Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Widnes within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Widnes, manufacturing town and township, Prescot par., SW. Lancashire, on river Mersey, 13 miles SE. of Liverpool, 3339 ac. (314 water), pop. 24,935; 1 Bank, 3 newspapers. Widnes rose from a population of less than 2000 in 1851 to nearly 25,000 in 1881. It has extensive chemical, alkali, soda, soap, candle, grease, and manure works; it has also iron foundries, and copper-smelting and rolling mills. Docks were constructed in 1866, and extended in 1884. Between Widnes and Runcorn the Mersey is spanned by a magnificent railway bridge.