Another “must” for those who love Old Warrington

THAT indefatigable chronicler of Warrington’s history Janice Hayes has produced another of her excellent publications.
“Warrington History Tour ”is a handy, pocket sized collection of photographs which should be a “must” for all who know and love the town.
Ms Hayes introduces the collection with a prediction that many will not welcome – that the historic town is poised on the brink of becoming a 21st century city. Not too many people outside the confines of the Town Hall seem to relish the thought of the borough becoming a city.
But whether it does or not, there is no doubt it has changed dramatically since its designation as a New Town in 1968 – and little doubt that it is doing to change much more.
The photographs, taken by a legion of photographers over the years, show the changes in an informative way, matching old black-and-white archive material with modern, colour shots of the same locations.
You have to be pretty long in the tooth to remember “Boots Corner” at Market Gate – and even if you can it is doubtful if your memory stretches back to the time depicted in the book.
A 1910 picture of Bridge Street with the then new tram lines makes one wonder if we would be better off today if they had never been ripped up.
While much of Warrington’s past has been lost, this book shows that much remains, recognisable if not identical to how it used to be.
“Warrington History Tour” is published by Amberley Publishing at £7.99 – good value for local history buffs.
Janice Hayes is Culture Warrington’s heritage manager