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Congleton is a small historic market town found in the east part of the county of Cheshire. The picturesque town lies on the Dane River banks. With a population of over 26,000 people, it provides area travelers with a nice place to visit, offering a good variety of architecture and activities.
History
Congleton evolved into the region's principal market town during the Viking period. Once Davenport was destroyed, it had no nearby rivals. The Domesday Book calls the town Cogeltone. The town gained its first charter in the year 1272 from the Earl of Lincoln, Henry de Lacy. This allowed it to host markets and fairs, to behead criminals, to possess a merchant guild, and to elect its own mayor. A flood of the Dane River in 1451 demolished many of the town's buildings and its wooden bridge. The town was subsequently rebuilt along higher ground. In the 1620's, Congleton earned an infamous reputation for cockfighting and bear baiting sports.
Once King Edward I allowed Congleton to construct a mill, it developed into a more important commercial area. It stood out as a significant centre of textile production. Lace and leather gloves were important products. In 1753, Nathaniel Pattison and John Clayton built the market town a Silk Throwing mill, now known as the Old Mill.
Architecture
Visitors will be delighted by the examples of medieval and early modern architecture found in Congleton. Little Moreton Hall is a Tudor House owned by the National Trust. There is the ancient Gawsworth Hall manor house to see as well. An interesting building is the Lyme Park Tudor house that was redesigned as an Italian styled palace. Perhaps the best known example of architecture in Congleton is the Capesthorne Hall. This Jacobean style hall was constructed in the 1700's. It sits on a beautiful hundred acres of parklands.
Activities
It is no accident that Congleton is ranked as the best place to live in the Northwest of England. It offers residents and visitors a beautiful, scenic location with plenty of activities. The town is the home to the world's biggest mobile radio telescope Jodrell Bank. There is a science center with it.
Congleton Museum showcases the area's industrial history. It is found in the middle of town. There are hoards of silver and gold coins on display, along with an ancient log boat.
There are also several theatres in Congleton. Daneside Theatre offers three hundred seats for spectators. Clonter Opera Theatre is a four hundred seat venue found five miles to the north of Congleton.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the picturesque Congleton Park. It lies on the River Dane banks to the North East of the centre of town. There is also Town Wood on the northern border of the park. This place of biological interest features a great number of plants that are of national importance.
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