Monument record 1036/1 - Marbury Rock Salt

Discovery of a rock of natural salt in Marbury region. Salt said to be 33-34 yds below ground and of excellent quality.Brine springs ran from the rock in a small 'Rindle or Gutter', but no danger of overflowing 'which threatens all other sandpits in this country every great shower'. Rock salt discovered by John Jackson of Halton in 1670, as he was searching for coals on the behalf of 'the Lord of the Soil', William Marbury of Marbury (1). Celia Fiennes held the mortgage of this mine. Description of mine by her. Salt found 1670 & company to exploit it set up 1694 (2). 1675 first rock salt mine in GB sunk near this spot. Exact locn unknown. John Jackson of Halton was prospecting for coal on behalf of William Marbury & discovered salt instead, Report on discovery - 'The rock of salt, by the relation of the workmen, is between 33 & 34 yds from the surface of the earth...That piece of natural salt which one instrument brought up...was as hard as alum & as pure' (3).

<1> The Royal Society, Various, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 2/526 Martindale A 1749 (Journal/Periodical). SCH2629.

<2> Morris C (ed), 1947, The Journeys of Celia Fiennes, p.15 & 184-185 (Book). SCH1466.

<3> Cheshire County Council, Unknown, Fact or Fiction? A walk in Marbury Country Park (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH1215.