Lion Salt Works in Northwich to launch new exhibition

'Salt and Local Parks and Gardens' will run from July 17 until October 30 at the Lion Salt Works museum in Marston.

In addition to the exhibition, the museum and the Cheshire Gardens Trust will be holding a series of free and fun family sessions on selected days, including a community draw on Sunday, August 13.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It is fascinating to find out how salt has had an impact on Northwich through its local parks and gardens and how this links up with the personalities who either traded in salt or were using it to set up the chemical industry we know today.

"Thank you to the Cheshire Garden Trust for creating this exhibition and working alongside the Lion Salt Works to hold events in its wonderful grounds."

The exhibition explores the history of three of Northwich’s parks:

Marbury Hall – the place where in the 1670s rock salt was first discovered. Although the magnificent hall is gone and so are most signs of the prisoner of war camp, Marbury Park still has the traces of its lovely garden and the beautiful parkland now enjoyed by everyone.

The Robert Verdin statue in Northwich (Image: CWAC)

Verdin Park – given to the town by Joseph Verdin, one of the largest salt manufacturers in the country. In his heyday, he employed more than 1,000 workers and a fleet of salt barges and railway salt wagons.

Winnington Hall – once a private residence and then a lady’s academy with cherished grounds. Sir John Brunner and Ludwig Mond, founders of Brunner Mond and Company, bought it and started developing its chemical works on site, eventually forming one of the most successful chemical companies in the world. Brunner and Mond first came to Northwich because of its rich salt deposits and in 1874 produced the first soda ash from this site.

Normal admission prices for the multi award-winning museum apply, there is no cost to see the exhibition. For further information visit: westcheshiremuseums.co.uk.