Old Images of Winsford, Cheshire

Not surprisingly, the production of salt at Winsford in Cheshire brought in the newsreel cameras during the 1940s. But the early 20th century also brought a record breaking swimming event to town.

Winsford Baths 1930

Unfortunately, this is footage of the 1930s Olympic swimmer Bob Leiver in the waters of Winsford Baths, rather than images of Winsford streets and places.

However, there are brief glimpses of the crowd of spectators, which may have included some local people.

Bob Leive had held the British 500 yards record for the Front Crawl for just 3 days, before the record was beaten gain by just 1 second.

So here he was at Winsford Baths, trying to beat the record again, without goggles or swimming cap.

In The Swim (1934) - British Pathé (YouTube)

Winsford Salt

When this wartime newsreel was made in 1940, the local brine springs were pumping away for 24 hours a day.

The work looks heavy and relentless, and the conditions the men were working in, without safety equipment, were dangerous.

Salt (1940) - British Pathé (YouTube)

The newsreel cameras returned in 1948, but this time the material was silent and was not broadcast to an audience.

The work doesn’t look any safer though - in fact the dangers are now far more apparent! And it’s surprising how few young men are seen given the heavy nature of the work.

We do get a glimpse of the mine buildings this time.

Salt Mine (1948) - British Pathé (YouTube)

More of the silent 1948 material, this time looking at explosives and having more close ups of the men at work and (underground) rest.

Salt Mine (1948) - British Pathé (YouTube)

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