Sandbach

Sandbach, pronounced Sandbatch, is an historic market town, half a mile from j17 M6 motorway. The Trent and Mersey canal passes through the town bringing numerous tourists during the summer.

Until recently Sandbach was best known as the home of famous truck manufacturers ERF and Fodens. A ' Transport through the ages' parade is well established as an annual attraction, including an impressive line up of types if transport.

Widely known for its famous Saxon Crosses, recongnised as one of the finest Saxon monuments in Britain, containing the most intricate carving, they were produced at a time from which little or no documentary evidence has survived.

During the Civil War on 3rd September, 1651, the September fair was taking place on the town's common, nearly 1,000 Scottish troops on horseback, retreating from the Battle of Worcester, were passing through and were attracked by local people. The common has since been known as Scotch Common.

Sandbach is recorded as having a church in the Domesday book and major restoration of St Mary's took place from 1847 to 1849, directed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The old building, dating from 1661 was encased in new stone, the tower was rebuilt and the carved oak ceiling was restored. There are early corbels, doorways and an ancient font.