Introduction
Have you ever walked down a road, and wondered how it got its name? This page helps to answer that question, and gives some fascinating insights into the history of Nantwich. Not every road has been covered as, for instance, we think most people can work out why Ash Grove got its name.
The streets are listed in alphabetical order.
Albert Street
Built c1870 to provide housing for the nearby clothing factories and named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.
Alvaston Road
Built c1980 in the Dovehouse Crofts area. Named after the adjacent township of Alvaston.
Arnold Street
Built c1870 to provide housing for the nearby clothing factories. Possibly named after Thomas Arnold, the famous head of Rugby School.
Audlem Road
Anciently part of Broad Lane. It was named c1950 and is the road that leads to Audlem.
Barker Street
Barker is derived from the Latin word ‘Bacaria’ meaning tannery. Tanning was an important industry in Nantwich, and there was a tannery on Barker Street in the 15th Century. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Baronia Place
Named after Harding’s Baronia factory, built on this site in 1872. It provided work for over 700 Nantwich people.
Barony Road
An ancient roadway dating back to across Beam Heath leading from the end of Beam Street to Beam Bridge. Was in the ownership of the Barons of Nantwich.
Batherton Lane
Lane leading to Batherton. This place is thought to come from ‘Beornthryth’s farm/settlement’.
Beam Street
Beam Street is one of the oldest streets in the town, and has been known by the same name for over 600 years. In a document dated 1336 “houses in le Beme Street” are referred to. Beam Street used to lead to Beam Heath, ‘Beam’ is Saxon for a tree.
Beam Heath Way
Built circa 1995 on ancient Beam Heath Land.
Beatty Road
Named after David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty who was born at Howbeck Lodge, Stapeley. The Earl Beatty is remembered for his comment during the Battle of Jutland that “There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today”, after two of his ships exploded! He later became Commander in Chief of the Grand Fleet, and received the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War. Click here to learn more about David Beatty.
Birchall Close
Named after Thomas Birchall, a Nantwich clockmaker. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Birchin Close and Birchin Lane
An ancient lane dating back to 1535, named after birch trees. The site of a skirmish in the Civil War.
Bishops Wood
Possibly a local name.
Blagg Avenue
Blagg Avenue was named after Joe Blagg, the local councillor.
Blears Avenue
Built c 2015 on part of The Elim Bible College land. Three Nantwich brothers, Charles, Edward and Thomas Blears, all died in the First World War.
Bowers Row
Named after Thomas Bower, Nantwich mill owner. Originally a terrace of houses built for mill employees these were demolished circa 1972.
Bowling Green Court
Named after the bowling green it was built upon.
Bowyer Avenue
We think that this road was named after James Bowyer J.P., who was, for many years, a member of Nantwich Urban Council. His name is recorded on a plaque on Brookfield Hall.
Brereton Drive
Parliamentarian Sir William Brereton sent troops to occupy the town in January 1643.
Brick Bank
An old lane marking the site of a brickworks. Nantwich used to have its own brick factory.
Bridle Hey
A bridle is the headgear used to control a horse.
Brine Road
Brine springs, which supplied the Brine Baths Hotel, are nearby. Click here to learn more about the Brine Baths Hotel. There is more information in Derek Hughes’s booklet on the Brine Baths Hotel. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
Broad Lane
An ancient broad roadway, dating back to 1663, leading to Audlem. Originally commenced at the end of Pillory Street.
Brook Way
Built circa 1990 on the site of Brine House (a rehabilitation centre for children).
Brown Avenue
Named after 1st Lieutenant Arthur L. Brown, an American airman who died when his Thunderbolt plane crashed – narrowly missing the town centre in 1944. There is a memorial, off Shrewbridge Road, which marks the site.
Brunner Grove
Sir John Brunner (of Brunner Mond Chemical Works in Northwich) opened Willaston School on this site in 1900. You can learn more about Sir John Brunner here (external site).
Burnell Close
Bishop Burnell was probably responsible in the 1280s for beginning on the site of St Mary’s a church of a similar shape and size to the current one.
Butler Way
Named after Nantwich Clockmaker Abraham Butler. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Byron Walk
Built c2007 on the Kingsley Field Estate. Lord Byron was in charge of the Royalists in the battle of Nantwich.
Caldwell Close
The Caldwell family, lived at Hospital House at 140 – 142 Hospital Street
Capel Way
Built c2007. On the Kingsley Field Estate. Lord Capel was a Civil War Royalist Commander.
Cartlake Close
Named after a part of Nantwich called Cart Lake (which dates back to 1851). There used to be cesspool here, where offenders were lowered by means of a cucking (meaning ducking) stool, after being taken through the streets in a cart, hence the name Cart-lake.
Castle Street
Castle Street was the main road, dating back to 1459, to the ford across the river. It is often described as being on the high road to Chester. Castle Street is near to where Nantwich’s castle was situated. It was called Pudding Lane in 1792 after the offal (or puddings) from the butcher’s stalls in the market, was thrown in the river. Read more about Nantwich Castle here, and in our booklet Nantwich’s Norman Castle.
Cedar Grove
Named after the Cedars Hotel on this site which developed from the original Willaston Cottage but nicknamed Gingerbread Hall.
The Rev. Andrew Fuller Chater
Chater Drive
Rev. Andrew Fuller Chater became the Rector of Nantwich in 1846 Andrew Fuller Chater. Three years later, in 1849, the town suffered from a terrible epidemic of cholera. The Rev. Chater did much to help manage the crisis. Read more about the Rev. Chater here, and in our booklet Reverend Andrew Fuller Chater, and in our book Cholera in Nineteenth Century Nantwich.
Cherrington Road
Possibly named after Cherrington, a village in Shropshire. Its name is possibly derived from the Old English personal name Ceorl, or it may have originally been “Ceorranton” from the name Ceorra (“the settlement of Ceorra’s people”).
Cherry Grove
An unadopted road opposite Daisy Bank in the Millfields area.
Cheyne Walk
The Cheney family owned land in and around Nantwich in the 14th Century.
Church Lane
The lane leading to the church. The last street to retain its cobbles. You can read more about St Mary’s Church here.
Churche’s Court
Built on land that used to belong to the Churche family of Churche’s Mansion.
Clonners Field
Named after two fields on Beam Heath Land surrounded by bog or water.
Comberbach Drive
The Comberbach family lived in Barker Street and owned the tannery there between the 14th and 16th Centuries. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Cope Avenue and Copes Lane
Named after the Cope family who lived here around 1900.
Copley Walk
This could be named after Christopher Copley who raised a troop of horse in Yorkshire during early 1643. After the Battle of Adwalton in the June the troop was transferred to Sir Thomas Fairfax’s Horse. He fought at the Battle of Nantwich under Fairfax.
Cowfields
An ancient lane that led from Beam Street to Beam Heath and used regularly since the 13th Century to take animals to pasture on the Heath.
Crewe Road
The road leading to Monks Coppenhall (later called Crewe). The road dates back to 1642. Before the town now known as Crewe was built, this road was called Windmill Lane.
Cromwell Court
Named after the result of a competition in a local newspaper. Although Nantwich was partliamentarian, Cromwell never came to Nantwich during the civil war.
Cronkinson Avenue and Cronkinson Oak
Cronkinson is a derivative of Croncastle. There may have been a castle here.
Cross Wood Street
Cross Wood Street dates back to 1549 and is the name of the street which connects First and Second Wood Street.
Damson Drive
Before modern dyes were invented, damsons used to be used to die clothes as well as being a food.
Davenport Avenue
Two of the principal shoe manufacturers in Nantwich were John and William Davenport. There is more information about shoe making in our leaflet Nantwich Shoemakers.
Delamere Road
Though to be named after Delamere Forest.
Dog Lane
An ancient lane leading to fields off Beam Street.
Dorfold Drive
Named after Dorfold Hall in Acton.
Dunnillow Field
Dunnillow is a Saxon word meaning “hill-fort mound”. Dunnilow Field is the field next to Beam Bridge.
Dutton Way
Possibly named after the Dutton family, who lived at Dutton Hall, in Dutton Cheshire.
Edmund Wright Way
Sir Edmund Wright was born in Elizabethan times in Hospital Street, Nantwich the son of Randall (or Rondull) Wright (d. 1596), mercer, and his second wife, Margaret Edwards (d. 1586). Both his parents were also from Nantwich. You can learn more about Sir Edmund Wright here.
Elwood Way
Possibly named after a Nantwich solicitor.
Ernley Close
We think this is named after Colonel Sir Michael Earnley, although the correct spelling contains an “a”. He returned from fighting in Ireland and his Regiment of Foot was landed at Mostyn in November 1643. They saw action during the Siege of Harwarden Castle, Second Battle of Middlewich and fought under Lord John Byron at the Battle of Nantwich.
Fairfax Drive
Sir Thomas Fairfax was a Lieutenant General when he was involved with the Battle of Nantwich. On 25th January 1644 the siege was lifted by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton after a great battle.
First Wood Street
This street dates back to 1353. Wood was stored here for using in salt production. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
Flowerscroft
Crofts, as the name implies, were originally small plots of land. There were many adjoining Monks’ Lane, the names “Flowerscroft” and “Tinkerscroft,” occur in records dated 1325 and they doubtless extended up to the boundaries of the church on the east. Flowerscroft today is on a recent build, but is named after a field in Nantwich that was near South Crofts.
Garnett Close
Possibly named after Alfred Ingilby Garnett (1822 – 1889) who was born in Nantwich and later lived at Haughton Hall, Bunbury.
Gerard Drive
John Gerard (also John Gerarde), c.1545–1612 an English herbalist who was born in Nantwich. You can read more John Gerard here. There is more information in our booklet John Gerard and his Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes.
Gibson Close and Richard Gibson Road
Named after Colonel Richard Gibson, who deployed four regiments of infantry against Thomas Fairfax in the English Civil War.
Gingerbread Lane
Named after Gingerbread Hall which was the nickname for Willaston Cottage. This was built by Sampson Cartwright from the proceeds of his successful confectionery business in the town.
Hadyn Jones Drive
John Haydn Jones studied at Chesterfield School of Art. He moved to Nantwich in 1954, becoming a well-known local artist, a prominent member of the Crewe Music and Arts Society and a founder member of Audlem Art Group. His whimsical drawings of Nantwich buildings have been popular over the last 30 years.
Haighton Court
Joseph Haighton and Sons had a clothing factory here in the Barony area.
Halfpenny Close
Named after Herbert Halfpenny, who was head gardener at the Brine Baths Hotel. His roses werec said to be the best in the county. Click here to learn more about the Brine Baths Hotel. There is more information in Derek Hughes’s booklet on the Brine Baths Hotel.
Hallams Drive
Could be named after Hallam, the King’s Commission of Array in the Civil War.
Harding Road
Possibly named after John Harding, the shoe maker. The first factory, on the Barony, built by Messrs. Harding & Co. of Manchester, was opened in June, 1872, and was enlarged several times. There is more information about shoe making in our leaflet Nantwich Shoemakers.
Harvey Avenue
Named after Rupert Harvey, owner of the tannery in Millstone Lane who had Birchen House built here in the 1920s. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Hawksey Drive
Probably named after the Nantwich clockmaker, called Hawksey. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Hayes Close
There have been several prominent people called Hayes who have lived in Nantwich. Edward Hayes was a 17th century registrar for Nantwich, Henry Hayes was a leading gentleman of the town in the 18th century. A weaver, Thomas Hayes of Hospital Street, was more celebrated as a bag-race runner.
Heathfield Close
Named after Heathfield House that stood nearby.
Heathside
A heath is an area of open uncultivated land, typically on acid sandy soil. Heathside is situated by Beam Heath, and dates back to 1643.
Hellath Wen
Nantwich was called Hellath Wen, ‘town of white salt,’ by its Welsh neighbours. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
High Street
One of the oldest streets in the town, dating back to 1260. For many years it was called Hightown.
Highfield Drive
Named after Highfield Farm that stood here.
Hillfield Gardens, Hillfield Place and Hillfield View
Named after Hillfield House that stood near here in Wellington Road.
Hinde Street
This street could be named after Henry Hinde, who lived at 1 Park View. He was chairman of Cheshire County Council’s Nantwich Administrative Sub-Committee, and involved in recruiting staff for the Technical Institute. This street could also be named after Captain and Adjutant Thomas Hinde, who fought in the Rifle Brigade in the World War One and was buried with military honours in Nantwich on 3 July 1928.
Hirsch Close
Named after Philip (Pip) Hirsch VC, a former pupil and head boy, of Willaston School which was situated on this site.
Hodgkin Close
William Hodgkins (1689-90) established a charity which aimed to provide six exhibitions (free scholars) to the Grammar School at Nantwich, and also help occupants of the Alms Houses.
Holland Walk
Colonel Richard Holland raised a Regiment of Foot in Lancashire and fought under Fairfax at the Battle of Nantwich. He was an uncle of Sir William Brereton whose mother was Margaret née Holland.
A N Hornby
Hornby Drive
A N Hornby, the famous cricketer lived in the town, and first learnt to play cricket on the grounds of Shrewbridge Hall. You can learn more in our booklet about A N Hornby.
Horton Way
Could be named after Ralph Horton, who died on 28 March, 1729. Ralph Horton Esq. was probably the last descendant of a family that had resided and owned lands in Coole-Pilate, near Nantwich, from the time of King Henry IV.
Hospital Street
Hospital Street is the oldest street Nantwich and dates back to 1083. The building at 140-142 Hospital Street is believed to stand on the site of the medieval Hospital of St Nicholas.
Imperial Court
Named after Imperial Works clothing factory that was on this site.
Jackson Avenue
Possibly named after a builder called Jackson, who built the houses here.
James Hall Street
James Hall, historian wrote a detailed history of Nantwich, and later had his own school on Wellington Road.
Jan Palach Avenue
Czech student of history and political economy involved in political protest against the end of the Prague Spring resulting from the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact armies.
Jan martyred himself on Wenceslas Square by self-immolation.
Jubilee Gardens and Jubilee Terrace
We think this was named after the Silver Jubilee of George V. This was celebrated on 6 May 1935 to mark 25 years of King George V as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India. It was the first ever Silver Jubilee celebration of any British monarch in history.
Kingfisher Close
Kingfishers are often seen by the River Weaver in Nantwich.
King’s Court and King’s Lane
A deriverative of Kingsley. John Kingsley lived at Porch House and this lane (and Kingsley fields) are named after him.
Lady Helen Walk
Named after Lady Helen Verdin, the wife of Sir Richard Verdin, who lived at Stoke Hall, Nantwich.
Lakeside View
This road is by Nantwich Lake, which was created in the 1970s.
Lambert Crescent
Colonel John Lambert raised a Regiment of Horse in Yorkshire and fought under Fairfax at the Battle of Nantwich.
Lea Drive
Lea means grassland or meadow. The houses here were built on a field that was part of Cope’s farm.
Lewis Close
Guy Lewis was the first headmaster (1900 – 1905) of Willaston School which was on this site (now known as Elim Bible College).
London Road
London Road, as its name suggests, was the principal route to London. People travelling from London to Holyhead (and on to Ireland) would use this route, making Nantwich an important coaching town. The journey to London used to take several days. In the 1830s, after improvements to the roads, the fast Royal Mail stagecoach would leave The Crown in Nantwich daily at 10am. It would arrive at Charing Cross, in London, the following day at 7:30 a.m. – a journey of 21½ hours!
Love Lane
May have been an area for prostitution (as well as on Oatmarket).
Mainwaring Close
Named after the well known Mainwaring family, who had a mansion at the end of Beam Street.
Maisterson Court
The Maisterson family have lived in Nantwich since the 14th century. On 13th Februar 1390-1, Thomas le Maisterson, of Nantwich was appointed Escheator of the county, by the King, who, on 29th Oct. 1391, also made him Attorney-general of the county.
Malbank
William Malbank, was the first Baron of Nantwich.
Manor Road and Manor Road North
Named after Manor House in Beam Street. Manor road goes through the old garden.
Market Street
There has been a market in Nantwich since 1500. The present market building, at the junction of Market Street and Churchyardside, dates from 1867.
Marsh Lane
A document dated 1651 which was petitioning for the paving of this road tells us “That whereas ye Lane lyeing beteen Nantwich and Ravensmoore called ye Marsh-Lane, beinge a very great Roade from Shrewsbury, Welshpoole, Whitchurch and from diuers parts of Wales to Nantwich . . . which said lane all ye winter season is altogether unpassable, so ye Countrey people thereabouts are prevented from coming to their usuall Market . . .”
Massey Close
Named after William Massey, a Nantwich clock maker. There is one of his clocks in Nantwich Museum. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Meeanee Drive
Named after the Battle of Meeanee (sometimes spealt Miani), which was a famous victory for the Cheshire Regiment. This took place in 1843 in Sindh, which in those days was a province of India, but now is in Pakistan.
Mercer Way
There was a Mercer who was the headmaster at the National School in Market Street.
Wilfred Bernard Mercer was the first principal (1921 – 1947) of the Cheshire School of Agriculture at Reaseheath.
Middlewich Road
The Romans built a road from Whitchurch to Middlewich, which passes slightly north of the centre of Nantwich, through Reaseheath.
The current road to Middlewich was improved by the Nantwich and Middlewich Turnpike Trust and was once a toll road (with a toll house at the start on the Barony.
Mill Street
A very old street, which dates back to 1355. This was the road that led to Nantwich Mill.
Mill Way
Named after another mill close by (situated off Broad Lane).
Millfields
Fields opposite Nantwich Mill.
Millstone Lane
At one time there was a millstone on the corner of this lane and the Crewe road. This Millstone came from the windmill that used to stand on The Mount.
Monck Drive
Colonel George Monck fought in Ireland under the Earl of Leicester. He returned to England in December 1643 landing at Neston. He was deprived of his command due to suspicions of his loyalty to the King. His regiment was transferred to Colonel Henry Warren. After a meeting with the King his reputation was restored and he fought at the Battle of Nantwich as a ‘Gentleman Volunteer’. However due to the illness of Henry Warren he actually commanded his old regiment at the Battle of Nantwich under Lord John Byron. It was this regiment that broke and ran allowing the Parliamentary centre to break through the Royalist forces and combined with the sally of the forces in Nantwich they routed the Royalist army. Monck was captured and spent the rest of the war in the Tower of London. He made his peace with Cromwell and became an leading commander, eventually taking overall control of Scotland. On the death of Cromwell he used this Scottish army to ease the return of Charles II at the Restoration.
Monks Lane
An ancient thoroughfare on land that once belonged to Combermere Abbey.
Monks Orchard
An ancient orchard which dates back to 1453, on land which belonged to Combermere Abbey, until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. Later Harveys Tannery was built on this site c.1850, which closed in 1972 and was demolished in 1974. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Mottram Drive
Possibly named after Thomas Mottram, a Nantwich clock maker. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Mount Close and Mount Drive
These were named after Mount Pleasant, a large house owned by the Salmon family and later the Hill family.
Mytton Drive
Named after a Civil War commander.
Naylor Crescent
Named after a famous Nantwich clock maker. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Newbold Way
Newbould means “New Build”. Newbold Manor was just over the River Weaver, near where Fields Farm now is. During the reign of Edw. III, in 1348-9, there was a Court held to find if Matthew de Foukshurst of Newbold Manor could shorten the lane to his enlarged manor.
Newcastle Road
The major route to Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Potteries, was formerly called Coal Pits Lane.
Nixon’s Row
The Nixon family owned the nearby tannery in the 19th century at Welsh Row Head. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Nuthurst Gardens
Named after Nuthurst School, which was situated on this site.
Oak Grove
Once was part of the gardens of the Brine Baths Hotel. Click here to learn more about the Brine Baths Hotel. There is more information in Derek Hughes’s booklet on the Brine Baths Hotel.
Oat Market
The site of the old corn market.
Orchard Crescent
This road follows the shape of a crescent), which was at this very site in the grounds of the Brine Baths Hotel. Click here to learn more about the Brine Baths Hotel. There is more information in Derek Hughes’s booklet on the Brine Baths Hotel.
Pall Mall
Pall Mall is a game, often played in narrow allies.
Park Road
This road was built along the side of the park of Shrewbridge Hall. Was called Shrewbridge Park Road.
Park View
Park View overlooks Barony Park, which was built on what was once common land. It was called Sandy Lane in 1875.
Parkfield House
Parkfield Drive
Is where Parkfield House was, once the home of A N Hornby the famous cricketer. The pictures above shows Georgie Hornby A N Hornby’s grandaughter outside Parkfield House. She was given that name after her father, George Hornby, died in South Africa, after served in the Boer War.
Pear Tree Field
There were pear trees in Nantwich, on land owned by the Churche Family nearby.
Penlington Court
Possibly named after local town councillor.
Pepper Street
This street is the second Pepper Street in Nantwich. The street was oringinally called Rattenrow (Rat Row). Pepper Street was often the name of Roman Roads, and the first Pepper Street was part of a Roman Road (on Wyche House Bank off Welsh Row).
Peter de Stapleigh Way
Named after Peter de Stapele, Lord of Stapele in Nantwich Hundred in Cheshire, by grant from Richard c.1230.
Pickering Way
Possibly names after Joseph Pickering, who was a Relieving Officer and Inspector of Nuisances at the time of the Great Fire of Nantwich.
Pillory Street
Curiously we can see no evidence of a pillory in Nantwich, all the mentions are of stocks. Only one person seems to have been pilloried, James Kirkham for rape – but that was in High Town and was probably a misquote for stocks. The use of the Pillory was usually for very specific serious crimes such as perjury and sedition; these crimes would have been tried in Chester. We can not prove a pillory in Pillory Street and the current arrangement of old railway sleepers is in the town pinfold (a pound for stray animals).
Pine Walk
Built in the 1950s, probably where pine trees were.
Pollard Drive
Possibly named connected with pollarding trees. Pollarding is a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, which promotes the growth of a dense head of foliage and branches.
Pratchett’s Row
Named after the local Pratchett family.
Prince Edward Street
Named after Prince Edward, one of Queen Victoria’s children.
Princess Drive
Built in the early 1950s, so may have been named after Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth (in 1952).
Queen’s Drive
Built in 1953 and named after the new Queen Elizabeth II.
Ray Avenue
The Ray family built and occupied called Highfields, on Whitehouse Lane, until 1908. George ray was the town’s postmaster for 20 years. There was also a farm in this area.
Rectory Close
Adjacent to St Mary’s rectory.
Red Lion Lane
The Red Lion pub (now called the Wilbraham Arms) was on the corner of this lane.
Regents Gate
Near the former home of Regent’s Bible College.
Riverbank Close
On Beam Heath land, on the bank of the River Weaver.
Riverside
Close to the River Weaver, in the Millfields area.
Rookery Close
Near to The Rookery, an old property that was once The Bell Inn. You can find out more in our book Nantwich Pubs.
Rookery Drive
Probably the site of a rookery, part of the gardens of Parkfield House.
Salt Meadows
Salt production was an important industry in Nantwich. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
Sandford Road
Captain Thomas Sandford, who is well known in the story of the English Civil War in Cheshire, having taken Beeston Castle by making a daring night-time climb up an unscalable cliff or maybe having been let in via a sally port by a traitor in the castle. He did not live much long after this exploit being killed in a general assault of Nantwich by the Royalists on 18 January 1644. One story of his death is given by the Parliamentarian Lieutenant-General Edmund Ludlow, in his memoirs:
Part of the troops “who came out of Ireland” landed at Chester, and drew before Nantwich: they were commanded by one CAPT. SANDFORD, Brother to Sir William Sandford, a worthy person of Gray’s-Inn, to whom he had solemnly promised never to engage against the Parliament. Yet did he send in a very threatening Summons to the Town, and seconded it with a most furious Assault, whilst the works were but slenderly defended, the Guard consisting for the most part of Townsmen, who were then gone to dinner: But it so happened, that a Boy of the Age of fifteen, firing a Musquet from the Town, shot him dead in the place, which, discouraged his Souldiors from any further Attempt.”
Sandland Grove
Named after Private Robert Sandland, a Nantwich baker who died in the First World War.
Scaife Road
Named after R Frank Scaiffe, an engineer for Nantwich Urban District Council.
School Lane
An extension of Dog Lane. Named after Manor Road Primary School (now Nantwich Primary Academy). You can learn more about Manor Road Primary School, and other schools in Nantwich, here.
Second Wood Street
Wood was stored here for salt production, in wich houses here. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
Sherratt Close
Sherratt is a common Nantwich surname.
Shrewbridge Road and Shrewbridge Crescent
The road which leads to Shrewbridge, on the road to Shrewsbury. It comes from the Saxon name Schrobesbryg, brig of shrubs. No doubt there have been various bridges across the river from very ancient times and a mill there was known as Shard’s Mill. The present structure replaced the previous one, also of iron, and in stage coach times there was only a ford at this crossing.
Snow Hill
A common name in salt towns, and the storage of salt probably took place in this area. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
South and North Crofts
When Flowerscroft (which was later named Tinkerscroft) were built on they were renamed South and North Crofts.
Spring Gardens
Possibly named after a garden which looked good in the spring, or there may have been springs here.
St Anne’s Lane
Prior to the Reformation an oratory stood upon the old wooden Welsh Row bridge known as St. Anne’s Chapel where a priest (on payment) offered prayers for the safety of wayfarers. In 1856, the priest from Crewe conducted his services in an upper room of the last of the salt houses.
St Josephs Way
Named after the approved school called St Joseph’s on this site.
St Mary’s Road
Named after the parish church of St Mary’s.
Stanley Henry Boughey
Stanley Boughey Place
2nd Lieutenant Stanley Henry Boughey, whose family lived at Yew Tree Farm in Hurleston, Nantwich, died in action in Palestine in December 1917. He was just 21 years old when he armed himself with bombs and single-handedly forced the surrender of a party of 30 enemies during a battle in El Burff.
Stanyer Court
Named after John Stanyer, a Nantwich clock maker. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Stapeley Terrace
Stapeley Hall, a moated manor house, is recorded as early as 1228 and as the home of the Rope family in the 16th century. The Salmon family finally demolished it in the early 19th century and built Stapeley Hall farmhouse.
Station Road and Station View
These roads are next to the current Nantwich railway station. The first Nantwich railway station was at Worleston. At one time there were two stations called “Nantwich” and the current one was called Nantwich Junction as it was near to where the Market Drayton line joined the main Shrewsbury to Crewe line. For more information see our booklet Nantwich Railways.
Stonebridge Road
There was a stone bridge here, in the grounds of the Brine Baths Hotel.
Swine Market
The site of the old pig market.
Talbot Way
Named after Thomas Talbot, a Nantwich clock maker. Click here to learn more about Nantwich clockmakers.
Tanners Way
Nantwich had 5 different tanneries in the town, starting in the 15th century. The last one (Harvey’s Tannery) closed in 1972. For more information, see out booklet on Nantwich Tanneries. You can learn more about the leather industry in Nantwich in our leaflet Nantwich Tanneries.
Telford Place
Named after Thomas Telford, who designed the canal aqueduct at Nantwich.
Tenchersfield
An alternative name for Tinkersfield.
HMS Blankney
The Blankney
Named after HMS Blankney. This ship was adopted by the town in World War II.
The Cedars
This road was named after a house named Cedars nearby. See Lost Houses of Nantwich for more information.
The Coppice
Probably on the site of a coppice of trees.
The Crescent
Part of Beam Heath land, the road is crescent shaped.
The Gullet
The Gullet is probably named from the French word ‘goulet’ meaning a gulley or channel, one did in fact flow along here and is often mentioned in the leases of the Abbots of Combermere.
The Pike
When used as a street name it was usually associated with being on the route of a Turnpike or Toll road. The road is just off the Madley and Whitchurch turnpike that entered Nantwich via Broad Lane, Audlem Road and Wellington Road. It could be named after the fish as it is near the river, or a pike the standard weapon of the foot soldier.
Thomas Avenue and Thomas Row
In the 1871 map, Thomas Row is adjacent to Thomas’s Buildings. We think someone called Thomas possibility built them or, at least, owned them. Records of people with Thomas as a surname go bact to at last the 17th century.
Tinkersfield
Once a field used over the centuries by Tinkers. The earliest mentions go back to the 14th century.
Tudor Way
Some of the earliest buildings in the town date back to the Tudor period, when they were rebuilt after the Great Fire of Nantwich in 1583.
Turner Street
An unusual street in that there are no houses on it. Possibly named after Doctor Richard Turner, a well know Nantwich doctor.
Tyldesley Way
Sir Thomas Tyldesley raised both a Regiment of Foot and Horse in Lancashire . He fought under Lord John Byron at the Battle of Nantwich.
Vauxhall Place and Vauxhall Road
This area was called Vauxhall, which possibly comes from Fox Hall and an area in London with same name.
Volunteer Avenue and Volunteer Fields
This area is where soldiers used to meet and train during the Napoleonic Wars, circa 1805. The foot road from Beam Street to the Barony was through open cow fields, and when this country was expecting a visit from Napoleon Bonaparte, the men of Nantwich between the ages of 15 and 60 were enrolled as volunteers and drilled on Sundays in these fields named since Volunteer Fields and Volunteer Terrace.
Wall Fields Close, Wall Fields Road and Wall Lane
Wall-field, from the Latin “vallum, a stockade,” is clearly indicative of Roman occupation. Wall Lane and Henhull Lane are all in the same straight line as Watfield Pavement in Wardle which is known to be part of a Roman Road.
Waterlode
This used to be a lane that ran down to the river. This was the place where the women drew their water for their household needs. In 1583 the Great Fire of Nantwich took place, from an account at that time we know that women came here for water to fight the fire. It was reported that nothing was left stading “except one piece of a wall of the howse wherein ytt began, wch peece of the same wall standing till the day ffollowing in the afoor noon. As women were carrying water from weever yt fell down & klyyed a woman carrying water whoe was a wyffe of Thoms. Lovatt . . .”
Weaver Bank
On the banks of the River Weaver
Weaver Road and Weaverside
Both are near to the River Weaver.
Wellington Road
Wellington Road is named after the Duke of Wellington, round about 1850. The duke rode along this road in the 1820s when invited to the area by Lord Combermere. Prior to being called Wellington Road, it was called Broad Lane.
Welsh Row
The main route to Wales. Used to have a stream in the middle and prior to the 16th century was called Frog Row.
Welshmen’s Lane
Was always called Henhull Lane, but renamed in the 1960s.
Wesley Close
Named after the Wesley family and the adjacent Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The Rev. John Wesley preached on two occasions in the town in the Baptist Chapel on Barker Street.
Western Avenue
Could have been named after the western approach to the Brine Baths Hotel.
Whitehouse Lane
Named after the White House (recently rebuilt) which was partway down this road. There used to be a windmill behind this property.
Whitewell Close
Named after Whitewell House, which is where a public well was situated.
Whitlow Avenue
Named after Councillor Wilfred Whitlow.
Williamson Drive
This road could be named after Samuel and Elizabeth Williamson’s son, Thomas Williamson. He was born in 1810, became a doctor and he appears on an 1847 Medical Directory as – Williamson, Thomas, Nantwich, Cheshire, Gen. Prac., L.S.A., 1830 (the “1830” means he received his licence in that year). He appears in Pigot’s Directory of 1831 as a surgeon living in Welch Row, Nantwich. There is also record of Thomas marrying Mary Manning in 1842. In a book, ‘A History of the Town and Parish of Nantwich or Wich-Malbank in the County Palatine of Chester’ by James Hall (1883), there is mention of Dr Thomas Williamson, surgeon. There are four or five references to the doctor. He appears to have been a very competent and respected person. He was also a Trustee of the new Grammar School, which was built, in Nantwich, in 1860.
Willow Bank and Willow Court
Named after nearby Willow Farm.
Windsor Avenue
A generic term.
Woodland Avenue
A generic term.
Worthington Close
A. H. Worthington was secretary to the governors at Willaston School.
Wright Court
Sir Edmund Wright was born in Elizabethan times in Hospital Street, Nantwich the son of Randall (or Rondull) Wright (d. 1596), mercer, and his second wife, Margaret Edwards (d. 1586). Both his parents were also from Nantwich. You can learn more about Sir Edmund Wright here.
Wych House Bank and Wyche Avenue.
Places where the salt was manufactured were known as wych-houses. You can learn more about the salt industry in Nantwich here. We have more information about salt production in Nantwich, in our leaflet The story of Nantwich Brine.
We also have a booklet called The Origin of Nantwich Street Names. This booklet is based on an article by Harry Johnson from the Nantwich 1923 Johnson’s Almanac, with further additions and comments by Andrew Lamberton.