A Brief History of Nantwich

A brief illustrated history of Nantwich, in less than three minutes!

It was prepared by members of the museum's Research Group, with materials from the museum's archives.

Nantwich Salt

The local salt-making industry developed from brine springs associated with the River Weaver.

The Romans are known to have made salt in the area during the second and third centuries.

The Great Fire

In 1583, a Nantwich brewer accidentally started a blaze which burned for 20 days, destroying 150 houses, inns and other buildings. The fire made around 900 people, half the population, homeless. Fortunately, only two people perished.

The Civil War and Battle of Nantwich

Nantwich was a hotly contested town during the English Civil War with both the Royalists and Parliamentarians attempting to gain a foothold in the second most important town in Cheshire. The Parliamentarians were drawn into battle on 25th January 1644.

Shoes and clothing

By the 1860s, shoe making in Nantwich reached its peak and one third of men and a sixth of women being involved in making shoes and workman's boots.

There were 6 clothing factories in Nantwich. The last closed in 2004.

Nantwich Fairs

Every year Nantwich would hold initially three, and after from 1819 four, fairs. These were very important events in the calendar and were a mixture of business and pleasure. There's even a tune, called Nantwich Fair.

Making Farmhouse Cheshire Cheese

Cheshire cheese is one of the oldest recorded named cheeses in British history. There has been a long history of making Cheshire cheese on farms around Nantwich.

Nantwich Buildings

Today the town has 132 listed buildings and structures, with three classified as Grade I, seven as Grade II* and 122 as Grade II.

Famous Nantwich People

Joseph Priestley, most famous for his discovery of oxygen in 1774 probably tops the list but there are many others ...

Nantwich Apothecaries

In the past, most English towns had apothecaries who prepared and dispensed medicines. Over the centuries there were many in Nantwich, serving the town and surrounding area.