Stove House Five, Lion Salt Works, Marston Northwich, Cheshire West. Archaeological Excavation

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured a significant funding package to
enable to repair and restoration of the Lion Salt Works in Marston, near Northwich
(centred on NGR 367109 375470). The Lion Salt Works is the last surviving inland
open-pan salt works in England, and the immense archaeological and historical
significance of the site is reflected in its designation as a Scheduled Monument (No
1020841). The component structures, including the pan houses, a salt store, brine
tank, bore holes, pump house, boiler house, manager’s office, and a smithy, have
further statutory designation as Grade II listed buildings, and also lie within the
Marston Conservation Area.
The salt works commenced operation in 1856, and remained in commercial use until
1986, when closure was necessitated largely as a result of the loss of its main markets
in West Africa during the civil war in Nigeria. The works was acquired subsequently
by Vale Royal Borough Council to prevent the demolition and ultimate loss of the
site, with an intention that it should become a working museum. In 1993, the
management of the site was passed to the Lion Salt Works Trust, which was set up by
Cheshire County Council and Vale Royal Borough Council. However, the buildings
have continued to deteriorate, and the site was placed on English Heritage’s
‘Buildings at Risk Register’. The present scheme will ensure the restoration of the
buildings, and the development of the site into an important heritage attraction.
In order to satisfy Scheduled Monument and listed building consents for the necessary