History of Middlewich Cheshire, Middlewich is described as a town which derives its name from standing in the "Middle" of two "Wiches"; namely, between Nantwich and Northwich. The situation of this place is on the river "Croke", 156 miles from London. The prosperity and opulence of this town, like the former [Northwich], may be said to be, principally, "preserved" by "salt"; very considerable quantities being made here. Its weekly market is on a Tuesday; and its two fairs are annually held on 25 July, and on Holy Thursday. Middlewich is a deanery, hath burgesses, and other privileges, as the rest of the "Wiches"
Economics of English Mining in the Middle Ages and churches. Four metals were mined commercially in England during the period: iron, tin, lead and silver using a variety of refining techniques. Coal was also mined from the 13th century onwards, Iron mining occurred in several locations including the main English centre in the Forest of Dean, as well as in Durham and the Weald. Some iron to meet English demand was also imported from the continent, especially by the late 13th century. By end of the 12th century, the older method of acquiring iron ore through strip mining was being supplemented by more advanced techniques, including tunnels, trenches