Winsford History

Winsford has a population of approximately 30,000 and stands in the heart of Cheshire and is located in the borough of Vale Royal, which forms part of the Mersey Forest. In history the borough of Over was united to the township of Wharton to form the town of Winsford and in the 13th century Kings held court within its boundaries. There is visible evidence of past Royal patronage for in the parish church of St Mary, Whitegate as the  choristers are still to this day attired in cassocks of royal red.

The origins of the name Winsford are unclear but could be a derivative of "Wainsford" a ford used by farmers conveying loads of hay on their haywains. Another, more likely, theory is that a man named Wynn lived by the Weaver ford at this point, and it became known as "Wynn’s Ford". The River Weaver was forded here as part of a Roman road linking Over with the town of Middlewich. One of Cheshire’s most revered landmarks is the splendid mansion at Vale Royal on Winsford’s northern boundary. Built during the reign of Elizabeth I, it stands partly on the site of a former Cistercian Abbey - a royal abbey so privileged by the laying of the foundation stone by King Edward in 1277. It is recorded that a number of Monarchs were entertained at the Abbey during its long history. Later in the Civil War it was the scene of battles between Roundheads and Cavaliers. At the dissolution, it passed to the Holcroft family together with the surrounding estates. After some rebuilding and restoration in the 18th and 19th centuries it became the family seat of the Baron of Delamere, who it is recorded kept a golden eagle caged in the grounds. Local legends held that if the bird escaped, life at the mansion would cease.

St Chad’s parish church at Over dates from the 14th century although the present fabric with its impressive tower is largely perpendicular in style. Of special interest is the priest’s chamber or parvise over the South door at the south-east corner, and a few other relics including a fragment of a Saxon cross which is preserved in a pier in the North side of the chancel. This is the mother church of the area. The other parish church at Over, namely St John’s, dates from 1863. Of similar period is Christ Church at Wharton and this parish church is most notable for its very fine memorial windows. The building consists of a chancel nave and tower built in 1849, and a transept that had once been part of a Chapel of Ease that was demolished because it had become too small for the expanding town of salt workers.

The discovery of brine in 1700 and the opening of the Weaver for navigation in the 18th century brought new industrial prosperity to the town. It became the largest salt producing area in the country, and steam packets and barges plied the Weaver day and night carrying loads to waiting ocean going ships in the Mersey. It was a steady contraction of this industry that hastened the town’s current redevelopment. At Winsford, today, the Salt Union operates the only working salt mine in Great Britain.

Winsford for the Visitor

Because of its location close to Exit 18 of the M6 and other excellent access roads, Winsford is an ideal centre for the visitor wishing to tour Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire .

The town itself has more than its share of natural amenities; parklands, unspoilt countryside and large lakes (Winsford Flashes) and with its riverside setting, Winsford offers a choice of angling, sailing or canoeing for the enthusiast or for those visitors who simply wish to stroll around and enjoy the scenery.

For the leisure walker, a new footpath link has been installed from Rilshaw Meadow to the Marina. The Whitegate Way Country Walk has also been extended from Whitegate into the heart of Winsford, and has become part of the River Weaver Country Park. In addition, the first phase of the Weaver Cycleway was opened in 1996, and plans are progressing to provide an extension to the Cycleway from Weaver Parkway to the Marina by way of a new footbridge.

Winsford Shopping

Winsford Shopping Centre is a traffic free precinct whose customers enjoy the benefit of free car parking. It has been extensively refurbished and is now mostly under cover. A further improvement scheme is currently scheduled to bring the Shopping Centre right up to date. The precinct affords a variety of shops ranging from small single units to an Asda Superstore. There are Banks, Building Societies and Estate Agents within the confines of the Town Centre. An Aldi Supermarket is situated on Dene Drive, adjacent to the Shopping Precinct. Winsford Market is open 3 days a week Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The market site is off Dene Drive at the rear of the Shopping Precinct and all stalls are under cover.

Wharton Retail Park is a development on the northern side of the town and boasts a Morrisons Superstore and a Focus DIY Store and Garden Centre all with adequate free car parking. The most recent additions are a large carpet retailer and further non-food outlets. There are two major car sale sites on the park, Fords of Winsford and Dane County Motors and the park also has a Brewers Fayre Restaurant and a McDonald’s Restaurant.

[ Home ] [ Touring Field ] [ Camping & Rally Field ] [ Bed & Breakfast ] [ Directions ] [ Out and About ] [ Tariffs ] [ Booking ]