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Nantwich, second half of the
Borough of Crewe and Nantwich, is a town with a
totally different character to that of its
neighbour. It is is a smaller and older market
town set beside the River Weaver with a medieval
street pattern, a beautiful sandstone church and
many listed buildings of great historical
interest. The town has an all-pervading sense of
history.
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Just as Crewe is associated
with railways, so Nantwich is associated with
salt, Cheshire cheese, and picturesque black and
white buildings.
In Medieval times salt was used for cheesemaking
and tanning. The restored Brine Spring, known as
'Old Biot' on the banks of the River Weaver, is
a reminder of when salt production was the
mainstay of the town's economy.
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Nantwich has survived many
disasters throughout its history. In the 11th
Century it was razed to the ground by the Norman
invaders, two hundred years later it was attacked
by Welsh marauders and in 1583 it was almost
destroyed by the great fire. The town was rebuilt
with the help of Queen Elizabeth 1.
During the Civil War, Nantwich supported the
Parliamentarians and was besieged several times by
the Royalist army. Eventually the town was
relieved on 25th January 1644 and the townspeople
celebrated by wearing holly in their hats. Every
year the Battle of Nantwich is remembered with a
re-enactment on 'Holly Holy Day.'
The focal point of the town is 'The Square', which
is the setting for St Mary's Church, known as 'The
Cathedral of South Cheshire'. One of the finest
Medieval churches in Britain, it has many
interesting features and its own visitor centre.
A 'Walkabout Tour' leaflet is on sale at the
Tourist Information Centre where a free Tourist
Guide can also be obtained.
Shopping in Nantwich is a pleasure in landscaped
pedestrianised areas with a wide range of
specialist shops and a colourful local market. Or
you can enjoy a stroll along the Riverside Walk
followed by a meal in one of the many excellent
restaurants, pubs or cafes.
Surrounding Crewe and Nantwich are a multitude of
pleasant villages set in classic English
countryside. Many of the villages date back to
before the Norman conquest and several have been
listed as conservation areas because of their
attractive and historic buildings. Audlem, set
beside the Shropshire Union canal and Wrenbury on
the Llangollen canal, make ideal stopping places
for tourists.
Barthomley, Banbury, Church Minshull and
Warmingham are idyllic rural villages with
interesting churches and traditional pubs. Marbury
has a beautiful old church, mere and pub.
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