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"
Nantwich Bridge military use being exempt. The bridge appears to have survived the fire of 1583, which started nearby and destroyed much of the town to the east of the river. In 1622, William Webb writes: In 1652, Wich Bridge was described as lying on "y greatest & most frequented Road within this County", and it was designated a county bridge on 27 April 1652. This meant that the county was responsible for its maintenance, but also that Nantwich had to pay towards the maintenance of the other county bridges, a charge from which the town had previously been exempt. By 1663,