Alan Domville

TWO years ago, members of Latchford History Society were asked why Loushers Lane was so-called. Despite all their efforts it remains a mystery - but the research involved inspired members of the group to attempt to trace the origin of all of the street names in their area along with Westy and Wilderspool.

The result is The Street Where You Live, a fascinating and profusely illustrated compendium available from the Warrington Book Loft in Lythgoes Lane for only £4 that will especially delight anyone with links with Latchford and its surrounding area, anyone who lives there - and indeed anyone interested in Warrington's history.

The reason the main thoroughfares, Knutsford Road and Chester Road, are so-called is obvious but this book reveals that many of the streets and avenues in the area have rather more interesting origins.

Ancient families whose names are perpetuated include the Broadbents and the Boydells (Hugh of that ilk was lord of the manor in the 12th century) and other luminaries of the area who have been immortalised include landowners Lord Barrymore, JH Smith Barry and Thomas Marbury.

Canal engineers James Brindley and Daniel Adamson were paid the same tribute along with David Plinston, John Burgess, William Bolton, Joseph Davies, James Evans, Robert Henshall, John Starkey and Frank Stringer, all of whom became Mayor of Warrington. Councillors include George Archer (also a long-serving Guardian sports editor), Joseph Banks, Thomas Chantler, Arthur Seabury and Aaron Simkin.

Writers, poets and painters and a host of property builders are similarly honoured along with counties, cities and towns.

Cambrai, Flers, Kemmel and Menin were all battles of the First World War.

I've always thought Latchford's loveliest street name is Pear Tree Place - and according to our historians there really were fruit trees in the area before the houses were built.

Some streets have changed their names over the years of course. Latchford has an Old Road, a New Road and a New Street - but it must have been confusing when the original Old Road was renamed New Road!

China Lane was originally Occupation Road but was used as a pitch for china-ware auctions.

The Street Where You Live is the second book to be produced by the obviously dedicated society members and follows their superb Latchford in the Tramway Era which is still available for only £3.