Middlewich: Roman heritage and canals

Middlewich combines Roman origins with a long history of salt and canals. Churches, historic sites and various tours offer different focuses: you can explore the town’s past or factor the approximate duration of individual walks into your plans. The canals also shape the character of Middlewich and offer further ways to experience the surrounding area.

Roman origins and salt history

Salt has been an essential part of Middlewich’s economy and prosperity since Roman times. The Roman Fort at Harbutt’s Field is part of this Roman heritage; its actual location was confirmed in 1993. There is also a historical virtual reality tour of the fort. This brings together an archaeological site and a digital historical representation, though the two offer different visitor experiences.

The industrial production of salt can also be understood through specific examples. Murgatroyd’s Brine Works tapped a natural brine spring 100 metres underground. The works evolved from steam power to electric pumps and continued operating until 1977. Murgatroyd’s Brine Pumps are protected as a Scheduled Monument. The two names refer to aspects of salt history that concern both technological development and the preservation of industrial heritage.

Church and town tours

The Church of St Michael and All Angels offers another way to explore Middlewich’s history. Most of the building dates from around 1500, but the interior also preserves some architectural elements from the 12th century. Different building periods can thus be seen within the same church. The St Michael and All Angels Tour introduces its history, which goes back to the 12th century, and highlights the rare Venables Screens and a Whitefriars window.

The different tour durations can help with planning: the St Michael and All Angels Tour takes approximately 40 minutes, while the Ancient Middlewich Town Tour takes about an hour. The Roman Trail takes approximately 1.5 hours. These estimates indicate the time allotted to each activity and make it easier to compare them if you would like to plan your visit around a particular focus.

Roman Trail and finds at the Library

The New Museum Exhibition is located at Middlewich Library. Some Roman finds discovered in Middlewich are also currently on display there. The Library therefore serves as the starting point for the trail and as a place to explore artefacts from the town’s Roman history. Check before your visit whether the current displays are available.

The Bisto Kids are also at their new location in Middlewich Library. They commemorate more than 100 years of salt and food production. Together with the Roman finds, this place illustrates how different chapters of the town’s history come together at one location.

Canals and activities by the water

From the late 18th to the late 20th century, Middlewich was an important hub for canal traffic. The Trent-&-Mersey Canal runs through the eastern part of the town centre. The Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal opened in 1829 and runs through the southern part of the town. It connects to the Trent-&-Mersey Canal via the Wardle Branch, which opened in September 1833. The Middlewich Branch meets the Trent-&-Mersey Canal in Middlewich.

Along the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, you can cycle or walk beside the water. Taking a boat trip and watching wildlife along the banks are other options on this canal branch. The Canal and Salt Trail links Middlewich’s salt history with areas of notable wildlife. This offers complementary ways to focus on industrial history and nature during your stay.

If you are looking for a hotel in Middlewich, you could first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your visit: Roman history, church architecture, the salt industry or canal heritage. The tours differ in content and duration; the canals and paths offer further ways to explore the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Macclesfield, Tarvin, Alderley Edge, Little Sutton, Lower Whitley, Aston, Tilston, Willaston.

For the wider travel overview: Cheshire.