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Winsford has a population of approximately 30,000 and stands in the heart of Cheshire and is
located in the borough of Vale Royal, which forms part of the Mersey Forest. In history the
borough of Over was united to the township of Wharton to form the town of Winsford and in the
13th century Kings held court within its boundaries. There is visible evidence of past Royal
patronage for in the parish church of St Mary, Whitegate as the choristers are still to this day
attired in cassocks of royal red.
The origins of the name Winsford are unclear but could be a derivative of "Wainsford" a ford
used by farmers conveying loads of hay on their haywains. Another, more likely, theory is that
a man named Wynn lived by the Weaver ford at this point, and it became known as 'Wynn’s
Ford'. The River Weaver was forded here as part of a Roman road linking Over with the town of
Middlewich.
One of Cheshire’s most revered landmarks is the splendid mansion at Vale Royal
on Winsford’s northern boundary. Built during the reign of Elizabeth I, it stands partly on the site
of a former Cistercian Abbey - a royal abbey so privileged by the laying of the foundation stone
by King Edward in 1277. It is recorded that a number of Monarchs were entertained at the
Abbey during its long history. Later in the Civil War it was the scene of battles between
Roundheads and Cavaliers. At the dissolution, it passed to the Holcroft family together with the
surrounding estates. After some rebuilding and restoration in the 18th and 19th centuries it
became the family seat of the Baron of Delamere, who it is recorded kept a golden eagle caged
in the grounds. Local legends held that if the bird escaped, life at the mansion would cease. It is
now Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club.
St Chad’s parish church at Over dates from the 14th century although the present fabric with its
impressive tower is largely perpendicular in style. Of special interest is the priest’s chamber or
parvise over the South door at the south-east corner, and a few other relics including a fragment
of a Saxon cross which is preserved in a pier in the North side of the chancel. This is the
mother church of the area. The other parish church at Over, namely St John’s, dates from 1863.
Of similar period is Christ Church at Wharton and this parish church is most notable for its very
fine memorial windows. The building consists of a chancel nave and tower built in 1849, and a
transept that had once been part of a Chapel of Ease that was demolished because it had
become too small for the expanding town of salt workers.
The discovery of brine in 1700 and the opening of the Weaver for navigation in the 18th century
brought new industrial prosperity to the town. It became the largest salt producing area in the
country, and steam packets and barges plied the Weaver day and night carrying loads to waiting
ocean going ships in the Mersey. It was a steady contraction of this industry that hastened the
town’s current redevelopment. At Winsford, today, the Salt Union operates the only working salt
mine in Great Britain.
Winsford for the Visitor
Because of its location close to Exit 18 of the M6 and other excellent access roads, Winsford is
an ideal centre for the visitor wishing to tour Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.
The town itself has more than its share of natural amenities; parklands, unspoilt countryside and
large lakes (Winsford Flashes) and with its riverside setting, Winsford offers a choice of angling,
sailing or canoeing for the enthusiast or for those visitors who simply wish to stroll around and
enjoy the scenery.
For the leisure walker, a new footpath link has been installed from Rilshaw Meadow to the
Marina. The Whitegate Way Country Walk has also been extended from Whitegate into the heart
of Winsford, and has become part of the River Weaver Country Park. In addition, the first phase
of the Weaver Cycleway was opened in 1996, and completion is an ongoing process. The
cycleway running through Winsford is now part of the National Cycleway (Route 5). Ultimately it
will link Winsford, Northwich and Frodsham through a combination of off-road traffic-free routes,
quiet lane based routes and sections that go along or adjacent to highways.
The new leisure centre, 'Winsford Lifestyle Centre', opened in April 2009 has the following
facilities; 25 metre pool and smaller teaching pool, cafe with internet access, 2 squash courts
multi-purpose hall for sports use and 500 seat auditorium, 50-station gym, dance studio,
meeting and consultation rooms, and a bar and function room.
Winsford Shopping
Winsford Cross Shopping Centre is a traffic free precinct whose customers enjoy the benefit of
free car parking. It has been extensively refurbished and is now mostly under cover.
The precinct offers a variety of shops ranging from small single units to an Asda Superstore.
There are Banks, Building Societies and Estate Agents within the confines of the Town Centre.
An Aldi Supermarket is situated on Dene Drive, adjacent to the Shopping Precinct. Winsford
Market is open 3 days a week Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The market site is off Dene
Drive at the rear of the Shopping Precinct and all stalls are under cover.
Wharton Retail Park is a development across the river, on the northern side of the town and
boasts a Morrisons Superstore and a Focus DIY Store all with adequate free car parking.
There are other non-food outlets in addition to 'Wharton Park' a Crown Carvery and a McDonald's
Restaurant.
