Authors: Bill Meadows, Leslie Radcliffe

Publisher: Countryside Books

ISBN: 978-1-85306-262-9

 Bill Meadows found himself to be very intrigued by the countryside at an early age. Meadows is now classed as a leading landscape photographer whose work is regularly requested for use with a wide range of printed products including books. He currently works from a studio but prefers location work where he is able to feel more connected and can add to his remarkable photo library.

Leslie Radcliffe, a Londoner by birth, can also be described as a Cheshireman for his fondness of this county. He has worked with the editorial staff of The Field and moved to Cheshire in 1946 as the editor of Cheshire Life.

Now Leslie is retired after 35 years devoted to Cheshire its fables and history.

Cheshire is renowned for its beauty and scenic landscape, which attracts many visitors every year. Through its historic towns and peaceful villages, history is interwoven. What is so special about this county? If you take a glimpse within these pages you will discover this for yourself..

Beeston Castle, standing proud on the edge of a sandstone cliff 500ft above Cheshire Plain, is one castle that demands to be noticed. It has history in abundance within its stone walls. It is modelled after the style of an old Saracen stronghold and constructed around 1220. In 1460 it was passed from the Crown to the Duke of York and sadly shortly after as a result of age, it fell to ruin but is still an impressive sight.

Leslie writes about the Dee Estuary and mentions the Caldy hill where the beacon stands and warning fires were lit in ancient days. It is accompanied by a spectacular photograph showing the wide estuary.

It is interesting to read about Lord Leverhulme , a local philanthropist who built a huge factory here in 1880 and 600 houses laid out with stylish gardens for his workers. It was for the production of the famous Sunlight soap and was named Port Sunlight. A photo of his memorial is shown too.

The mighty radio telescope at Jodrell Bank is another interesting article in this amazing collection. The photograph on the opposite page is stunning nearly as stunning as it is when you actually see it yourself.

The photographs enhance the descriptions which really capture the very essence of Cheshire. A book that will delight anyone interested in the countryside and all it has to offer of our rich heritage. Put it on your bookshelf.

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts: Jessica has been a book reviewer for a newspaper and a national women's magazine and is working on a novel. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE