Pictorial History of The Sandstone Ridge

The Sandstone Ridge Trust is undertaking a project to gather as many images and postcards which chart the changing social and economic history of The Sandstone Ridge and to include these within a pictorial history of this unique feature.

The Sandstone Ridge is one of Cheshire's most distinctive landscapes, covering 230 sq kms (88 sq miles) of rolling hills and escarpments that stretch from Frodsham and Helsby in the north, through Delamere, Tarporley, Beeston, Peckforton and Bickerton, to Malpas in the south. This is rural Cheshire at its finest, linked by the Sandstone Trail.

The Ridge has a long and rich history, that ranges from pre-historic landscapes through the Roman, Saxon and Medieval periods to the present day. Its appearance has been shaped by centuries of farming, forestry and use of natural resources, including water sources like ancient springs and wells, as well as sandstone, sand and gravel, copper, marl and other minerals.

Old photographs and postcards can provide a revealing snapshot into how people have interacted with the landscape over the decades and centuries. By comparing them with present day views it becomes possible to understand how the countryside, villages and buildings in the area have changed over time.

The Trust would like to hear from anyone who has old photographs and postcards of the Sandstone Ridge area. These can be either in their original (photograph/postcard), or scanned (digital) forms. If enough images can be found, it is hoped that they could be published in a small book for everyone's enjoyment.

You can contact the Sandstone Ridge Trust by emailing info@sandstoneridge.org.uk.