This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest counties. It provides a nostalgic look at Cheshire’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.

The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.

The county of Cheshire was for centuries a strategically important region of north-west England on the border with Wales, heavily fortified by the Romans around the city of Chester, and part of Anglo-Saxon Mercia, before becoming a County Palatine with independent powers under the Normans. Although much of the county is still rural, the historic city of Chester, with its Roman remains, ancient cathedral and near-complete medieval walls, draws many visitors. The black and white half-timbered buildings that are a feature of Cheshire can be found throughout the county. Industry has also played an important role in the history of Cheshire – notably at Crewe, home of railways and Rolls-Royce for many years, Ellesmere Port on the Manchester Ship Canal and Runcorn on the River Mersey. This book will help you discover the rich history of this county.