Nantwich in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Nantwich.-- (or Namptwich), market town, par., and township, Cheshire, on river Weaver, 5 miles SW. of Crewe, 36 miles SW. of Manchester, and 158 miles NW. of London - par., 3578 ac., pop. 8174; town and township, 696 ac., pop. 7495; P.O., T.O., 3 Banks, 1 newspaper. Market-day, Saturday. As the seat of extensive saltworks Nantwich was in early times a place of not a little consequence. The Welsh carried on a considerable trade in salt; and in order to harass that people King Henry III. ordered the brine pits to, be filled up, a proceeding which gave a serious shock' to the progress of the town. Many battles were fought! here between the English and the Welsh; and in olden days the town was more than once ravaged by fire and pestilence. The manufacture of boots and shoes is now the prevailing industry; leather and clothing mfrs., ironfounding, &c., are other local employments. A short distance from the town the Grand Junction Canal is joined by the Ellesmere Canal.