Runcorn Memories: A village transformed

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Jun 25, 09 11:53 AM in 1800-1899

ONCE seen as little more than an obscure village, there were already signs, even in the first stages of the 19th century, that Runcorn was rapidly being transformed into a town of some importance.

Early directories of Cheshire, copies of which have been kindly provided for me by David Toft, of Moughland Lane, provide a fascinating insight into the changes which the town was undergoing.

In addition to Kelly's Directories of Cheshire, David also sent me Post Office directories published in 1857 and 1878 and one going back even further, published by Pigot's in 1822-23. The latter tells us about the 'renowned' Ethelfleda whose forts on the banks of the Mersey were specifically built (and strategically placed) to keep out the Danes.

This particular directory talks about 'the parochial church standing above the castle rock' and how, in succeeding reigns, the consequence of Runcorn decayed'.

The directory then makes it clear that before the coming of the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal, Runcorn was nothing more than an 'obscure' village.

The town's growth increased considerably with the construction of 'many dwelling houses, inns and shops, etc, for the accommodation of numerous workmen and other persons attending the vast reservoirs of water which supply the canal'.

A larger warehouse, as well as various wharfs, had been constructed and the directory went on to say: "The trade of the place of late increased so much that Government had established a custom house and proclaimed it a free port. It has also lately become a place of resort for salt water bathing; the fine air, the pleasantness of the neighbourhood (particularly Halton Castle) and the exhilarating effects of the busy scene upon the river constituting useful auxiliaries to the effects of the bath."

The town's quarries, already famous for the quality of their pink and red sandstone, got a mention and the directory quaintly added: "The market is held on Friday; the fairs, the last Friday in April and the last Friday in October."

The Post Office directories of 1857 and 1878 are just as intriguing.

Fifty years on from the Pigot directory, Runcorn had already acquired a certain stature, not only as a market town, but also as head of a county court district, seaport, township and large parish. The county court was held monthly at the old town hall and, in addition to a judge, it had a treasurer, registrar, high bailiff and a sub-bailiff.

The office was at 21 Vicar Street (off High Street).

The public swimming baths back in those days were described as being at the 'Ferry Slip'. The theatres were listed, as also were the market hall in Bridge Street, the Foresters Hall in Bridgewater Street, the Custom House and the Inland Revenue office, based at the Wilsons Hotel.

Public officers listed included a certain R H Monritz, described as the factory surgeon for Runcorn and Widnes, an Inspector of Nuisances (John Parry) and harbour masters Capt W Garnett (Duke's Dock), Thomas Povey (dock master), Daniel Eccleston (Old Quay), Mr Sproson (Widnes dock master) and Richard Clarke (Weston Point).

Seventeen churches, chapels and mission rooms appear in the 1878 directory , along with early schools.

The old parish school at the junction of Regent Street and Church Street, then known as the National School for boys, girls and infants, was said to be in the Byzantine style and the entrance porch was surmounted by a bell turret.

The average attendance of children was about 560.

For a great many years, the church itself had a strong band of choristers and a photo of one group can be seen on this page.

At the Trinity Church national day school the average attendance was put at about 520.

Church-aided schools provided almost an assembly line of choirboys (pictured).

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