"Industry fills the ships"( 1974 - )
"Fill the ships with goods" (1956-74)
Widnes
Runcorn
Halton
The Quadrants on the shield are two roses representing
Lancashire and two sets of Bees and a hive representing Industry.
The Furnace-like emblem at the top represents the equipment
used in producing the primary products of Widnes.
The base decal of four blue and white waves are for the four
waterways significant in Runcorn's history - the Mersey, the Bridgewater
Canal, Manchester Ship Canal and Weaver Navigation. The sailing ship upon
the waves flies the ancient flag of England and has a wheatsheaf from the
arms of the Cheshire County.
According to local history books, the name Widnes originates from Danish.
Vidnes, meaning "wide nose" refers to the promontory of land that juts
south into the River Mersey, creating a narrowing in river called the
"Runcorn Gap". Others believe the name is Norwegian due to similar
peninsula named Vidnes existing in Møre og Romsdal, Norway.
However, Place-name books suggest the etymology is from Old English.
wid-naess - meaning "wide promontory", this would seem more likely, as
there is little evidence other than folk lore to suggest Vikings ever
visited or resided
in this area. It also make sense as most of the place-names in the region
are from "Old" English. Speke, (nr. Liverpool) is an example.
As far as I know right now (Feb 2007), my family roots in Britain are
contained wholly within Widnes. For now I will concentrate on the history of my
home town Widnes and not Runcorn. (except where they are inextricably entwined)
This may change of course in the succeeding days, months and years.
"Industry enriches" (1893-1974)
