History of Northwich demolished and replaced with more modern buildings. New housing developments continue to appear around Northwich. In 2002 the Drill Field, the world's oldest football ground, was demolished and has been replaced by housing as Northwich Victoria football club sold the ground to relieve debt. A Debenhams store is planned to be built at Barons Quay along with a cinema and 40 new shops. History of Northwich The history of Northwich can be traced back to the Roman period. The area around Northwich has been exploited for its salt pans since this time. The town has been severely affected by salt
Blue John (mineral) Blue John (mineral) Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar) is a semi-precious mineral, a form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish colour. In the UK it is found only at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton in Derbyshire. During the 19th century, it was mined for its ornamental value, and mining continues on a small scale. Deposits of fluorite have been recently found in China with colouring and banding similar to the classic Blue John stone. The most common explanation for the name is that it derives from the French "bleu-jaune", meaning 'blue-yellow'.