MURGATROYD'S BRINE PUMPS - The last of their kind

 (Image modified from 'point cloud' model)

The Trust's first priority is the preservation and renovation of Murgatroyd's Brine Pumps. 
Middlewich has a history of salt production dating back at least to the iron age and coming forward via Roman salt working, the medieval period, and the industrial revolution into the 20th century. 
 
Archeological artefacts are displayed in the town's library but the evidence on the ground for iron age, Roman, and medieval salt production is now buried beneath 20th century development. 
 
The only above ground evidence of this most important of the town's industries is Murgatroyd's brine pumps, a listed ancient monument, and the only known pumps in the UK which are sited on their original brine shaft. 
 
More detail about the pumps can be found at 
 
http://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1020122
 
The pumps have been in the possession of the Cheshire East Council and its predecessor authority for many years through which time, for lack of funds because of the other demands on local government resources, their  condition has deteriorated. 
 
With the active agreement of Cheshire East Council, the Trust will take possession of the pumps when current remedial works, funded in the main by Historic England, are complete.The trust will then seek to raise funds to restore the pumps to make them accessible to the public in their own right and also as part of the wider canal and salt history in Middlewich and in the adjoining salt towns. 
 
To do this, the Trust will need help, both financial and non-financial, so if you would like to help, please contact us at
 
Middlewich.heritage.trust@gmail.com