Runcorn

Runcorn is a town in north-west England. Since 1974 it has formed part of the Borough of Halton.

The earliest record of Runcorn is, as "Rumcofan", in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. From this spelling, it is clear that the name comes from the Anglo-Saxon "rúm cofa" or "broad cove". The spelling has varied over the centuries; other variants include Rumcoven, Ronchestorn, Runckhorne, and Runcorne.

In 915, a fort was built on Castle Rock, overlooking the River Mersey, as part of the defence of the kingdom of Mercia against the Vikings. However, although it was thus a place of some stature, Runcorn was not mentioned in the Domesday Survey in 1086.

For centuries, a major industry was the quarrying of the local sandstone.

Runcorn grew rapidly in importance following the creation of the English canal network in the 18th century, which improved its connections with the rest of the country and made it easier to move the sandstone. As it was already connected with the sea through the River Mersey, it became a major port. This lead to the growth of shipbuilding as a local industry, followed by other engineering. Further industries that developed were leather tanning and the manufacture of soap and chemicals.

The advent of the railways brought further improvements in transport, and the opening of the Runcorn Railway Bridge across the Mersey in 1868 gave Runcorn direct rail links with Liverpool. The extension of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894 allowed large ocean-going ships to come inland past Runcorn.

During the early 20th century, the traditional industries declined, to be replaced with various light industries. Runcorn also became a major warehousing and distribution hub for the whole region. In 1964, Runcorn was designated as a New Town. This caused a rapid growth in population.