PROBATE VALUATIONS IN CHESHIRE
The History of Cheshire
Cheshire history is well-recorded, with the first known occupants of Cheshire having been dated to around 400,000 to 380,000 years BP, although around 11,500 years ago, it was buried in ice during the ice age. The area is believed to have been well-occupied in the Neolithic period, upon the discovery of remains from the Stone Age, and also occupied during the Iron Age.
Like many areas of England, Cheshire was under Roman occupation during the early AD years, with the Romans arriving in AD 70 and not leaving the area for just shy of 400 years. The area was well-developed during Roman occupation; the largest Roman amphitheatre was constructed, as was a fortress, which was the largest in Britannia.
Upon the fall of the Roman Empire, the situation of Cheshire on the boundary between North Wales and Mercia, meant that the area wasn’t peaceful, with the Battle of Chester occurring in 616. Cheshire became a key part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia in the 7th Century, where the Danes frequently invaded the area, and eventually took it; it was reclaimed between 894 and 895.
Over the years, Cheshire was an area of significant siege and destruction, which was noted in the 1086 Domesday Survey. Norman Earls ruled Cheshire until 1237, and by the 13th century, the castle and city of Cheshire has gained great importance – being rewarded by King Richard II.
During the Civil War, which began in 1642, Cheshire was ravaged and saw numerous battles breakout inside its boundaries. Cheshire enjoyed a more lucrative standing during the 19th century, growing into a considerably wealthy county; country homes were constructed, and the railway was built.
In the 20th century, the borders of Cheshire were reduced, and it became a ceremonial county, with two main unitary authorities; Cheshire West and Chester, and Cheshire East. Modern-day Cheshire is still considered to be an affluent area.