This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Congleton has changed and developed over the last century.

An acclaimed author and academic historian at London's South Bank University, Joan P. Alcock is the author of numerous books on the Cheshire region. She is also a member of the Congleton Local History Group. Joan P. Alcock studied history at university before taking further degrees in archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London. A writer and lecturer on the subjects of history and archaeology, she specialises in the history of food at South Bank University, London. She currently lives in Sydenham, south-east London.