23 
25 feet in width, the depth being 18 inches. These would 
contain over 16,000 gallons. The growth in the size of the 
pan has been equalled by the growth in the manufacture of 
salt, and most probably the increasing demand stimulated 
the maker to increase the size of the pan. 
We have no statistics showing the quantity of salt made 
in early times. J udging, however, from the size of the pans 
or leads, there could not be much manufactured. The pos- 
session of a house containing six leads was of quite sufficient 
importance to be mentioned in Domesday Book as belonging 
to certain towns or villages. Many of the salt houses in 
the “Wyches” belonged to noblemen, and appear to have 
been used to make salt for their houses, for we read, “ There 
is in Wych half a salt house to supply the Hall.” In 1605 
we read in an old letter, “ There is in the said Towne 
(North wich) one hundred and thirteen salt houses every 
one containing four leads apeece . . . and one Four leads 
which was given to the Earl of Derby ... for the portion 
of his house.” 
From an estimate made about 1675, by William Lord 
Brereton, it would seem that about 305 tons 7 cwt. of salt 
were made at North wich weekly; 107 tons 10 cwt. at 
Middle wich ; and 105 tons at Nantwich. Thus, the total 
Cheshire make would be about 26,927 tons per annum. The 
whole of this was for the home trade. In 1732 only 5,202 
tons of manufactured salt were shipped down the river 
Weaver, made navigable in 1721. None of this came from 
Middlewich and Nantwich, but from Winsford and North- 
wich. In 1801 this had reached 142,675 tons per annum. 
In 1820 we find 186,666 tons sent down the Weaver. 
In 1825 the salt duty was taken off, and in 1830 the quan- 
tity sent down the Weaver reached 312,012 tons in the 
year, and in 1840 414,156 tons. In 1844 English salt was 
allowed to be sent to the East Indies, and the result is seen 
by the exports down the Weaver reaching 607,395 tons in 
1850. During the next ten years the increase was not 
large, but as soon as the alkali trade began to extend the 
manufacture of salt increased, and in 1870 we find 991,158 
tons sent down the Weaver, which reached 1,087,214 in 
