A Brief History of Widnes

An area of poor agricultural soil, described as ‘half marsh and half moor’, seems to be the earliest description we have of the area on the northern shore of the River Mersey which is now occupied by the town of Widnes.

By 1845, the world’s first rail-canal-dock complex had been established on land that was then called Widnes Dock, now known as Spike Island. Here, at the southern terminus of the St Helens Canal and Railway, Cheshire salt would be off-loaded for the glass-makers of St Helens inexchange for Lancashire Coal for Northwich.

The scene changed very little for many centuries. Around 1180, a church was built at Farnworth in a dominant position at the top of the village high street. The ferry across the Mersey at Runcorn Gap, was an important link for travellers. Sometimes at low tide, it would be possible to ford the river at this point. To serve the travellers, the Boathouse Inn was established, although it seems to be better known as ‘Snig Pie House’, owing to the fame of the noted local delicacy: eel pies! The eels were caught in the river, in those days the Mersey could support salmon, and the local brooks and streams produced trout.

By the 18th Century, the small collection of homesteads, on the rocky promontory, known as Woodend, was attracting day trippers from Liverpool who travelled down-river to this quiet rural retreat. There were cottage industries, particularly at Appleton, where they drew fine wire for the local watchmakers.

By 1845, the world’s first rail-canal-dock complex had been established on land that was then called Widnes Dock, now known as Spike Island. Here, at the southern terminus of the St Helens Canal and Railway, Cheshire salt would be off-loaded for the glass-makers of St Helens in exchange for Lancashire Coal for Northwich.

Visitor Attractions

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