Runcorn

Runcorn

infobox UK place
country = England
static_

static_image_caption=Runcorn Silver Jubilee Bridge
official_name = Runcorn
latitude = 53.328
longitude = -2.712
population = 61,252
population_density =
unitary_england = Halton
region = North West England
lieutenancy_england = Cheshire
constituency_westminster = Halton
post_town = RUNCORN
postcode_area = WA
postcode_district = WA7
dial_code = 01928
os_grid_reference = SJ525815
london_distance = mi to km|167 SE

Runcorn is an industrial town and cargo port within the borough of Halton in the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. In mid-2004 its population was estimated to be 61,252.cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/population?a=5441 |title=Halton Population |accessdate=2007-04-03 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] The town is on the southern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form Runcorn Gap. Directly to the north across the Mersey is the town of Widnes. Upstream and convert|8|mi|km|1|lk=on to the northeast is the town of Warrington, and downstream mi to km|16 to the west is the city of Liverpool.

Runcorn railway station is on a branch of the West Coast Main Line. It provides frequent services to London (Euston), Liverpool, and Birmingham. The A533 road passes through the town from the south, crossing the Runcorn Gap over the Silver Jubilee Bridge, the lowest bridge crossing of the River Mersey. The Manchester Ship Canal runs between the town and the River Mersey, and the Bridgewater Canal passes through and ends in the town at its junction with the Manchester Ship Canal.

Runcorn was a small, isolated village until the coming of the Industrial Revolution. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries it was a health resort. Towards the end of the 18th century, a port began to develop on the south bank of the River Mersey. During the 19th century industries developed, in particular the manufacture of soap and alkali, quarrying, shipbuilding, engineering, and tanning. In the early 20th century, the prime industries were chemicals and tanning. The original village has grown to include what were outlying villages. Except for chemicals, all the old industries have disappeared, and there has been diversification, in particular because of the close links to the motorway system, and the development of warehousing and distribution centres. A new town was built to the east of the existing town in the 1960s and 1970s, and farther to the east, areas of private housing have been established; this has resulted in a doubling of the population from around 30,000 to its present level.

History

The earliest written reference to the town is in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle", where it is spelled Rumcofan, literally “a wide cove or bay”. This word is derived from the Old English words "rúm" (“wide” or “broad”) and "cofa" (“cave” or “cove”). Other historical spellings of Runcorn include Rumcoven, Ronchestorn, Runckhorne, and Runcorne. [Nickson, p.5. and Starkey, "Old Runcorn", p.4.]

Little is known about the early history of the settlement but isolated findings of objects from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages have been made and there is evidence of a Roman presence in the area. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", pp.1–4.] The earliest recorded event in its history is the building by Ethelfleda of a fortification at Runcorn to protect the northern frontier of her kingdom of Mercia against the Vikings in 915. The fort was built on Castle Rock overlooking the River Mersey at Runcorn Gap. [Nickson, pp.6–13. The foundations of the fort were discovered during the building of the railway bridge but were covered by an abutment of the bridge.]

Following the Norman conquest, Runcorn was not mentioned in the 1086 Domesday survey, although surrounding settlements were. William the Conqueror granted the earldom of Chester to Hugh d'Avranches who granted the barony of Halton to Nigel. It is likely that Nigel erected a motte and bailey castle on Halton Hill in the 1070s. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", pp.7–8.] In 1115, Nigel's son, William Fitznigel, founded an Augustinian Priory at Runcorn. In 1134 the priory was moved to Norton, about convert|3.5|mi|km|0 away. In 1391 the priory was raised to the higher status of abbey. [Greene, pp.1–9.] In 1536 the monastery was dissolved, and around nine years later the buildings and some of the monastic lands were sold to Sir Richard Brooke who converted the habitable part of the abbey into a house. [Greene, p.151 and Nickson, p.39.]

During the Civil War Halton Castle was held for the Royalists by John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers, the Steward of Halton. It fell twice to Parliamentarian Roundheads. The first siege was led by Sir William Brereton in 1643; the second was during the following year. Following this, a "Council of War" was held in Warrington in 1646 at which it was decided that the castle should be slighted. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", pp.57–58.] In 1656, Runcorn was described as being "nothing but a fair parish church, a parsonage and a few scattered tenements". [King, Daniel, "The Vale Royal of England", 1656 (quoted in Starkey, "Old Runcorn").] And so it remained for over a century, an isolated and poor hamlet. The only through traffic used the ferry which crossed from Runcorn to the north bank of the River Mersey. Towards the end of the 18th century and in the early years of the 19th century the town was a health resort. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", pp.133–137.]

includes hunting and forestry

includes energy and construction

includes financial intermediation services indirectly measured

Components may not sum to totals due to rounding

Runcorn has two shopping centres. The original shopping area was in the older part of the town on High Street, Regent Street, and Church Street. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/?a=5441 |title=Town centres |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] This centre continues to exist, but with the coming of the new town, has declined. There is a small supermarket and some specialist shops, but with a higher-than-average proportion of charity shops and take-away food outlets. A small market has been rebuilt adjacent to the old town bus station. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/traditionalmarkets?a=5441 |title=Markets |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] In the centre of the new town area Halton Lea (formerly Shopping City) is an enclosed shopping mall with an attached bus station. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/haltonlea?a=5441 |title=Halton Lea |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Adjacent to it is Trident Park containing shopping outlets and a cinema and further away is an ASDA supermarket.

Landmarks and places of interest

The major landmark in the town is Halton Castle on the top of Halton Hill near the geographical centre of the town. Only ruins of the castle exist, but there are widespread views from the top of the hill. The interior of the castle grounds is open at advertised times. [cite web |url=http://www.haltoncastle.org/ |title=The Halton Castle Website |accessdate=2007-03-27 |publisher=The Norton Priory Museum Trust] Incorporated in the castle walls is the Castle Hotel, which used to include a courthouse on the first floor. Another landmark is Norton water tower, built of Runcorn sandstone, ft to m|112 high, which holds 672,000 imperial gallons (3 million litres) of water and supplies water to Liverpool. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", p.162.]

An important historical site and the major visitor centre in the town is Norton Priory, a museum. The site contains the remains of an ancient priory with adjacent gardens, formerly of a country house. Nearby are a walled garden, including a national collection of tree quinces, and an ice house. [cite web |url=http://www.rossbullock.co.uk/ |title=History of Norton Priory and Runcorn |accessdate=2007-03-27 |last=Bullock |first=Ross |date=2005-02-07 This is a personal website but it is accurate and comprehensive. ] cite web |url=http://www.nortonpriory.org/ |title=Norton Priory Museum & Gardens |accessdate=2007-03-27 |publisher=The Norton Priory Museum Trust ]

Much of the architecture of the town is undistinguished, but there are listed buildings of some importance. The listed churches are All Saints Parish Church and Holy Trinity Church in the centre of the older part of the town, St Mary's in Halton village, St John's in Weston, and Christ Church in Weston Point. All Saints' Church, a Grade II* listed building, dates from 1849 and was built by Anthony Salvin in red sandstone. [cite web |title=All Saints’ Church |work=Images of England |url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?pid=1&id=56027 | accessdate=2007-09-23] The oldest existing houses are the Seneschal's house in Halton village (1598), Weston Old Hall (1607), Brookfield Farmhouse (1691), and Halton Old Hall (1693). Other outstanding houses include Runcorn Town Hall (formerly Halton Grange), Camden House and Cottage in High Street, and Bridgewater House near the Ship Canal. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/planning/forwardplanning/listedconservationareas/listedbuildings?a=5441 |title=Listed Buildings in Halton |accessdate=2007-03-27 |publisher=Halton Borough Council]

A war memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I, World War II and in later conflicts is at the bottom of Moughland Lane. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", p.218.] There is a memorial in Castle Road, Halton village, commemorating residents of the village who served in the Boer War.

Culture

Theatre and cinema

"The Brindley" is a theatre and arts centre which opened in 2004. It is situated in the old town centre and named after James Brindley, engineer of the adjacent Bridgewater Canal. It contains a proscenium theatre seating 420 and a multi-purpose theatre seating 108, "The Studio", which doubles as a cinema. There is an exhibition space for art installations, a small café, and multi-purpose rooms. The centre is owned and administered by Halton Borough Council which runs community events in the building. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/thebrindley/ |title=The Brindley |accessdate=2007-07-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] In 2007 it won the title "Best Arts Project in the UK" at the National Lottery Awards. [cite web |url=http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_method=full%26objectid=19819308%26siteid=50020-name_page.html |title=We did it! |accessdate=2007-09-29 |last=Breslin |first=Holly |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2007-09-20 |year= |month= |format= |work=Runcorn Weekly News |publisher=Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited |pages= ] A multiplex cinema run by Cineworld is in Trident Park. [cite web |url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?CINEMA=12 |title=Cineworld: Runcorn |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Cineworld Cinemas]

Filmography

Runcorn has been used for the shooting of so many films and television programmes that it has been described as "Woollywood", [cite web |url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/views/liverpool-columnists/mr-brocklebank/2007/08/28/food-for-thought-64375-19699620/ |title=Food for thought |accessdate=2007-08-27 |last=Brocklebank |first=Mr |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2007-08-27 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Liverpool Daily Post |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] combining the obvious reference to Hollywood with the dialect term woollyback sometimes used by people from Liverpool to describe those not from that city. Some of the sequences in the first two series of the BBC police drama "Merseybeat" were filmed in and around the town. [cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/merseybeat/ |title=Merseybeat |accessdate=2007-03-30 |publisher=BBC ] The BBC situation comedy "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps" is set in Runcorn. External shots of the Waterloo Hotel in the area of High Street known as Top Locks (which is known in the show as "The Archer") appear as well. The opening credits show the Silver Jubilee Bridge and Halton Castle. [cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/twopints/ |title=Two Pints of Lager & a Packet of Crisps |accessdate=2007-03-30 |publisher=BBC 2007] "Drop Dead Gorgeous", a drama on BBC Three, was set in Runcorn. [cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/programmes/gorgeous/ |title=Drop Dead Gorgeous |accessdate=2007-03-30 |publisher=BBC ] The interior of the Undercroft at Norton Priory has been used for locations in films.

"The Runcorn Ferry"

Before the building of Runcorn Railway Bridge and its attached footbridge, the only way to cross the Mersey at or near Runcorn Gap, other than by the dangerous method of fording, was by the ferry. The ferry has a history going back to the 12th century. [Starkey, "Old Runcorn", pp.10–11.] The ferry was celebrated in the monologue entitled "The Runcorn Ferry", written by Marriott Edgar and popularised by Stanley Holloway. It includes the lines:cquote|Per tuppence per person per trip…Per trip or per part of per trip. [cite web |url=http://monologues.co.uk/Runcorn_Ferry.htm |title=The Runcorn Ferry |accessdate=2007-05-14 |last=Edgar |first=Marriott |authorlink=Marriott Edgar |work=Make 'em Laugh!]

Community facilities

The main library is at Halton Lea with a branch library in Egerton Street in the old town centre (which includes the archives of the Runcorn & District Historical Society). [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/tourismandleisure/libraries/?a=5441 |title=Libraries |accessdate=2007-03-22 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Runcorn has two locations offering One-Stop-Shop facilities; Halton Lea Direct Link is in Halton Lea and Runcorn Direct Link is in Church Street in the old town area. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/communityandliving/haltondirectlink/nearestonestopshop?a=5441 |title=One-Stop-Shop locations |accessdate=2007-05-17 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Runcorn Direct Link also includes a Tourist Information Centre. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/tourismandleisure/tourism/touristinformationcentre?a=5441 |title=Tourist Information Centre |accessdate=2007-05-17 |publisher=Halton Borough Council]

Runcorn Hill Local Nature Reserve has been developed on the site of a quarry and consists of heathland. Adjacent to it is a park which includes a bandstand, a model boating lake, and sports facilities. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/nature/content/localnaturereserves/runcornhilllnr/ |title=Runcorn Hill Local Nature Reserve |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Wigg Island is a nature reserve on a former industrial site. The reserve is on an island between the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey and consists of open spaces and woodland with bird hides and pathways. Murdishaw Valley is an area of ancient woodland to the east of the town between the Murdishaw housing development and the M56. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/nature/content/localnaturereserves/wiggisland/?a=5441 |title=Wigg Island |accessdate=2007-07-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Rock Park is on the site of a quarry in the old town area and includes sports facilities. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/parksandopenspaces/parksinhalton/rockpark/?a=5441 |title=Rock Park |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Town Park is in the centre of the new town development and has a link to the north with Norton Priory. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/parksandopenspaces/?a=5441 |title=Parks, open spaces and countryside |accessdate=2007-03-22 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Open areas in Runcorn form part of Mersey Forest, one of Britain's community forests. [cite web |url=http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/ |title=The Mersey Forest Online |accessdate=2007-03-22 |publisher=The Mersey Forest Company]

Runcorn's hospital is Halton Hospital, which is administered by the North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust. This hospital is undergoing change. Originally planned as a District General Hospital, it was never large enough to provide a full range of services. Acute medical services have been transferred to Warrington Hospital. The plan is to provide non-emergency surgery and rehabilitation at Halton Hospital. [cite web |url=http://www.northcheshirehospitals.nhs.uk/ |title=The North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Website |accessdate=2007-03-28 |publisher=North Cheshire Hospital NHS Trust ] Halton Haven Hospice is in the Murdishaw area of the town. [cite web |url=http://www.haltonhaven.co.uk/ |title=Halton Haven Hospice – Provider of Specialist Palliative Care|accessdate=2007-04-23 |publisher=Halton Haven Hospice] Primary care services are provided by the Halton and St Helens Primary Care Trust. In Runcorn general practitioner services are provided in five health centres and in one separate medical practice in Heath Road. There are dental practices providing National Health Service and private dental care. [cite web |url=http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/yourlocalhealthservices/nhsa-zbyorganisationname.cfm/widCall1/customWidgets.content_view_1/cit_id/4473 |title=Halton & St. Helens Primary Care Trust |accessdate=2007-09-01 |publisher=Healthcare Commission]

Transport

When plans for Runcorn New Town were drawn up, they included three distinct types of road: local roads, expressways and the Busway. The expressways are intended to keep all through traffic off the local roads. This system links to the north by the A533 over the Silver Jubilee Bridge to Widnes and Merseyside, to the northeast to Warrington by the A56, to the east to Northwich and north Cheshire by the A533, and to the southeast by the A557 to the M56 and to Frodsham. The M56 links to the M6 and, to the north of Widnes, the A557 links to the M62. ["Landranger" 108, 109 and 117 maps, Ordnance Survey] The Busway is system of roads for use by buses only, and bears no resemblance to guided busways or bus lanes in use elsewhere, as it is a totally separate road system, not running alongside (or down the middle of) existing roads. In addition, there is a network of dedicated cycleways in the town. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/publictransport/content/cycling/?a=5441 |title=Cycling in Halton |accessdate=2007-03-29 |publisher=Halton Borough Council]

There are two railway stations. Runcorn, located in the old town, is on the Liverpool branch of the West Coast Main Line, and has 15 Virgin Trains a day (weekdays) between Liverpool and London, as well as an hourly 'semi-fast' service of London Midland trains between Liverpool and Birmingham. (Incidentally, when it was built the nearby railway bridge across the Mersey incorporated a footpath running alongside the tracks.)

Runcorn East station, located in the Murdishaw district of the new town, is on the Chester to Manchester line, with an hourly service to Chester, Warrington, and Manchester, provided by Arriva Trains Wales and Northern Rail. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/publictransport/content/railinformation/?a=5441 |title=Rail Information |accessdate=2007-03-21 |publisher=Halton Borough Council]

There are two bus stations, one in the old town centre and the other at Halton Lea, with buses running locally within Runcorn, and also to Widnes, Warrington, Chester and Liverpool, provided by Halton Transport [cite web |url=http://www.haltontransport.co.uk/ |title=Halton Transport |accessdate=2007-07-28 |publisher=Halton Borough Transport Ltd] and Arriva. [cite web |url=http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/__80256E280053B5B6.nsf/vWeb/pcCWAN5XFEHA?open&region=North%20West%20and%20Wales&town=Runcorn&service= |title=Arriva bus timetable for Runcorn |accessdate=2007-09-01 |publisher=Arriva plc ]

National Express coaches call at Runcorn, on the Hoylake–Liverpool–London and Southport–Cambridge services. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/publictransport/content/businformation/?a=5441 |title=Bus Information |accessdate=2007-03-21 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Coach services are provided by Selwyns [cite web |url=http://www.selwyns.co.uk/index.html |title=Selwyns Transport Solutions |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Selwyns Travel Ltd] and Anthony's Travel. [cite web |url=http://www.anthonys-travel.co.uk/ |title=Anthony's Travel |accessdate=2007-06-28 |publisher=Anthony's Travel ] .

The Silver Jubilee Bridge was widened in the mid-1970s by bolting a new pedestrian way to the side of the original structure and widening the roadways over the old footpaths. However, it is a bottleneck and becomes congested at peak travel times, and in the event of a breakdown or accident on the bridge, traffic in the area comes to a standstill. To resolve this problem, a second crossing of the Mersey is planned, to be known as the "Mersey Gateway". [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/merseygateway/ |title=The Mersey Gateway |accessdate=2007-03-26 |publisher=Mersey Gateway Project ]

Runcorn is mi to km|8 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and mi to km|22 from Manchester Airport.

Education

There are 29 primary schools in the town and one nursery school at The Grange. The four secondary schools are Halton High, St. Chad's Catholic High, The Grange, and The Heath. Two institutions, Halton College and Runcorn Sixth Form College, merged in 2006 to form the Riverside College Halton. There is one special school in the town, Cavendish School. There are opportunities for adult education in information technology at the Acorn Lifelong Learning Centre and at the Grange City Learning Centre. Other courses for adults are held at different venues in the town. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/educationandlearning/?a=5441 |title=Education and learning |accessdate=2007-03-30 |publisher=Halton Borough Council]

Performance table

The following table shows the percentage of pupils gaining five GCSE A*–C level grades, including and excluding English and Maths in 2007. [cite web |url=http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode=Z&No=876&Base=b&Type=LA&Phase=1&Year=07 |title=Secondary School achievement and attainment tables 2007: LA Halton |accessdate=2008-02-07 |publisher=Department for Children, Schools and Families ]

Religion

The 2001 census showed, that of the people living in the borough of Halton, 83.8% declared themselves to be Christian, 8.7% stated that they had "no religion," and 7.0% made no religious claims at all. Those stating their religions as Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Islam or Sikh amounted to 0.5%. [cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=12640&More=Y |title=Religion, Census 2001: Key Statistics for the rural and urban area classification |accessdate=2007-04-02 |publisher=Office for National Statistics ]

The Anglican churches are part of the Diocese of Chester and the deanery of Frodsham. [cite web |url=http://www.chester.anglican.org/diocese/links/index.htm#Frodsham |title=Chester Diocese:Frodsham Deanery |accessdate=2007-04-02 |publisher=The Church of England: Diocese of Chester ] cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/localinfo/placesofworship/churchesinruncorn/?a=5441 |title=Churches in Runcorn |accessdate=2007-04-02 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] In Runcorn, the parish church is All Saints in the old town centre. Ten other Anglican churches are in the town. Five Roman Catholic churches can be found in Runcorn and are administered by the Diocese of Shrewsbury. [cite web |url=http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/ |title=The Diocese of Shrewsbury |accessdate=2007-04-04 |publisher=The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbry ] There are three Methodist chapels and one Welsh Presbyterian chapel. Wicksten Drive Christian Centre is shared between the Church of England and the Methodists. Hallwood Ecumenical Parish in Beechwood and Palace Fields consists of 3 churches all recognised by the Church of England, the Methodists and the United Reformed Church. Norton Ecumenical Parish, covering Windmill Hill, Norton and Murdishaw, is served by an Ecumenical Partnership between St Berteline's Church (Anglican) and Murdishaw Ecumenical Church (Methodist run).

There is an Independent Baptist chapel, three independent Christian churches, and a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Jehovah's Witnesses have two Kingdom Halls, and there is a Spiritualist church. There are no places of worship in Runcorn for any other major world religions.

ports

Runcorn's main football club is Runcorn Linnets FC. This club has had a complicated history. At one time, Runcorn F. C. played on a ground in Canal Street, Runcorn. When this land was sold for housing in 2000, the team played at grounds outside the town and it was renamed Runcorn F.C. Halton. In 2006 there was a change of management, and the team's name was changed again. At the end of the 2006–07 season, the club gained promotion from Division 2 to Division 1 of the North West Counties League. [cite web |url=http://www.runcornfc.co.uk/ |title=Runcorn Linnets FC |accessdate=2007-09-01 |publisher=Runcorn Linnets FC Trust ] It is hoped that they will be able to play their home games in Runcorn starting in the 2007–08 season. [cite news|title=Linnets aim for new home after promotion | date =26 April 2007 | first = Dave |last=Bettley | work= Runcorn Weekly News |publisher=icCheshireOnline |url = http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/runcornandwidnesweeklynews/tm_method=full%26objectid=18970107%26siteid=50020-name_page.html| accessdate=2007-04-27] There are a number of smaller football clubs in the town for adults and children.

Runcorn Cricket Club and Runcorn Hockey Club are based at the Runcorn Sports Club in Moughland Lane. Runcorn Rugby Union FC is based at Halton Sports Club in Murdishaw. There is an 18 hole golf course at Runcorn Golf Club in Clifton Road [cite web |url=http://www.englishgolf-courses.co.uk/cheshire/runcorn.php |title=Runcorn Golf Club |accessdate=2007-04-25 |publisher=English Golf Courses] and a golf driving range at Sutton Fields. [cite web |url=http://www.suttonfields.co.uk/index.html |title=Sutton Fields |accessdate=2007-03-29 |publisher=Sutton Fields ] Runcorn Sports Club is a privately run sports club in Moughland Lane and provides facilities and coaching for cricket and hockey. Halton Sports Club is in Murdishaw Avenue. Privately run swimming pools are at Beechwood local centre and Stockham Lodge Raquet and Health Club. Adjacent to the latter are two artificial ski slopes administered by Runcorn Ski Centre. [cite web |url=http://www.runcornskicentre.co.uk/ |title=Runcorn Ski Centre |accessdate=2007-03-29 |publisher=Runcorn Ski Centre ] The Runcorn Rowing Club rows on the River Weaver Navigation near Clifton Village. [cite web |url=http://www.runcornrowing.com/ |title=Runcorn Rowing Club |accessdate=2007-03-29 |publisher=Runcorn Rowing Club ] The local authority runs several sports centres, including: Runcorn Swimming Pool; Brookvale Recreation Centre, offering indoor sporting facilities; and Phoenix Park, with outdoor sporting facilities. Other sports are also catered for. [cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/tourismandleisure/sports?a=5441 |title=Sports in Halton |accessdate=2007-03-29 |publisher=Halton Borough Council] Runcorn has a professional wrestling academy, the Runcorn Wrestling Academy (RWA).

Notable people

Individuals from Runcorn who have gained entry into the "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography" include Sir John Chesshyre (1662–1738), a prominent lawyer, [Lemmings, David (2004) 'Chesshyre, Sir John (1662–1738)', "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography", Oxford University Press, online edn [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5235] . Retrieved on 7 March 2007] Nathan Alcock (1707–79), a noted physician, [Moore, Norman (2004) ‘Alcock, Nathan (1709–1779)’, rev. Caroline Overy, "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography", Oxford University Press, online edn. [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/292] . Retrieved on 1 March 2007] and his brother Rev. Thomas Alcock (1709–98), Vicar of Runcorn, and writer and cider maker. [Woodland, Patrick (2004) ‘Alcock, Thomas (1709–1798)’, "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography", Oxford University Press, online edn, [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/296] . Retrieved on 1 March 2007] Thomas Hazlehurst (1779–1842) founded one of the two major soap and alkali manufacturing businesses in the town, Hazlehurst & Sons. His son Thomas Hazlehurst (1816–76) was involved with the business. He was a Methodist who paid for the construction of 12 chapels and three schools in the area. [ Vardy, P. I. (2005-2006) 'Thomas Hazlehurst and his family', "Cheshire History", 45.]

Edward John Smith (1850–1912), captain of the "Titanic", purchased a retirement home in Higher Runcorn but never lived there because of his death aboard the Titanic. Thomas Henry Hall Caine (1853–76), a novelist and playwright, was born in Runcorn. [Allen, Vivien (1997) "Hall Caine: Portrait of a Victorian Romancer", Sheffield Academic Press, ISBN 1-85075-809-3] Thomas Alfred Jones (1880–56) was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Conduct Medal during World War I. [Thompson, Dave (2002) "I Laughed Like Blazes: The Life of Private Thomas 'Todger' Jones, VC, DCM" Dave Thompson.] In more recent times the classical pianist Martin Roscoe (1952 – ) was born in Halton Village. [GroveOnline|Martin Roscoe|Morrison, Bryce|5 March|2008] The singer and Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh (1976– ) often spends her weekends in Runcorn spending time with her family. [cite web |url=http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17001927&method=full&siteid=50020&headline=ex-hear-say-star-s-passion-for-runcorn--name_page.html |title=Ex Hear'Say star's passion for Runcorn |accessdate=2006-11-12 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-04-27 |year= |month= |format= |work=Runcorn Weekly News |publisher=icCheshireOnline |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] The boxer Robin Reid (1971– ) attended secondary school in Runcorn, a place he identifies as his home town. [cite web |url=http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=5000&cat=boxer |title=Boxer: Robin Reid |accessdate=2007-04-23 |publisher=BoxRec] The singer Nicola Roberts (1985– ) from the British girl band, 'Girls Aloud,' also comes from Runcorn. [cite web |url=http://www.nicolaroberts.net/page3/page3.html |title=About Nicola |accessdate=2007-04-23 |publisher=Nicola Roberts [dot net] ]

ee also

* Listed buildings in Runcorn

References

Notes

Bibliography used for notes

*cite book | last =Greene | first =Patrick | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Norton Priory: The archaeology of a medieval religious house | publisher =Cambridge University Press | date =1989 | location =Cambridge | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-521-33054-8
*cite book | last =Nickson | first =Charles | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =History of Runcorn | publisher =Mackie & Co. | date =1887 | location =London and Warrington | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Phillips | first =A.D.M. | authorlink = | coauthors =Phillips, C.B. | title =A New Historical Atlas of Cheshire | publisher =Cheshire County Council | date =2002 | location =Chester | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-904532-46-1
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Schooner Port: Two Centuries of Upper Mersey Sail | publisher =G.W. & A. Hesketh | date =1983 | location =Ormskirk | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-905777-34-4
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Old Runcorn | publisher =Halton Borough Council | date =1990 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Thompson | first =Dave | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Bridging the Years: The Story of Runcorn-Widnes Transporter Bridge | publisher =Dave Thompson | date =2000 | location =Runcorn | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =

Further bibliography

*cite book | last =Cowan | first =C.A. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn Ferry and Hale Ford | publisher =Halton Borough Council | series =Crossing the Runcorn Gap | date =1990 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Cowan | first =C.A. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn Railway Bridge | publisher =Halton Borough Council | series =Crossing the Runcorn Gap | date =1990 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Cowan | first =C.A. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn Town Hall: A History and Description | publisher =Halton Borough Council | series = | date =1990 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Cowan | first =C.A. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Early Bridging Proposals | publisher =Halton Borough Council | series =Crossing the Runcorn Gap | date =1992 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Halton Borough Council | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =The Bridging of Runcorn Gap | publisher =Halton Borough Council | date =1978 | location =Halton | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Howard | first =Liz. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =The Way We Were – Runcorn Remembered: A Social History | publisher =Aurora | date =1993 | location =Manchester| pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =1-85926-031-4
*cite book | last =Howard | first =Liz. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn in Old Picture Postcards | publisher =European Library | series =Back in Time| date =1995 | location =Zaltbommel | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =90-288-6124-6
*cite book | last =Nicolle | first =Dorothy | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Widnes and Runcorn: Photographic Memories | publisher =Frith Book Company | date =2004 | location =Salisbury | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =1-85937-854-4
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn in Times Past | publisher =Countryside Publications | date =1980 | location =Chorley | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-86157-032-4
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn | publisher =Alan Sutton | series =The Old Photographs Series | date =1994 | location =Bath | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-7524-0025-8
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn – The Second Selection | publisher =Tempus | series =Images of England | date =1999 | location =Stroud | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-7524-1826-2
*cite book | last =Starkey | first =H.F. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Runcorn: A Century of Change | publisher =Tempus | series =Images of England | date =2005 | location =Stroud | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-7524-3617-1
*cite book | last =Thompson | first =Dave | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Over the Hill: An Historical Look at Runcorn Hill and its Locality | publisher =Dave Thompson | date =2000 | location =Runcorn | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Thompson | first =Dave | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Bridging the Mersey: A Pictorial History | publisher =European Library | series =Back in Time| date =2000 | location =Zaltbommel | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =90 288 2640 8
*cite book | last =Thompson | first =Dave | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Bridging Us Together: The Story of Runcorn–Widnes Bridge | publisher =Dave Thompson | date =2001 | location =Runcorn | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Thompson | first =Dave | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =The Changing Face of Runcorn | publisher =Sutton | series =Britain in Old Photographs | date =2004| location =Stroud | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =0-7509-3507-3
*cite book | last =Whimperley | first =Arthur | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Halton Castle: An Introduction and Visitors' Handbook | publisher =Arthur Whimperley | date =1981 | location =Widnes | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =
*cite book | last =Whimperley | first =Arthur | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =The Barons of Halton | publisher =MailBook Publishing | date =1986 | location =Widnes | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn =

External links

* [http://www2.halton.gov.uk Halton Borough Council.]
* [http://www.runcornhistsoc.org.uk Runcorn & District Historical Society.]
* [http://www.runcornroundtable.org.uk Runcorn Round Table.]
* [http://www.runcornrlc.co.uk Runcorn Rugby League.]
* [http://www.runcornlocks.org.uk Runcorn Locks Restoration Society.]


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