically located at junction 17, M6 Motorway, the Saxon Cross Hotel offers easy access to the National Motorway network, providing an easy link to Manchester International Airport, the city centre, G-Mex Exhibition Centre and the Potteries.... |
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69, Chester Road Sandbach CW10 9EU MAP Sandhurst Hotel is a family-run hotel a short walk from Middlewich town centre. It has cosy rooms with free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, stunning gardens and a secure car park. The hotel is only a 5-minute drive from Winsford and the M6, and a 30-minute drive fr... More Information and Book ... |
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Nantwich Road, Wimboldsley Sandbach CW10 0LN MAP With an award-winning tearoom and local farm shop, Hopley House offers pleasant rooms, some with original features. The guest house is set in a converted barn in Wimboldsley, just 3 miles from Winsford. The bright and airy bedrooms each have a private ba... More Information and Book ... |
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Congleton Road Sandbach CW11 4ST MAP This Tudor-style building is in quiet gardens, 500 metres from junction 17 of the M6 motorway. It has free parking, a stylish restaurant, a bar and free Wi-Fi in the public areas. The Chimney House hotel was once home to the vicar of the local church. It... More Information and Book ... |
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Brook House Lane Minshull Vernon near Middlewich Sandbach CW10 0LU MAP Set in the heart of beautiful Cheshire within easy reach of a host of visitor attractions including many National Trust properties this splendid detached beamed cottage offers a peaceful retreat for all seasons. Its spacious oak finished interior boasts h Sleeps 8... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Sandbach To Visit - straight line distance:
Alsager Tourist Information (4.13 miles) Crewe Tourist Information (4.64 miles) Middlewich Tourist Information (4.70 miles) Congleton Tourist Information (6.43 miles)