PROBATE VALUATIONS IN CREWE
The History of Crewe
The history of Crewe is very different to many of the other major towns in Cheshire. The first reference to Crewe was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was referred to as ‘Creu’. However, the history of urban settlement in Crewe begins much later, in conjunction with the opening of a railway junction station which occurred in 1837.
The modern urban settlement was required to improve the railway colony. Around the time of being chosen as the site for locomotive works in 1830, Crewe had a population of only 70 residents, as recorded in 1831. At the time, Crewe was founded in the parish of Coppenhall, which consisted of the Monks Coppenhall and Church Coppenhall townships.
The name of the town derives from the station; confusingly, the station was named after the township of Crewe, leading to two towns being named Crewe until the township of Crewe eventually become Crewe Green in 1974. Originally, the name derived from ‘criu’ which means ‘crossing’ in Old Welsh.
The settlement was planned by Joseph Locked in 1843, and a whole new town was created on the site. The population of the Monks Coppenhall parish and Church Coppenhall parish exploded to the point that just 40 years after the recorded population of 70, the population had reached 40,000 in 1871.
During these years, there was a major investment in the town, including the construction of the school, gas works, doctor’s surgery, and water works; all partially funded by the railway. The railway provided more employment opportunities, with a clothing factory and cheese market opened in the 19th century. Rolls-Royce was also established in Crewe, making the town a target during the Second World War, but also providing employment.
Today, Crewe has a population of around 84,863, and still acts as an important area for railway transportation.