The Archaeology of Industrial Cheshire in 20 Digs is a well-illustrated introduction to Cheshire’s industrial past. Each concise chapter combines documentary evidence with excavation results to trace the development of the county’s key industries across two millennia.
The book opens with an early mining site on Alderley Edge, before examining the remarkable remains of a Roman salt-production centre at Nantwich. Salt is a recurring theme, with three further chapters exploring 18th- and 19th-century salt works around Northwich. Elsewhere, the author examines the rise of East Cheshire as a centre of textile manufacturing, alongside the waterways and transport networks that underpinned industrial growth. A range of other industries, including tanning, brickmaking, and ironworking are also discussed.
Accessible and clearly written, the book provides a handy overview and should appeal both to readers with an interest in Cheshire’s past and to those who are seeking a broader introduction to Britain’s industrial archaeology.
