Northwich The Way We Were

A 19th century visitor described Northwich like this; ‘This is the most crude and picturesque place it is possible for the mind to conceive. It is, without a doubt, one of England’s curiosities.’

Whether they loved it or loathed it, there’s no doubt that visitors were intrigued by Northwich, but what on earth had created this unique place. The answer can be found in the town’s motto, ‘Sal est Vita’ – ‘Salt is Life’. Salt has indeed given the town life and at times also threatened to suck the life out of it.

The DVD explores Northwich’s extraordinary relationship with salt – in the past, in the present, and in the future. It reveals how it has shaped the town of today: It looks into the lives of those who made fortunes from salt, and those who toiled in appalling conditions to produce it.

But it isn’t just about salt. We also discover why Barnton is sometimes known as ‘Jam Town’; why Northwich boatmen fought a pitched battle on the Weaver; why the Stanley Arms was also known as ‘The Tip’; how Northwich men played a part in saving the British Army in WW1; how a legendary Manchester City goalkeeper honed his skills in a Northwich prison camp; why funerals in Rudheath attracted the attention of the tax-man; and how an industrial wasteland became a haven for wildlife.

This entertaining journey through time is produced exclusively by Britain On Film for the Northwich Guardian and is narrated by Roger Wilson. The running time is approximately 50 minutes.

SPECIAL OFFER
Included with ‘Northwich The Way We Were’ is a free bonus feature ‘The Way We Were in the 1950s’, which takes a nostalgic look back at life in 1950s Britain.