MIDDLEWICH played an important role in the English Civil War and was the scene of the first and second battle of Middlewich, writes historian Paul Hurley.

During this time Royalist troops occupied the church and many were slain. Here we see just how busy and claustrophobic this area once was and puts into perspective the buildings that were here.

Dominating the town and viewed from all angles is the ancient parish church of St Michael and All Angels, part of the structure dates from the 12th century but most of the church was built between 1480 and 1520 and in 1858 improvements were made including the removal of the old deal galleries and pews.

There was once an old chapel on the north side of the church dedicated to the Weaver family but this was removed during the dissolution of the Abbeys.

Middlewich has seen many changes over the years, none less than the building of St Michaels Way through the town in the 1970s to free up the road to the M6 motorway.

A campaign is afoot to re-open the railway station that has been closed to passengers since 1960. With the house building programme that has taken place since then, and the number of commuters who live here this should be a priority.

These photographs come from my book Northwich, Winsford & Middlewich.

Paul has a Facebook group titled Northwich and Mid Cheshire through time with more than 4,000 members.