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"
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'.