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The Association of British Counties

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Runcorn, Cheshire

Runcorn is a port town in Cheshire, lying on the south bank of the River Mersey, where the estuary narrows to form the Runcorn Gap. In 915 Æthelflæd built a fort on Castle Rock overlooking the Mersey to protect the northern frontier of Mercia against the Vikings. It remained a small settlement until the extension of the Bridgewater Canal in 1776 established it as a port. Key industries in 19th century included the manufacture of soap and alkali, quarrying, shipbuilding, engineering, and tanning. The present-day economy is based on manufacturing, logistics, and wholesale and retail. In 1964, Runcorn was designated a new town and expanded eastward. The town is within the council area of Halton.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Cheshire
Lat, Long: 53.3417,-2.731297
Grid Reference: SJ 5140 8300
Council Area: Halton CA
Strategic Authority Area: Liverpool City Region SA
Police Area: Cheshire PA

GBPN ID: 38834
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Runcorn,_Cheshire_38834

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