Jean John Bradburn: 6 books

Opened on 17 July 1761, the canal has a special place in history as the first to be built in Britain without following an existing watercourse, and so became a model for those that followed. Affectionately known as the ‘Duke’s Cut’, the Bridgewater Canal revolutionised transport in this country...

With a proud history of industry and creativity, Manchester is one of the world’s greatest cities. In 2015 it was designated ‘The Northern Powerhouse’ but, of course, being the home of the Industrial Revolution, it always was. Manchester gave the world technological innovation as well as manufacturing...

Widnes is an industrial town within the borough of Halton, in the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England, with an urban area population of 57,663 in 2004. It is located on the northern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form Runcorn Gap. Directly to the south of Widnes across the...

Widnes is a town with a long industrial heritage. In 1847 the first chemical factory was established and the town rapidly became a major centre of the chemical industry. The town grew quickly as housing and social provisions were made for the factory workers. Soon the villages of Farnworth, Appleton,...

Runcorn’s position on the Mersey was identified as early as 915, by the Saxon princess Ethelfleda. The fort was built at Castle Rock in order to defend against the Danish invaders. The site, known as Castle Rock, is just where the railway bridge now spans the river. Prosperity first came to Runcorn...

This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Manchester’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites. The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million...