THE untold history of 'The Athens of the North' is being explored in a new book.

Author Bill Cooke, who teaches at Priestley College, was inspired to tell the story of Warrington from the days of the Romans to the present day.

In 2015 Warrington was named by the Royal Society of Arts as the ‘least culturally alive town in England’.

But was this a fair evaluation?

Bill said this judgement, which saw Warrington make headlines around the country, inspired him to write The Story of Warrington: The Athens of the North.

He added: “Warrington came in for a lot of ribbing in 2015.

“As a relative newcomer to the town, but with previous for writing works of history, I was inspired to embark on a study of Warrington with a view to seeing whether the Royal Society of Arts had a case.”

Warrington Guardian:

Looking back on its fascinating history dating back to the Romans, The Story of Warrington demonstrates an extensive and diverse cultural history.

Should Warrington apologise for the person who supported Richard III against the Princes in the Tower?

Why was Warrington thought of as the Athens of the North?

What role did the town play in the Industrial Revolution and the slave trade?

How did Warrington help win the Cold War?

Presented with answers to these questions and more, readers will be able to decide on their own judgement of the town.

“There are very few cultural histories of Warrington. I hope that my new book conveys the complexity of the town’s history, but in an accessible fashion for the lay reader,” concludes Bill.

Born in Kenya and raised in New Zealand, Bill Cooke teaches philosophy and religious studies and Priestley College.

He is president of the Warrington Literary and Philosophical Society and convenor of the Warrington chapter of Philosophy in Pubs.

He is the author of six books, published in the UK, USA and New Zealand.

Harry Wells, respected author of Medieval Warrington, said: "Bill Cooke is to be congratulated on his extensive and knowledgeable account of Warrington’s history.”

The book is published in July 28, priced £20.