There has been a Salt Museum in Northwich for over 100 years. The original museum was established by Thomas Ward & John Brunner two local salt proprietors who felt that Northwich needed something to explain its importance as the “salt capital of the world”. John Brunner and Thomas Ward donated the Northwich Salt Museum and Library to the town in 1889. The Museum was originally in a building with Northwich library, which subsided as a result of the salt extraction. The new building still houses Northwich Library & the title over the door remains. In the 1970s the Cheshire County Council acquired Weaver Hall and the museum moved into its current premises. The building had been built as Northwich Union workhouse and then became an old people’s home. Weaver Hall opened as the new Salt Museum in June 1981 after major renovation work. To celebrate this milestone, the museum launched a display looking at the history of the building as the Northwich Workhouse. The display is installed in the magnificent board room where the Guardians of the workhouse used to meet to conduct the affairs of this institution. This room is used by school groups during the week but is open at weekends and during the main school holidays for visitors to enjoy the displays. The workhouse was built in 1839 to a standard design by George Latham who also rebuilt nearby Arley Hall. In its heyday, the various wards could accommodate up to 300 inmates. In 1892 the building was extended which included new offices and the new Board of Guardians’ meeting room. It later became the Weaver Hall Old People’s Home until 1964. Many of the workhouse buildings were demolished in the 1960s leaving the Grade II listed building which we still see today. Photos of some of original items from the collections