Runcorn

The earliest written reference to the town is in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it is spelled "Rumcofan", literally meaning "a wide cove or bay". This word is derived from the Old English words "rúm" ("wide" or "broad") and "cofa" ("cave" or "cove"). Other historical spellings of Runcorn include "Rumcoven", "Ronchestorn", "Runckhorne", and "Runcorne".{{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|p=5.}} and {{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=4.}}

Little is known about the early history of the settlement but isolated findings of objects from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages have been made and there is evidence of a Roman presence in the area.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|pp=1–4.}}

The first recorded event in its history is the building by Æthelflæd of a fortification at Runcorn to protect the northern frontier of her kingdom of Mercia against the Vikings in 915. The fort was built on Castle Rock overlooking the River Mersey at Runcorn Gap.{{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|pp=6–13.}} The foundations of the fort were discovered during the building of the railway bridge but were covered by an abutment of the bridge.

File:Runcorn church 1846.jpg]]

Following the Norman Conquest, Runcorn was not mentioned in the 1086 Domesday survey, although surrounding settlements were. William the Conqueror granted the earldom of Chester to Hugh d'Avranches who granted the barony of Halton to Nigel. It is likely that Nigel erected a motte and bailey castle on Halton Hill in the 1070s.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|pp=7–8.}}

In 1115, Nigel's son, William Fitznigel, founded an Augustinian Priory at Runcorn. In 1134, the priory was moved to Norton, about {{convert|3+1/2|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} away. In 1391, the priory was raised to the higher status of abbey. In 1536, the monastery was dissolved, and around nine years later, the buildings and some of the monastic lands were sold to Sir Richard Brooke who converted the habitable part of the abbey into a house.{{Harvnb|Greene|1989|p=151.}} and {{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|p=39.}}

In 1565, Rocksavage, an Elizabethan Hall, was constructed for Sir John Savage in Clifton, now part of Runcorn.{{NHLE |num=1330365 |desc=Remains of Rock Savage |access-date=4 April 2015|mode=cs2}}

File:Halton Castle engraving.jpg

During the Civil War, Halton Castle was held for the Royalists by John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers, the Steward of Halton. It fell twice to Parliamentarian Roundheads. The first siege was led by Sir William Brereton in 1643; the second was during the following year. Following this, a "Council of War" was held in Warrington in 1646 at which it was decided that the castle should be slighted.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|pp=57–58.}}

In 1656, Runcorn was described as being "nothing but a fair parish church, a parsonage and a few scattered tenements".King, Daniel, The Vale Royal of England, 1656 (quoted in {{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=73.}}). And so it remained for over a century, an isolated and poor hamlet. The only through traffic used the ferry which crossed from Runcorn to the north bank of the River Mersey.

During the 18th century, water transport had been improved in the area by the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, the Bridgewater Canal and the Trent and Mersey Canal. This gave Runcorn waterway connections with most of the interior of England through the canal system and with the sea along the River Mersey, thus forming the basis for the development of the Port of Runcorn.

Later came the Runcorn to Latchford Canal linking with the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, and the Weston Canal which gave better access to the Weaver Navigation system.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=173.}}

Industries began to develop within and around the town, in particular shipbuilding, engineering, chemical manufacturing, tanning, and sandstone quarrying. Towards the end of the 18th century and in the early years of the 19th century, the town was a health resort.

The growth of industry did not diminish Runcorn's late 18th and early 19th century reputation as a health resort and the "Montpelier of England".{{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|pp=176–177.}} In 1822 the town's first Saltwater Baths opened followed by new visitor accommodation in Belvedere Terrace in 1831.{{cite book |last=Fowler |first=G. |title=The Visitor's Guide to Runcorn and its Vicinity |publisher=W. Walker |date=1834 |page=45 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7pZYAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA45}}{{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|p=176.}}

File:St Paul's (drawing).jpg

In the middle of the century, the growing wealth of the town and its industrialists saw the construction of several new landmarks, including Halton Grange, St Paul's Methodist Chapel and All Saints' Church.{{cite journal |last=Vardy |first=Peter I. |year=2006 |title=Thomas Hazlehurst and his family: Methodism and the Early Chemical Industry in Runcorn in the Nineteenth Century |journal=Cheshire History |volume=45 |pages=67–82 |issn=0141-8696}}

For hundreds of years, the only means of crossing the River Mersey at this point had been by the Runcorn ferry. Thomas Telford proposed a {{cvt|1000|ft|m}} single span suspension bridge as early as 1817, but it was not until 1868 that the first bridge, Runcorn Railway Bridge, was opened across the Mersey at Runcorn. This gave the town direct rail links with Liverpool and the rest of the country.{{Harvnb|Nickson|1887|p=206.}}

Runcorn was becoming an industrialised and highly polluted town. During the later 19th century the town became increasingly dominated by the chemical and tanning industries. In the 1880s a pipeline was opened between Northwich and Weston Point, supplying brine to the salt works and in 1896 the Castner Kellner chemical works was established.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|pp=160–162.}}

In 1894 the Manchester Ship Canal was opened throughout its length.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1983|p=184.}} This allowed ocean-going ships to travel inland as far as Salford, some of them calling at the port of Runcorn. The rise in population between 1881 and 1891 and the drop by 1901 is explained by the number of people involved in constructing the ship canal.

In 1905, the Widnes–Runcorn Transporter Bridge opened, giving a direct link for vehicular traffic for the first time between the two towns.{{Harvnb|Thompson|2000|p=17.}} This would not be replaced until 1961 with the construction of Runcorn Road Bridge (since renamed the Silver Jubilee Bridge) which allowed a more efficient means of road traffic across Runcorn Gap.

During the first half of the 20th century, the industry of the town continued to be dominated by chemicals and tanning. This growth was largely due to government fixed-priced cost contracts for tanned hides. In 1926, four chemical companies merged to form Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).

During the second half of the 20th century, the tanneries closed (the last to close was the Highfield Tannery in the late 1960s) and the chemical industry declined. At the same time, light industry developed together with warehouses and distribution centres.{{cite web |url=http://www.ebusinessdirectories.co.uk/BusinessDirectories/Pages/HaltonBD2006/alive.html |title=Halton Business Directory |access-date=1 September 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822004655/http://www.ebusinessdirectories.co.uk/BusinessDirectories/Pages/HaltonBD2006/alive.html |archive-date=22 August 2007}}

File:Type 24 pillbox in Runcorn.jpg

In 1937, ICI began to build a new factory for mustard gas production at their Randle plant on Wigg Island.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTLZkBuAZSsC |title=The X Site: Britain's Most Mysterious Government Facility |isbn=9780952275558 |last1=Jones |first1=Tim |year=2000 |publisher=Gwasg Helygain |location=Rhyl}} The ICI chemical plants at Runcorn featured in the Gestapo Black Book as a company of special interest but although the works at Weston Point were discussed at Luftwaffe briefings in 1940, the town was never deliberately targeted and was subject only to very limited bombing.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=219.}}

File:Southgate Estate, Runcorn, August 1989, 2.jpg in Runcorn New Town]]

In September 1963, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government published a draft of the Runcorn New Town (Designation) Order which would allocate {{cvt|7750|acre}} in and around Runcorn for development of a new town under the New Towns Act 1946. The ministry cited the urgent need for more housing to reduce overcrowding in Liverpool and to increase the rate of slum clearance there. Runcorn was chosen because of its strong road, rail and canal connections, ample water supply, convenient location on the Mersey Estuary for the disposal of effluent, established industry and the availability of land for more.{{cite web |url=http://www.rudi.net/books/3320 |title=Runcorn New Town – 5. Designation Order Material |website=rudi.net |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018025423/http://www.rudi.net/books/3320 |archive-date=18 October 2014}}

Following objections to the draft order, a public Local Inquiry was held at Runcorn from 10 to 12 December 1963. The subsequent report accepted the location in principle and the proposed population of 90,000. It did, however, recommend that {{cvt|500|acre}} around the village of Sutton Weaver to the south of the Chester–Manchester and Crewe–Liverpool railway lines be excluded from the designated area, partly to preserve its highly productive agricultural land. The minister, Keith Joseph, accepted the report's recommendations and the designation order was made on 10 April 1964.{{cite web |url=http://www.rudi.net/books/3322 |title=Runcorn New Town – 5.3 Minister's letter |website=rudi.net |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022081437/http://www.rudi.net/books/3322 |archive-date=22 October 2014}}

The New Town masterplan of 1967 more than doubled the population as it encompassed neighbouring settlements and created new housing estates to the south and east. The key features of the new town were its unique housing and estate designs, segregated pedestrian pathways, Busway, extensive landscaped green space, separate industrial areas and new town centre.{{cite web |url=https://www.theplanner.co.uk/opinion/what-happened-to-the-new-towns |title=What happened to the New Towns? |last=Renison |first=Nathan |date=8 April 2014 |publisher=The Planner |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723160946/https://www.theplanner.co.uk/opinion/what-happened-to-the-new-towns |url-status=live}}

The new town centre was designated at the geographical heart of the expanded town with Shopping City, an American-style enclosed mall, as its focus.{{cite journal |last1=Couch |first1=Chris |last2=Fowles |first2=Steven |date=2006 |title=Britain: Runcorn – A Tale of Two Centres |jstor=23289488 |journal=Built Environment |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=88–102 |doi=10.2148/benv.32.1.88}} This was a source of conflict between Arthur Ling, the new town Master Planner, and Fred Roche, Chief Architect. Whereas Ling envisaged a centre reminiscent of a citadel or acropolis at the base of Halton Castle, Roche preferred to expand the existing town centre, partly to placate the Urban District Council and existing traders.{{cite web |title=The New Towns Record – Planning the New Towns...In their own words |url=http://www.theknowledgeexchange.co.uk/media/5418/New-Towns-Record_FINAL-web-May-2016.pdf |date=May 2016 |publisher=Idox Knowledge Exchange |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228132353/https://www.theknowledgeexchange.co.uk/media/5418/New-Towns-Record_FINAL-web-May-2016.pdf |url-status=live}} The new Halton site was favoured and Shopping City opened in 1972.

However, the Urban District Council secured a commitment from the Development Corporation to continue a programme of regeneration which the council had already begun.{{cite web |url=http://www.rudi.net/books/3322 |title=Runcorn New Town – 7.6 Town centre |website=rudi.net |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018044833/http://www.rudi.net/books/3349 |archive-date=18 October 2014}} In 1971, the Development Corporation published Master Plan Amendment No.1 which focused on the urban renewal of the Old Town centre, now designated a smaller 'district centre'. The plan sought to increase public open space, reduce shopping provision, rationalise roads and renew housing stock. It also included plans to widen the Runcorn-Widnes Bridge from two to four lanes and create a new system of junctions between the bridge and the expressway.{{cite web |url=http://www3.halton.gov.uk/lgnl/pages/86821/86836/89285/151961/159419/159422/10._Area_Specific_Evidence/AS5/Runcorn_New_Town_Masterplan_Amendment_No1_(1971).pdf |date=1971 |title=Runcorn New Town Master Plan Amendment No.1 |publisher=Runcorn Development Corporation |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411084056/http://www3.halton.gov.uk/lgnl/pages/86821/86836/89285/151961/159419/159422/10._Area_Specific_Evidence/AS5/Runcorn_New_Town_Masterplan_Amendment_No1_(1971).pdf |archive-date=11 April 2013}}

The masterplan was amended for the second and final time in 1975. Amendment No.2 extended the expressway further to the east and redesignated land at Sandymoor intended for industrial use to residential.{{cite web |url=http://www3.halton.gov.uk/lgnl/pages/86821/86836/89285/151961/159419/159422/10._Area_Specific_Evidence/AS6/Runcorn_New_Town_Masterplan_Amendment_No2_(1971).pdf |date=1975 |title=Runcorn New Town Master Plan Amendment No.2 |publisher=Runcorn Development Corporation |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411084056/http://www3.halton.gov.uk/lgnl/pages/86821/86836/89285/151961/159419/159422/10._Area_Specific_Evidence/AS6/Runcorn_New_Town_Masterplan_Amendment_No2_(1971).pdf |archive-date=11 April 2013}} The Runcorn Development Corporation merged with Warrington Development Corporation on 1 April 1981 and was wound up on 30 September 1989.{{cite web |url=https://www.tcpa.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=bd616ca8-f2bc-4998-966b-a01f8f99c233 |title=Runcorn, Cheshire – 'Mark Two' New Town – Designated 10 April 1964 |publisher=Town and Country Planning Association |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715054519/https://www.tcpa.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=bd616ca8-f2bc-4998-966b-a01f8f99c233 |url-status=live}}

Much of the architecture of the new town was innovative, especially the Southgate development designed by Sir James Stirling and built between 1970 and 1977. Stirling's housing development was beset with problems and it was demolished in the early 1990s.{{cite web |url=http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=430&storycode=3084063&c=2&encCode=00000000012cb5c6 |title=Unhappy customers |access-date=27 July 2007 |date=30 March 2007 |publisher=BD: The Architects' Website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003054/http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=430&storycode=3084063&c=2&encCode=00000000012cb5c6 |archive-date=28 September 2007}}{{cite web |url=https://flashbak.com/naked-demolished-runcorn-scandalous-tale-james-stirlings-lost-utopia-393320/ |title=Naked and Demolished in Runcorn: The Scandalous Tale of James Stirling's Lost Utopia |author=Hugh Pearman |date=15 January 2015 |website=FLASHBAK |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721223429/https://flashbak.com/naked-demolished-runcorn-scandalous-tale-james-stirlings-lost-utopia-393320/ |url-status=live }} In 2002, the Castlefields Partnership (made up of English Partnerships and Halton Borough Council) was created to comprehensively redevelop the Castlefields estate, including the demolition of over 700 deck access flats.{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmcomloc/889/889.pdf |title=New Towns: Follow-Up – Ninth Report of Session 2007–08 |publisher=House of Commons |date=11 July 2008 |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426202113/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmcomloc/889/889.pdf |url-status=live}}

File:Runcorn Town Hall.jpg, formerly Halton Grange]]

Runcorn is in the local authority district of the Borough of Halton. It is administered by Halton Borough Council, a unitary authority which has its main meeting place at Runcorn Town Hall.{{cite web |title=Calendar |url=https://councillors.halton.gov.uk/mgCalendarAgendaView.aspx?MR=0&M=6&DD=2024&CID=0&OT=&C=-1&D=5 |website=Halton Borough Council |access-date=5 June 2024}} The council is a member of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, led by the directly-elected Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. Runcorn is an unparished area with the exception of Sandymoor civil parish and part of the Whitehouse Industrial Estate which is in the Preston Brook civil parish.{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=28 February 2025}}

At the time of the Domesday survey of 1086, Runcorn was in the hundred of Tunendune.{{Harvnb|Phillips|Phillips|2002|p=27.}} The hundreds of Cheshire were reorganised in the 12th century, and Runcorn became part of the Bucklow Hundred.{{Harvnb|Phillips|Phillips|2002|p=9.}} Runcorn was an ancient parish. It was subdivided into 20 townships:{{cite web |title=Runcorn Ancient Parish / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10083424 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=28 February 2025}}{{cite book |title=Book of Reference to the Plan of the Parish of Runcorn |date=1876 |publisher=Ordnance Survey |location=London |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Book_of_Reference_to_the_Plan_of_the_Par/49MHAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=RA6-PP13&printsec=frontcover |access-date=28 February 2025}}{{cite book |title=Book of Reference to the Plan of the Parish of Runcorn (Detached, Nos. 1, 2, and 3) |date=1875 |publisher=Ordnance Survey |location=London |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Book_of_Reference_to_the_Plan_of_the_Par/49MHAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=RA7-PP7&printsec=frontcover |access-date=28 February 2025}}

{{div col|colwidth=15em}}

• Acton Grange
• Aston Grange
• Aston-by-Sutton
• Clifton
• Daresbury
• Dutton (part)
• Halton
• Hatton
• Keckwick
• Moore
• Newton by Daresbury
• Norton
• Preston on the Hill
• Runcorn
• Stockham
• Sutton
• Thelwall
• Walton Inferior
• Walton Superior
• Weston

{{div col end}}

The Runcorn township covered the town itself plus a rural area to the south, including the separate hamlet of Higher Runcorn and an area of heath called Runcorn Heath.{{cite web |title=Cheshire Sheet XXIV |url=https://maps.nls.uk/view/102341023 |website=National Library of Scotland |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=1 March 2025 |date=1882}} From the 17th century onwards, parishes were gradually given various civil functions under the poor laws, in addition to their original ecclesiastical functions. In some cases, including Runcorn, the civil functions were exercised by each township separately rather than the parish as a whole. In 1866, the legal definition of 'parish' was changed to be the areas used for administering the poor laws, and so the townships also became civil parishes, which therefore diverged from the ecclesiastical parish.{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume II, Northern England |date=1991 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0861931270 |page=xv}}

File:Coat of Arms of Runcorn.svg

In 1852 a body of improvement commissioners was established to administer the Runcorn township and adjoining parts of Halton township (which were subsequently transferred to Runcorn township in 1883).{{cite web |title=Runcorn Improvement Act 1852 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/15-16/68/contents/enacted |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=The National Archives |access-date=1 March 2025}}{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=193.}} Such commissioners' districts were reconstituted as urban districts under the Local Government Act 1894.{{cite web |title=Runcorn Urban District |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10062263 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=1 March 2025}} In 1932, Runcorn Urban District Council bought Halton Grange, a large house which had been completed in 1856, to serve as its headquarters and renamed it Runcorn Town Hall.{{cite news |title=Runcorn purchase Halton Grange |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000964%2F19320708&page=2 |access-date=1 March 2025 |work=Runcorn Weekly News |date=8 July 1932 |page=2}}{{NHLE|num=1104859|desc=Runcorn Town Hall, Heath Road|grade=II|access-date=1 March 2025}}

Runcorn Urban District was enlarged on three occasions. In 1936, it took in areas including Weston and the fringes of Halton, including the area around Halton Grange. In 1955, there were minor adjustments to the boundaries with neighbouring parishes. And in 1967, it took in Halton and Norton, plus parts of other neighbouring parishes, to bring all the areas which had been designated for the new town in 1964 into the urban district.{{cite book |last=Youngs |first=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume II |date=1991 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0 86193 127 0 |pages=29, 33}}{{Harvnb|Phillips|Phillips|2002|p=11.}} In 1956, the urban district council was granted a coat of arms with the Latin motto Navem mercibus implere ("fill the ships with goods"), a classical quotation from Juvenal.{{cite web |last=Young |first=Robert |title=Runcorn Urban District Council |url=http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/cheshire_pre74.html#runcorn%20udc |website=Civic Heraldry |access-date=1 March 2025}}

Runcorn Urban District was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 when it merged with the Municipal Borough of Widnes and parts of Runcorn Rural District and Whiston Rural District to form the Borough of Halton under Halton Borough Council and Cheshire County Council. In 1998, Halton Borough Council took over the county council's functions in the borough, making it a unitary authority. Halton remains part of the ceremonial county of Cheshire.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/theboroughofhalton?a=5441 |title=The Borough of Halton |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922014510/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/theboroughofhalton/?a=5441 |archive-date=22 September 2008}} In April 2014, Halton Borough Council joined five other local authorities in Merseyside to form the Liverpool City Region.

Runcorn is in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency for representation in the House of Commons. The seat was held by Mike Amesbury of the Labour Party from its creation for the 2024 general election.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Mark |date=5 July 2024 |title=Labour take Runcorn and Helsby as Tories finish third |url=https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/24432269.labour-take-runcorn-helsby-tories-finish-third/ |work=Runcorn and Widnes World |location= |access-date=6 July 2024}} It changed hands when Sarah Pochin of Reform UK won the 2025 by-election triggered by Amesbury's resignation after his conviction for assault.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20z7p96xyo |title =Reform MP Sarah Pochin hails tight by-election win |work=BBC News |date=2 May 2025 |access-date=5 May 2025}}

From 1997 to 2024, Runcorn was split between the two constituencies of Weaver Vale and Halton. Prior to their abolition, those seats were held by Mike Amesbury and Derek Twigg respectively, both of the Labour Party.{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/derek-twigg/429 |title=Derek Twigg |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=UK Parliament |archive-date=5 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705091842/http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/derek-twigg/429 |url-status=live}} While Halton was a safe Labour seat since its creation in 1983, Weaver Vale was a marginal seat and switched between the Labour and Conservative parties several times since its creation in 1997.

Before the Reform Act 1832, Runcorn was in the constituency of Cheshire which was represented by two Members of Parliament.{{Harvnb|Phillips|Phillips|2002|p=100.}} Following the Reform Act, the town was placed in the North Cheshire constituency and from 1868 in the Mid Cheshire constituency. From 1885 to 1950 the town was in the constituency of Northwich.{{Harvnb|Phillips|Phillips|2002|pp=102–103.}} The constituency of Runcorn was created by a 1948 Act of Parliament and Dennis Vosper was the first to be elected to the seat in 1950.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=221.}}. In 1964, he was succeeded by Mark Carlisle who held the seat until the constituency of Runcorn was abolished in 1983 and split between the constituencies of Halton and Warrington South.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1494318/Lord-Carlisle-of-Bucklow.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1494318/Lord-Carlisle-of-Bucklow.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Lord Carlisle of Bucklow |access-date=23 June 2013 |date=19 July 2005 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}

File:Runcorn bridges aerial.jpg

Runcorn is situated on a spur projecting into the River Mersey, which flows to the north and then to the west of the town. On the north bank of the river is another spur forming the West Bank area of Widnes; together these form Runcorn Gap, a narrowing of the River Mersey. The town is bounded to the southwest by the Weaver Navigation; to the south by the Chester–Manchester and Crewe–Liverpool railway lines; and to the east by the West Coast Main Line until the village of Moore. A series of valleys is formed by high points at Runcorn Hill (75m AOD), Halton Castle (75m AOD), Windmill Hill (70m AOD) and Keckwick Hill (75m AOD).{{cite web |url=https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/planning/policyguidance/pdf/evidencebase/green/Halton_Landscape_Character_Assessment_%282009%29.pdf |title=Halton Landscape Character Assessment 2008 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723183325/https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/planning/policyguidance/pdf/evidencebase/green/Halton_Landscape_Character_Assessment_(2009).pdf |url-status=live}}

Runcorn Gap is crossed by three bridges: Runcorn Railway Bridge (which carries the Liverpool branch of the West Coast Main Line), the Silver Jubilee Bridge and the Mersey Gateway which carries the A533. A system of dual carriageways called 'expressways' form a figure of 8 around the town.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/townsandvillages/runcornnewtown?a=5441 |title=Runcorn New Town |access-date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216085558/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/townsandvillages/runcornnewtown?a=5441 |archive-date=16 February 2007}} The Central Expressway runs through the centre of the town in a north–south direction and is the main through-road. It connects to the M56 motorway which cuts into the south of the town.

To the west of the Central Expressway lies the Old Town of Runcorn, Higher Runcorn, Weston, Weston Point and Clifton (formerly Rocksavage), and the new town estates of Halton Brook and Halton Lodge. To the east are the formerly separate villages of Halton and Norton, and the new town estates of Castlefields, Palacefields, Windmill Hill, Murdishaw, Brookvale, Hallwood Park, Beechwood and Sandymoor.Liverpool, St Helens, Widnes & Runcorn:Explorer 275 map, Ordnance Survey. The density of housing is generally high, but there are open green areas, in particular heathland on Runcorn Hill and the extensive Town Park created as part of the new town. Housing is typically situated within the expressways and industry outside.

File:Runcorn Hill 3.jpg

The Runcorn area drains into the River Mersey to the north and the River Weaver to the south.

The bedrock geology of the River Mersey and the northern and western fringes of Runcorn is Sherwood Sandstone and pebbly sandstone. To the south there is a transition to siltstone, sandstone and predominantly Mercia Mudstone. The primary sedimentary rock is New Red Sandstone.

The superficial geology is varied with pockets of sand and diamicton along the lower-lying land adjacent to the Mersey and through Runcorn. Sand and gravel becomes common on the southern fringes of the town and elsewhere there are small pockets of clay, silt, sand and gravel.

File:The Manchester Ship Canal looking towards Wigg Island from Astmoor in Runcorn.jpg local nature reserve across the Manchester Ship Canal]]

There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the town: Floodbrook Clough and the Mersey Estuary. Floodbrook Clough in Beechwood is an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and one of the best examples in Cheshire of clough woodland on keuper marl.{{cite web |url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/floodbrook-clough/ |title=Floodbrook Clough |publisher=Woodland Trust |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929140235/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/floodbrook-clough/ |url-status=live }}

There are five Local Nature Reserves designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949: Runcorn Hill, Dorchester Park, Oxmoor Woods, Wigg Island and Murdishaw Valley.

Early census statistics for the town include only the areas known now as the Old Town and Higher Runcorn. In 1936, Runcorn Urban District grew to incorporate the neighbouring village of Weston. The present statistical boundaries of Runcorn were defined in the Runcorn New Town (Designation) Order 1964 which greatly expanded the town to the east.

The population of Runcorn in 1664 has been estimated as 305.{{cite web |url=http://www.cheshirearchaeology.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HTS_Arch_Assess_Runcorn-and-Halton.pdf |title=Cheshire Historic Towns Survey – Runcorn and Halton Archaeological Assessment |publisher=Cheshire County Council and English Heritage |access-date=12 July 2020 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712221503/http://www.cheshirearchaeology.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HTS_Arch_Assess_Runcorn-and-Halton.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:Runcorn All Saints 1.jpg]]

In the 2021 census, 52.5% said they were Christian, down from 70.1% in 2011. 41.5% stated that they had "no religion" and 4.6% made no religious claims. Those stating their religions as Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh or other amounted to 1.3%.

The town's Anglican churches are part of the Diocese of Chester and the Deanery of Frodsham.{{cite web |url=http://www.chester.anglican.org/diocese/links/index.htm#Frodsham |title=Chester Diocese:Frodsham Deanery |access-date=2 April 2007 |publisher=The Church of England: Diocese of Chester |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203035320/http://www.chester.anglican.org/diocese/links/index.htm#Frodsham |archive-date=3 February 2007}} The parish church is All Saints Church, and there are 10 other Anglican churches in the town.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/localinfo/placesofworship/churchesinruncorn/?a=5441 |title=Churches in Runcorn |access-date=2 April 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184702/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/localinfo/placesofworship/churchesinruncorn/?a=5441 |archive-date=30 September 2007}} Five Catholic churches can be found in Runcorn and are administered by the Diocese of Shrewsbury.{{cite web |url=http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/ |title=The Diocese of Shrewsbury |access-date=23 June 2018 |publisher=The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417052554/http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/ |url-status=live }}

There are two Methodist chapels and several shared churches. Wicksten Drive Christian Centre is shared between Anglicans and Methodists. Hallwood Ecumenical Parish in Beechwood and Palace Fields consists of two churches, both recognised by the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. There is also a Pentecostal church, two independent evangelical churches, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, a spiritualist church, and a Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall.

In 2013, the former Waterloo Hotel was converted into a Buddhist temple by Wat Phra Singh. {{as of|May 2014}}, there are five resident monks.{{cite web |url=http://watphrasinghuk.org/ |title=Home |access-date=3 January 2017 |publisher=Wat Phra Singh UK |archive-date=21 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521184216/http://watphrasinghuk.org/ |url-status=live}}

In the 2021 census, of Runcorn's 61,145 residents, 96.6% identified as White. Mixed/multiple ethnic groups made up 1.5%; Asian/Asian British/Asian Welsh 1.0%; Black/Black British/Black Welsh/Caribbean/African 0.4%; and Other ethnic group 0.6%. 97.4% had English as a first language.

In 2020, the GVA for the Runcorn Built-up Area Sub-division was £2.86 billion.{{cite web | url = https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossvalueaddedgva/datasets/uksmallareagvaestimates | title = UK small area gross value added (GVA) estimates | last1 = Chiripanhura | first1 = Blessing | last2 = Fenton | first2 = Trevor | date = 24 January 2023 | website = Office for National Statistics | access-date = 28 November 2023}}

Runcorn has a higher proportion of people working in manufacturing, logistics, and wholesale and retail than the average for England. Chemical manufacturing has been the town's dominant sector since the 19th century, but the local economy has increasingly diversified into other advanced manufacturing sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, as well as services and logistics.{{cite web |url=http://www.burrows.co.uk/halton/flip/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf |title=Halton Business Guide and Directory |publisher=Burrows Communications Limited |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721140200/http://www.burrows.co.uk/halton/flip/files/assets/common/downloads/publication.pdf |url-status=live }}

The main industrial areas of the town are Astmoor, Manor Park, Whitehouse, the Heath and Weston Point. Sci-Tech Daresbury is to the southeast of the town. The main retail and leisure area is Shopping City in the centre of the town with a smaller district centre at the old town.

File:Chemical works, Weston Point - geograph.org.uk - 998845.jpg

The town's chemical industry was dominated for many years by ICI's Chlor Chemical division. But since 2001, Inovyn (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ineos) has operated the extensive chemical works in the west of the town, employing 750 people in 2020.{{cite web |url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/ici-says-goodbye-to-chlor-chemicals/284312.article |title=ICI says goodbye to Chlor-Chemicals |publisher=The Engineer |date=5 December 2000 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313171107/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/ici-says-goodbye-to-chlor-chemicals/284312.article |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.inovyn.com/locations/runcorn/ |title=Runcorn Site, UNITED KINGDOM |publisher=Inovyn |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031161554/https://www.inovyn.com/locations/runcorn/ |url-status=live }} In Runcorn, Invoyn manufactures chlorine, caustic soda and chlorinated derivatives. It also produces salt, made from brine transported by pipeline from the saltfields of central Cheshire, and sulphuric acid. Several other chemical manufacturers also have a presence at the site, including Koura (formerly Mexichem Fluor), Industrial Chemicals, Packed Chlorine Limited, VYNOVA and Runcorn MCP Ltd (a joint venture between INOVYN and VYNOVA). The site is considered to be of strategic national importance to the UK. The site includes two independently owned power stations; the 810 MW natural gas fired Rocksavage Power Station and the Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility operated by Viridor which also supplies heat to the Inovyn facility.{{cite web |url=https://www.intergen.com/our-assets/rocksavage/ |title=Rocksavage – InterGen |publisher=InterGen |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924200236/https://www.intergen.com/our-assets/rocksavage/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.viridor.co.uk/energy/energy-recovery-facilities/runcorn-erf/ |title=Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility |publisher=Viridor |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031163309/https://www.viridor.co.uk/energy/energy-recovery-facilities/runcorn-erf/ |url-status=live }} ICI's other former site in Runcorn comprising offices and laboratories is now the Heath Business and Technical Park, which provides office, laboratory, conference, and leisure facilities.{{cite web |url=http://www.theheath.com/index.shtml |title=the heath ... the best place for your business |access-date=29 March 2007 |publisher=The Heath Business and Technical Park |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503034306/http://www.theheath.com/index.shtml |archive-date=3 May 2007}}

Other large employers include advanced manufacturing firms Sigmatex (manufacturer of carbon fibre), Héroux-Devtek (manufacturer of aircraft landing gear), Whitford (manufacturer of speciality coatings), Teva (manufacturer of pharmaceuticals) and Fresenius Kabi (manufacturer of medical and pharmaceutical products).{{cite web |url=http://councillors.halton.gov.uk/documents/s54675/PPB%2024-9-18%20Halton%202030.pdf |title=Economic Assessment and Halton 2030 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |date=24 September 2018 |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721111815/http://councillors.halton.gov.uk/documents/s54675/PPB%2024-9-18%20Halton%202030.pdf |url-status=live }} Drinks manufacturer, Diageo, has maintained a packaging plant at Runcorn since 1970 which packages Guinness, Pimm's, Kilkenny and Smirnoff Ice for distribution in Great Britain.

Sci-Tech Daresbury is a National Science and Innovation Campus to the south east of Runcorn. The campus offers lab space, offices and workshops to rent. It is home to the largest supercomputer in Europe and the Virtual Engineering Centre which works with Bentley motor cars, BAE Systems and Jaguar Land Rover. The site also houses Daresbury Laboratory which employs over 300 staff specialising in accelerator science, bio-medicine, physics, chemistry, materials, engineering and computational science.{{cite web |url=http://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/councildemocracy/pdfs/LivingandWorking.pdf |title=This is Halton: An Essential Guide to Living and Working in Halton |author=Halton Borough Council |website=Runcorn and Widnes – Make Halton Your Business |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228162945/https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/councildemocracy/pdfs/LivingandWorking.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:RuncornTanker.jpg

Runcorn's position between Liverpool and Manchester airports and its links to the rail, motorway and canal networks have made it a centre for logistics. There are two ports in the west of the town on the Manchester Ship Canal. Runcorn Docks is owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, which is part of the Peel Ports Group.{{cite web |url=http://www.peelports.co.uk/home/ |title=Peel Ports Group |access-date=18 August 2008 |publisher=Peel Ports Group |archive-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312102712/http://www.peelports.co.uk/home/ |url-status=live }} Weston Point Docks is operated by FLX Logistics.{{cite web |url=https://www.flxlogistics.co.uk/ |title=FLX Logistics |access-date=23 April 2021 |publisher=FLX Logistics |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423122446/https://www.flxlogistics.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}

There are several large logistics depots across Runcorn, including Eddie Stobart Group's road haulage site and driver training school in Manor Park, the Downton haulage depot at the Whitehouse Industrial Estate, and an NHS Supply Chain Depot in Astmoor Industrial Estate.{{cite web |url=https://eddiestobart.com/about-us/#our-network |title=About us – Eddie Stobart Logistics |publisher=Eddie Stobart Logistics PLC |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-date=16 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516191246/https://eddiestobart.com/about-us/#our-network |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.downton.co.uk/depot/runcorn/ |title=Runcorn |publisher=C M Downton (Haulage Contractors) Ltd |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031170516/http://www.downton.co.uk/depot/runcorn/ |url-status=live }}

File:Umbrellas in City Square inside Runcorn Shopping City.jpg]]

There has been a shift in employment from manufacturing to service industries. In 1991, 34% worked in the manufacturing sector and 61% were in the service sector. By 2004, 17% were in manufacturing jobs and 78% were in service jobs.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/councilanddemocracy/council/research/factbook?a=5441 |title=Halton Unitary in Figures |access-date=4 April 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702011047/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/councilanddemocracy/council/research/factbook?a=5441 |archive-date=2 July 2007}} This trend in the local region is demonstrated in this chart which shows the regional "gross value added" of Halton and Warrington at current basic prices, with figures in millions of pounds.{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/RegionalGVA.pdf#page=242 |title=Regional Gross Value Added |access-date=7 April 2007 |date=21 December 2005 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |page=242 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226163731/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/RegionalGVA.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2007}}

1. {{note|gva_a}} includes hunting and forestry
2. {{note|gva_b}} includes energy and construction
3. {{note|gva_c}} includes financial intermediation services indirectly measured
4. {{note|gva_d}} Components may not sum to totals due to rounding

Runcorn has two shopping centres. The original shopping area was in the older part of the town on High Street, Regent Street and Church Street.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/?a=5441 |title=Town centres |access-date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513104430/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/?a=5441 |archive-date=13 May 2007}} This centre continues to exist, but with the coming of the new town, has declined. In the centre of the new town, Runcorn Shopping City is an enclosed shopping mall with two attached bus stations.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/haltonlea?a=5441 |title=Halton Lea |date=28 July 2006 |access-date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216231618/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/environment/towncentres/haltonlea?a=5441 |archive-date=16 February 2007}} Adjacent to it is Trident Retail Park containing shopping outlets and a cinema and nearby is a large Asda superstore that opened in 1989.

File:Runcorn Bridges.jpg

The Runcorn New Town Masterplan created three distinct types of road: busways, expressways and local roads. In addition, there is a network of dedicated cycleways in the town.{{cite web |url=https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/traffic/cycling.aspx |title=Cycling and walking |access-date=23 June 2018 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623170345/https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/traffic/cycling.aspx |url-status=live }}

The Runcorn Busway was the world's first bus rapid transit system in 1971.{{cite journal |last=Lesley |first=Lewis |date=1983 |title=Runcorn – A Rapid Transit New Town? |jstor=23286723 |journal=Built Environment |volume=9 |issue=3/4 |page=234}} First conceived in the Runcorn New Town Masterplan in 1966, it opened for services in October 1971 and all {{cvt|22|km|mi}} were operational by 1980.{{cite web |url=http://www.rudi.net/books/3346 |title=Runcorn New Town – 7.3 Transport |website=rudi.net |access-date=24 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018012240/http://www.rudi.net/books/3346 |archive-date=18 October 2014}} It is a road network for use by buses only and, unlike guided busways or bus lanes, it is a totally separate road system, not running alongside (or down the middle of) existing roads. It was designed so that most residents would be no more than five minutes walking distance, or {{convert|500|yard|m}}, from a bus stop. The central station is at Runcorn Shopping City where buses arrive on dedicated raised busways to two enclosed stations. Professor Arthur Ling, Runcorn Development Corporation's Master Planner, claimed to have invented the concept while sketching on the back of an envelope.{{cite web |last=Crabtree |first=Gordon |date=6 August 1971 |title=Runcorn Busway creates worldwide interest |publisher=Commercial Motor |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/6th-august-1971/32/runcorn-busway-creates-worldwide-interest |access-date=25 July 2020 |archive-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725010701/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/6th-august-1971/32/runcorn-busway-creates-worldwide-interest |url-status=live }} Bus services are provided by Arriva North West, Anthony's Travel, Howards Travel, Ashcroft Travel, Halton Community Transport and Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire.{{cite web |url=https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/publictransport/bus-timetables.aspx |title=Bus timetables in Halton |publisher=Halton Borough Council |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716151612/https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/publictransport/bus-timetables.aspx |url-status=live }} Two coach companies operate from the town; Selwyns Travel,{{cite web |url=http://www.selwyns.co.uk/ |title=Coach hire Liverpool, Manchester, Merseyside, the Wirral and Cheshire |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=Selwyns Travel Ltd |archive-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707081005/http://www.selwyns.co.uk/ |url-status=live }} and Anthony's Travel.{{cite web |url=http://www.anthonys-travel.co.uk/ |title=Anthony's Travel |access-date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Anthony's Travel |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927043316/http://www.anthonys-travel.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}

The expressways form a ring road around the town in a figure of eight and are intended to keep all through traffic off the local roads. This system links north to Widnes and Liverpool by the A533 over the Mersey Gateway bridge, east to Warrington by the A56, south to Northwich and north Cheshire by the A533, and west by the A557 to the M56 and to Frodsham. The M56 links to the M6 and, to the north of Widnes, the A557 links to the M62.Landranger 108, 109 and 117 maps, Ordnance Survey

There are two railway stations. Runcorn, located in the old town, is on the Liverpool branch of the West Coast Main Line, and is managed by Avanti West Coast, which provides services between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston. West Midlands Trains run a service between Liverpool and Birmingham New Street that calls at the station. Runcorn East station, located in the Murdishaw district of the new town, is managed by Transport for Wales, and provides services to Warrington, Manchester, Chester and North Wales.{{cite web |url=http://www3.halton.gov.uk/transportandstreets/publictransport/trainsinformationandadvice/ |title=Trains – information and advice |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830202107/http://www3.halton.gov.uk/transportandstreets/publictransport/trainsinformationandadvice/ |archive-date=30 August 2013}}

Runcorn is {{cvt|8|mi|km}} from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and {{cvt|22|mi|km}} from Manchester Airport.

{{see also|Listed buildings in Runcorn (urban area)}}

File:The ruins of Halton Castle looking towards the Mersey Gateway in Runcorn, Cheshire, England.jpg

There are two Grade I listed buildings and scheduled monuments in Runcorn: Halton Castle and Norton Priory. Halton Castle is one of two remaining Norman castles in Cheshire, built in 1071 and reconstructed in local sandstone in the 13th century. The castle was slighted following the Civil War and the gatehouse converted to a courthouse in 1737, now The Castle public house and a Grade II* listed building in its own right. Norton Priory, now a museum, is the most excavated monastic site in Europe, consisting of the ruins of an Abbey, 12th century undercroft and 18th century Walled Garden. Both Norton Priory and Halton Castle are managed by Norton Priory Museum Trust Limited.{{cite web |url=http://nortonpriory.org/ |title=Norton Priory Museum & Gardens |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720064456/http://nortonpriory.org/ |url-status=live }}

Most Grade II* listed buildings in the town are around the base of Halton Castle, including Seneschal's House (1598), Halton Old Hall (1693), Chesshyre Library (1730) and Halton Vicarage (1739). Hallwood (1710), a former mansion house, is also Grade II* listed and its former stable block is Grade II. But both have been derelict since the Tricorn public house closed in 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www3.halton.gov.uk/lgnl/policyandresources/policyplanningtransportation/289056/289063/295476/Listed_Buildings_in_Halton.pdf |title=Listed Buildings in Halton |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=Halton Borough Council}}{{dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=MutchyMan112 |fix-attempted=yes }} The town's 19th century Anglican churches are also listed buildings, including the Grade II* All Saints (1849) and St John's (1897), and the Grade II Holy Trinity (1838), Christ Church (1841) and St Mary's (1851).

File:Norton Water Tower, Runcorn - DSC06756.JPG

The Runcorn home of the Duke of Bridgewater, Bridgewater House, is a prominent landmark and Grade II listed building on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal where a flight of locks from his canal once stood. The home of a later industrialist, Thomas Johnson, became Runcorn Town Hall, a Grade II listed Italianate building with similarities to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.{{Citation | last1 = Hartwell | first1 = Clare |last2 = Hyde | first2 = Matthew |last3 = Hubbard | first3 = Edward | author3-link=Edward Hubbard (architectural historian) | last4 =Pevsner | first4 =Nikolaus | author4-link =Nikolaus Pevsner | series= The Buildings of England| title = Cheshire | publisher =Yale University Press| year =2011| orig-year=1971| location =New Haven and London| isbn =978-0-300-17043-6 |page=561}}

The landmarks largest in scale are the three bridges which span the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal at Runcorn. Runcorn Railway Bridge and the Silver Jubilee Bridge are Grade II* and II listed buildings respectively while the Mersey Gateway Bridge was officially opened in 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex.{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/queen-meghan-markle-officially-open-14741714 |title=The Queen and Meghan Markle to officially open Mersey Gateway Bridge |date=4 June 2018 |publisher=Liverpool Echo |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721194616/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/queen-meghan-markle-officially-open-14741714 |url-status=live }} Norton Water Tower is another prominent Grade II listed landmark at {{cvt|112|ft|m}} high.{{Harvnb|Starkey|1990|p=162.}}

Runcorn War Memorial is Grade II listed and commemorates those who died in the First and Second World Wars, as well as those killed in later conflicts.{{Cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1437933 |title=Runcorn War Memorial, non Civil Parish - 1437933 | Historic England |access-date=24 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231216/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1437933 |url-status=live }} The garden contains a statue of Thomas Alfred Jones who was awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War. There is a memorial in Halton Village commemorating residents who served in the Boer War.

Runcorn Shopping City, at the heart of the New Town, was designed by Fred Roche CBE and at the time of its construction was the largest covered shopping centre in Europe. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.{{cite web |url=https://www.shopping-city.co.uk/commercial/ |title=Commercial Opportunities |author= |website=Runcorn Shopping City |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213813/https://www.shopping-city.co.uk/commercial/ |url-status=live }}

File:Brindley Arts Centre, Runcorn.jpg

The Brindley is a theatre and arts centre which opened in 2004. It is situated in the old town and named after James Brindley, engineer of the adjacent Bridgewater Canal.{{cite web |url=http://thebrindley.org.uk/brindley-background/ |title=Background |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=The Brindley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528154220/http://thebrindley.org.uk/brindley-background/ |archive-date=28 May 2013 |url-status=dead}} It contains a proscenium theatre seating 420 and a multi-purpose theatre seating 108, The Studio, which doubles as a cinema. There is an exhibition space for art installations, a small café and multi-purpose rooms. The centre is owned and administered by Halton Borough Council which runs community events in the building.{{cite web |url=http://thebrindley.org.uk/facilities/ |title=Facilities |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=The Brindley |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529135055/http://thebrindley.org.uk/facilities/ |archive-date=29 May 2013}} In 2007, it won the title of 'Best Arts Project in the UK' at the National Lottery Awards. A multiplex cinema was run by Cineworld at Trident Retail Park until its closure on 26 November 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/cineworld-closing-two-cinemas-today-31511494 |title=Cineworld: Runcorn |access-date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Cineworld Cinemas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024104107/http://www.cineworld.co.uk/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?CINEMA=12 |archive-date=24 October 2007}}

File:Waterloo Hotel, Runcorn.jpg

Runcorn is served by two weekly newspapers: the Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News, published by Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales and hosted online by the Liverpool Echo,{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/runcorn-widnes |title=Runcorn and Widnes |work= Liverpool Echo |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721181038/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/runcorn-widnes |url-status=live }} and the Runcorn and Widnes World, published by Newsquest.{{cite web |url=https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/ |title=Runcorn and Widnes World |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720212225/https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/ |url-status=live }} The town is also home to Halton Community Radio, a volunteer-run radio station which broadcasts over the Runcorn and Widnes area on the frequency 92.3FM.{{cite web |url=https://www.hcr923fm.com/ |title=Halton Community Radio 92.3 FM |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721174126/https://www.hcr923fm.com/ |url-status=live }} It was launched on 8 August 2008 with a five-year licence to broadcast.{{cite news |title=Station tunes in for relaunch |date=6 November 2008 |first=Paul |last=Glynn |work=Runcorn Weekly News |access-date=9 April 2009 |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-local-news/2008/11/06/station-tunes-in-for-relaunch-55368-22189988/ |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727023434/http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-local-news/2008/11/06/station-tunes-in-for-relaunch-55368-22189988/ |url-status=live }} The station has stopped broadcasting as of February 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-25 |title=Halton Community Radio no longer broadcasting after company dissolution |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/02/halton-community-radio-no-longer-broadcasting-after-company-dissolution/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}

The BBC situation comedy Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps was set in Runcorn and included external shots of the former Waterloo Hotel (known in the programme as The Archer), the Silver Jubilee Bridge and Halton Castle.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/twopints/ |title=Two Pints of Lager & a Packet of Crisps |access-date=30 March 2007 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=21 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321172731/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/twopints/ |url-status=live }} 2007 Drop Dead Gorgeous, a drama on BBC Three, was also set in Runcorn.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/programmes/gorgeous/ |title=Drop Dead Gorgeous |access-date=30 March 2007 |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315044751/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/programmes/gorgeous/ |archive-date=15 March 2007}} The first two series of the BBC police drama Merseybeat featured sequences of the town{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289817/ |title=Mersey Beat (2001–2004) |date=16 July 2001 |access-date=23 June 2013 |publisher=IMDb |archive-date=26 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126131654/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289817/ |url-status=live }} and areas of Runcorn old town featured in The Five TV crime drama series on Sky1. Norton Priory has been used as a location in historical dramas, sitcoms and children's programmes, including Little Birds, Bone Detectives (Channel 4), Island at War, Casanova and Young Dracula.{{cite web |url=https://www.nortonpriory.org/filming.php |title=Filming at Norton Priory |website=Norton Priory Museum & Gardens |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113093133/https://www.nortonpriory.org/filming.php |url-status=live }} The Silver Jubilee Bridge featured in the Netflix series, Stay Close.{{cite news |title=Netflix gives shoutout to Silver Jubilee Bridge in Stay Close |date=11 January 2022 |first=Jack |last=Heale |work=Runcorn Widnes World |publisher=Newsquest Media Group Ltd |access-date=12 January 2022 |url=https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/19839660.netflix-gives-shoutout-silver-jubilee-bridge-stay-close/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111175456/https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/19839660.netflix-gives-shoutout-silver-jubilee-bridge-stay-close/ |url-status=live }} Runcorn was a setting in the Netflix series, The Last Kingdom, although no scenes were filmed in the town.{{cite news |title='Something feels wrong' - Season 5 of Netflix series The Last Kingdom heads to Runcorn |date=16 March 2022 |first=Oliver |last=Clay |work=Liverpool Echo |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=26 April 2022 |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/something-feels-wrong-season-5-23405363 }}

The Runcorn Ferry is a monologue written by Marriott Edgar and popularised by Stanley Holloway celebrating the ancient river crossing which existed from the 12th century until the construction of the Transporter Bridge in 1905. It includes the lines:

{{cquote|Per tuppence per person per trip ...

Per trip or per part of per trip.{{cite web |url=http://monologues.co.uk/Runcorn_Ferry.shtml |title=The Runcorn Ferry |publisher=monologues.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517021828/http://monologues.co.uk/Runcorn_Ferry.shtml |archive-date=17 May 2014}}}}

File:Halton Lea Library at Runcorn Shopping City.jpg

The main library is at Runcorn Shopping City with a branch library in the old town centre.{{cite web |url=http://library.haltonbc.info/opening-times/ |title=Library Opening Hours |access-date=1 March 2018 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117143921/http://library.haltonbc.info/opening-times/ |url-status=live }} A Council 'one stop shop' called Halton Direct Link is based next to the main library.{{cite web |url=https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/councildemocracy/Contact-Us.aspx |title=Contact Us |access-date=1 March 2018 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302103925/https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/councildemocracy/Contact-Us.aspx |url-status=live }}

File:Halton Miniature Railway - geograph.org.uk - 449256.jpg

Open areas in Runcorn form part of Mersey Forest, one of Britain's community forests.{{cite web |url=http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/about/what-is-the-mersey-forest/ |title=What is The Mersey Forest? |access-date=1 March 2018 |publisher=The Mersey Forest |archive-date=25 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325204501/http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/about/what-is-the-mersey-forest/ |url-status=live }} In addition to smaller local parks and allotments, there are four large parks in Runcorn:{{cite web |url=https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/libraries/parks.aspx |title=Parks and Allotments |publisher=Halton Borough Council |access-date=1 March 2018 |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302103901/https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/libraries/parks.aspx |url-status=live }}

• Town Park forms the centre of the eastern part of the New Town. It is accessible from all of the surrounding communities and links them to Shopping City. There is a privately operated dry ski slope in the park in addition to a volunteer-run 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway, first opened in 1979, which runs through the park for almost a mile.{{cite web |url=http://www.haltonminiaturerailway.co.uk |title=Halton Miniature Railway |access-date=10 March 2018 |publisher=Halton Miniature Railway |archive-date=22 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922102048/http://haltonminiaturerailway.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}
• Phoenix Park adjoins Town Park to the north and includes a cafe, rock climbing wall, skate park and BMX track. There is a pavilion, walking routes along the Bridgewater Canal, woodland walks, a lake, picnic benches and a children's playground.{{cite web |url=http://windmillhill.online/phoenix-park/ |title=PHOENIX PARK – Windmill Hill Online |work=Windmill Hill Online |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930164615/http://windmillhill.online/phoenix-park/ |url-status=live }} Footpaths lead to Norton Priory.
• Runcorn Hill Park and Local Nature Reserve is in the centre of the western part of the town, partly on a dis-used nineteenth-century quarry. It holds a Green Flag Award and incorporates natural woodland and heathland with more formal landscaping, playing fields, a bandstand, model boating lake, sporting facilities and cafe. A Chirotherium dinosaur footprint discovered in the quarry can be viewed in the cafe.
• Wigg Island is a large park and nature reserve to the north on the banks of the Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal. The community park was opened on 19 April 2002 by the Mayor of Halton and Bill Oddie. The island is named after Charles Wigg. It covers 23 hectares of a former industrial site and includes several bird watching hides. It is reached via The Old Quay Bridge, a Grade II listed swing bridge built in 1894.

There are three privately run swimming pools at Beechwood Community Centre, INARA club and Holiday Inn Runcorn. The local authority runs two leisure centres and swimming pools at Runcorn Swimming Pool and Brookvale Recreation Centre in addition to outdoor sporting facilities in its parks.{{cite web |url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/tourismandleisure/sports?a=5441 |title=Sports in Halton |access-date=29 March 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070413101824/http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/tourismandleisure/sports?a=5441 |archive-date=13 April 2007}}

Runcorn's hospital is Halton General Hospital, which is administered by the Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It has an Urgent Care Centre but acute medical services are provided by Warrington Hospital.{{cite web |url=https://whh.nhs.uk/about-us/our-hospitals/halton-general-hospital |title=Halton General Hospital |access-date=22 July 2020 |website=Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721231246/https://whh.nhs.uk/about-us/our-hospitals/halton-general-hospital |url-status=live }} The Cheshire and Merseyside Treatment Centre, a purpose-built hospital for orthopaedic surgery, is on the same site.{{cite web |url=https://whh.nhs.uk/about-us/our-hospitals/cheshire-and-merseyside-treatment-centre |title=Cheshire and Merseyside Treatment Centre |access-date=22 July 2020 |website=Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721231356/https://whh.nhs.uk/about-us/our-hospitals/cheshire-and-merseyside-treatment-centre |url-status=live }} Halton Haven Hospice is in the Murdishaw area of the town.{{cite web |url=https://www.haltonhaven.org.uk |title=Halton Haven Hospice |access-date=1 March 2018 |publisher=Halton Haven Hospice |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302044646/https://www.haltonhaven.org.uk/ |url-status=live }} The body responsible for planning health services in Runcorn, including primary care, is the Halton Clinical Commissioning Group.{{Cite web |url=http://www.haltonccg.nhs.uk |title=Halton CCG Home |access-date=1 March 2018 |publisher=Halton Clinical Commissioning Group |archive-date=19 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619182612/http://www.haltonccg.nhs.uk/ |url-status=live }}

Cheshire Constabulary operate a police station adjacent to Runcorn Shopping City in the centre of the New Town and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service maintains a 24-hour fire station.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/police-stations-and-custody-suites-in-cheshire/runcorn-police-station/ |title=Runcorn Police Station – Cheshire Police |access-date=23 June 2018 |publisher=Cheshire Constabulary |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705092502/https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/police-stations-and-custody-suites-in-cheshire/runcorn-police-station/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/about-us/local-fire-stations/runcorn-fire-station |title=Runcorn Fire Station |website=Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service |access-date=23 June 2018 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623170225/http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/about-us/local-fire-stations/runcorn-fire-station |url-status=live}}

The town has two senior football teams – Runcorn Linnets FC and Runcorn Town FC. It also has a Sunday League and a Junior League, and an Open Age Women's Team, Runcorn Ladies FC.

Runcorn Ladies FC were established in January 2012, and played in the Liverpool Open Age Women's Division, finishing in an impressive 7th position in their very first season. The chairman and coaching team decided to agree a merge with Runcorn Linnets, 2 years later, and thus Runcorn Linnets Ladies were formed.

Runcorn Linnets were formed as a trust-based team in 2006 from the now defunct Runcorn F.C. Halton. It has existed in various guises since 1918, and its performance peaked in 1982 when it won the Alliance Premier League, then the highest division below the Football League.{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/page.asp?HistoryAFC |title=A History of Runcorn AFC/Runcorn FC Halton |access-date=25 July 2010 |publisher=Runcorn Linnets FC |archive-date=19 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719025335/http://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/page.asp?HistoryAFC |url-status=live }}

Runcorn Town was formed in 1970 as Mond Rangers FC with the club changing their name in 2005 in order to "try and bring a more professional look to the club in general, and increase support from both businesses and individuals in the local community."{{cite web |url=http://www.runcorntown.co.uk/history.php |title=Club History |access-date=27 October 2010 |publisher=Runcorn Town FC |archive-date=5 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205060909/http://www.runcorntown.co.uk/history.php |url-status=live }} After finishing in third place in the West Cheshire League at the end of the 2009/10 season, the club were elected to join the North West Counties League at their AGM, the highest level that they have ever played at.{{cite news |title=Football: Runcorn Town accepted into Vodkat League |date=24 June 2010 |first=Dave |last=Bergin |work=Runcorn Weekly News |publisher=icCheshireOnline |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-sport/runcorn-town-fc/2010/06/24/football-runcorn-town-accepted-into-vodkat-league-55368-26710533/ |access-date=27 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801123952/http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-sport/runcorn-town-fc/2010/06/24/football-runcorn-town-accepted-into-vodkat-league-55368-26710533/ }}

In the late 19th century, before the 1895 schism, rugby union was played at the now defunct Runcorn RFC. When the rugby football schism occurred in 1895, Runcorn became founder members of the Northern Rugby Football Union (now Rugby Football League). Runcorn finished bottom of the league in the 1914–15 season and did not recommence playing in the aftermath of the First World War.

Rugby league in the town is now represented by Runcorn RLC.

File:Runcorn Ski and Snowboard centre - geograph.org.uk - 3196747.jpg

Runcorn Sports Club in Higher Runcorn hosts several clubs, including Runcorn Cricket Club, Hockey Club, Running Club and Subscription Bowling Club.{{cite web |url=https://runcornsportsclub.co.uk/ |title=Runcorn Sports Club |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711172804/https://runcornsportsclub.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}

Runcorn Rowing Club is sited on the River Weaver Navigation near Clifton Village and also houses Runcorn Canoe Club.{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornrowing.com/ |title=Runcorn Rowing Club |access-date=29 March 2007 |publisher=Runcorn Rowing Club |archive-date=5 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205065731/http://www.runcornrowing.com/ |url-status=live }}

Weston Angling Club Runcorn is a private fishing club which owns Sandymoor Pool in the east of the town.{{cite web |url=https://www.westonanglingclubruncorn.co.uk/ |title=Weston Angling Club Runcorn |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515161305/https://www.westonanglingclubruncorn.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}

There is an 18-hole golf course at Runcorn Golf Club in Clifton Road.{{cite web |url=http://www.englishgolf-courses.co.uk/cheshire/runcorn.php |title=Runcorn Golf Club |access-date=25 April 2007 |publisher=English Golf Courses |archive-date=27 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427003732/http://www.englishgolf-courses.co.uk/cheshire/runcorn.php |url-status=live }} Nearby is Heath Tennis Club which uses facilities at the Heath School.{{cite web |url=https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HeathTennisClub |title=Heath Tennis Club |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711194246/https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HeathTennisClub |url-status=live }}

Runcorn Ski Centre in Town Park consists of three dry ski slopes: an 85-metre main slope, a 45-metre extended nursery slope, and a 25-metre nursery slope. The centre runs both skiing and snowboarding lessons.{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornskicentre.co.uk/ |title=Runcorn Ski Centre |access-date=29 March 2007 |publisher=Runcorn Ski Centre |archive-date=3 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403143301/http://www.runcornskicentre.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}

Runcorn had a professional wrestling school and promotion called the Runcorn Wrestling Academy (RWA) from 2005 until 2020, when it closed following allegations of sexual harassment during the Speaking Out movement.{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/wrestling-school-shuts-suddenly-amid-18522335 |title=Wrestling school shuts suddenly amid sexual harassment allegations |publisher=Liverpool Echo |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706091655/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/wrestling-school-shuts-suddenly-amid-18522335 |url-status=live }}

File:Portrait of Hall Caine.jpg

File:GirlsAloudOOCLive Nicola.jpg

• Elizabeth Jocelin (1595–1622), writer{{Cite DNB|wstitle= Jocelin, Elizabeth |volume= 29 |last= Cannan |first= Edwin |author-link= Edwin Cannan |page= 399 |year=|short=1}}
• Francis William Bourdillon (1852–1921), poet, translator, bibliophile, and scholar{{cite web |url=http://www.poemhunter.com/francis-william-bourdillon/ |title=Francis William Bourdillon |access-date=4 May 2016 |publisher=PoemHunter.com |archive-date=17 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517171900/http://www.poemhunter.com/francis-william-bourdillon |url-status=live }}
• Sir Hall Caine (1853–1931), novelist, dramatist, short story writer, poet and critic. World War I allied propagandist. Awarded Order of Leopold (Belgium).{{cite book |last=Allen |first=Vivien |year=1997 |title=Hall Caine: Portrait of a Victorian Romancer |publisher=Sheffield Academic Press |isbn=1-85075-809-3}}
• Alistair Taylor (1935–2004) assistant to Brian Epstein and General Manager of Apple Corps{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0851949/ |title=IMDb Database |website=IMDb |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=19 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219113105/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0851949/ |url-status=live }}
• Anna Keaveney (1949–2004), actress{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444208/ |title=IMDb Database |website=IMDb |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=19 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219144811/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444208/ |url-status=live }}
• Martin Roscoe (born 1952), classical pianist{{cite Grove |last=Morrison |first=Bryce |title=Martin Roscoe |url=https://doi.org/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.52155}}
• Phil Collins (born 1970), artist{{cite magazine |url=https://www.artinamericamagazine.com/news-features/interviews/pop-politics-an-interview-with-phil-collins/ |title=Pop Politics: An Interview with Phil Collins |magazine=Art in America |last=Gaertner Gerbracht |first=Kerry |date=15 October 2013 |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726234147/https://www.artinamericamagazine.com/news-features/interviews/pop-politics-an-interview-with-phil-collins/ |url-status=live }}
• Pete Edmunds (born c. 1972), actor, voice actor, photographer, and artist
• Kym Marsh (born 1976), singer and actress{{cite news |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/ex-hearsay-stars-passion-runcorn-5273442 |title=Ex Hear'Say star's passion for Runcorn |access-date=2 December 2021 |date=27 April 2006 |work=CheshireLive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413190024/http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid%3D17001927%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50020%26headline%3Dex-hear-say-star-s-passion-for-runcorn--name_page.html |archive-date=13 April 2009 |url-status=live}}
• Raymond Waring (born 1977), actor{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912264/ |publisher=IMDb |title=Raymond Waring |access-date=14 September 2013 |archive-date=20 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520123303/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912264/ |url-status=live }}
• Susan Nickson (born 1982), television writer and producer{{cite press release |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/07_july/two_pints.shtml |title=Two Pints of Lager And a Packet of Crisps |access-date=6 April 2009 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017084852/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/07_july/two_pints.shtml |url-status=live }}
• Lee Scott (born 1985), rapper{{Cite web |url=https://trendjackers.com/outstanding-examples-modern-music-marketing/ |title=5 Outstanding Examples of Modern Music Marketing |date=17 January 2017 |website=Trendjackers |access-date=30 March 2020}}
• Nicola Roberts (born 1985), singer and member of girl band Girls Aloud{{cite web |url=http://www.nicolaroberts.net/page3/page3.html |title=About Nicola |access-date=23 April 2007 |publisher=Nicola Roberts [dot net] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430224300/http://www.nicolaroberts.net/page3/page3.html |archive-date=30 April 2007}}

File:Hamilton Castner 1890s.jpg

• Nathan Alcock (1707–1779), physician{{Cite DNB|wstitle= Alcock, Nathan |volume= 01 |last= Moore |first= Norman |author-link= Sir Norman Moore, 1st Baronet |pages= 237-238 |year=|short=1}}
• Thomas Hazlehurst (1779–1842), founder of soap and alkali manufacturer Hazlehurst & Sons
• Charles Wigg (1824–1899), manufacturer of chemicals at Wigg Works, which later became Wigg Island
• William Allen Whitworth (1840–1905), mathematician and priest in the Church of England{{Cite DNB12 |wstitle= Whitworth, William Allen |volume= 3 |last= Owen |first= D.J. |author-link= |pages= 655-656 |year=|short=1}}
• Hamilton Castner (1858–1899), American industrial chemist, formed the Castner-Kellner Alkali Company in Runcorn, which operates the Castner–Kellner process
• Sir William Edward Dudley (1868–1938), president of the Co-operative Wholesale Society{{cite ODNB |last=Purvis |first=Martin |title=Dudley, Sir William Edward (1868–1938) |year=2004 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/50551 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/50551 |access-date=13 July 2015}} ({{ODNBsub}})
• Sir William Coates (1882–1963), businessman
• Wilson Baker (1900–2002), organic chemist
• John Riley Holt (1918–2009), Professor of Experimental Physics at Liverpool University, helped develop the atom bomb{{cite news |date=9 March 2009 |title=Professor John Holt: experimental physicist |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/professor-john-holt-experimental-physicist-ct2hzt7wsl7 |access-date=2 December 2021 |first1=Charles |last1=Bremner |first2=David |last2=Robertson |archive-date=3 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203054505/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/professor-john-holt-experimental-physicist-ct2hzt7wsl7 |url-status=live }}
• Sir Peter Baxendell (born 1925), businessman
• Ian Gibbons (1946–2013), biochemist

File:Thomas Alfred Jones VC, Cheshire Regiment.jpg

• The Barony of Halton (1071{{ndash}}1413) comprised a succession of 15 barons; the seat of the Barons of Halton was Halton Castle
• Richard Brooke (died 1569), bought the manor of Norton from Henry VIII in 1545
• John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers (c. 1603–1654), politician and royalist
• Sir Henry Brooke, 1st Baronet (1611–1664), soldier and politician
• Sir John Chesshyre (1662–1738), lawyer{{Cite DNB |wstitle= Chesshyre, John |volume= 10 |last= Rigg |first= J.McM. |author-link= |pages= 200-201 |year=|short=1}}
• Sir John Rigby (1834–1903), judge, politician, and MP for Wisbech{{Cite DNB12 |wstitle= Rigby, John |volume= 3 |pages= 198-199 |last= Atlay |first= J.B. |author-link= |year=1912|short= 1}}
• Thomas Alfred Jones (1880–1956), awarded the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal during World War I{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |year=2002 |title=I Laughed Like Blazes!: The Life of Private Thomas 'Todger' Jones VC, DCM |publisher=D. Thompson |oclc=49907277}}

File:Thomas Hazlehurst.jpg

• Thomas Alcock (1709–1798), Vicar of Runcorn, writer, cider maker.{{Cite DNB|wstitle= Alcock, Thomas (1709-1798) |volume= 01 |last= Low |first= Sidney |author-link= Sidney Low |pages= 238-239|year=|short=1}}
• Thomas Hazlehurst (1816–1876), Methodist who paid for the construction of 12 chapels and three schools in the area{{cite journal |last1=Vardy |first1=P.I. |title=Thomas Hazlehurst and his family |journal=Cheshire History |volume=2005–2006 |issue=45}}

File:Harry Speakman.png

• Harry Speakman (1864–1915), rugby player
• Samuel Houghton (1870–1920), rugby player
• Jack Fish (1880–1940), rugby player
• Dick Padbury (1886–unknown), rugby player
• Ernie Shaw (1894–unknown) rugby player
• Robert Done (1904–1982), footballer
• Bridget Duke-Wooley (1915–1976), alpine skier, competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics
• Ray Dutton (born 1945), rugby player
• Graham Abel (born 1960), footballer{{cite web |title=Graham Abel |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=4 |website=SoccerBase Database |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201811/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=4 |url-status=live }}
• Robin Reid (born 1971), boxer{{cite web |title=Robin Reid |url=http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/5000 |website=BoxRec.com |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726233937/http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/5000 |url-status=live }}
• Kieron Durkan (1973–2018), footballer
• Mike Jackson (born 1973), footballer{{cite web |title=Mike Jackson |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=3855 |website=SoccerBase Database |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165412/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=3855 |url-status=live }}
• Kenny Lunt (born 1979), footballer{{cite web |title=Kenny Lunt |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10892 |website=SoccerBase Database |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726233810/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10892 |url-status=live }}
• Lorna Webb (born 1983), professional cyclist
• Scott Brown (born 1985), footballer{{cite web |title=21. Scott Brown |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39394 |website=SoccerBase Database |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201828/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39394 |url-status=live }}
• Jimmy McNulty (born 1985), footballer{{cite web |title=4. Jim McNulty |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=36254 |website=SoccerBase Database |access-date=26 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201809/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=36254 |url-status=live }}
• Shauna Coxsey (born 1993), professional rock climber{{cite news |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/news/runcorn-rock-climber-second-best-planet-7357612 |title=Runcorn rock-climber second best on the planet after winning silver at Bouldering World Cup |work=Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=18 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818192614/http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/news/runcorn-rock-climber-second-best-planet-7357612 |url-status=live }}
• Ethan Ennis (born 2004), footballer{{Cite web|url=https://www.planetfootball.com/trending/man-utds-ethan-ennis-is-about-to-show-liverpool-what-theyre-missing-out-on/|title=Man Utd's Ethan Ennis is about to show Liverpool what they're missing out on|first=Nathan|last=Egerton|date=13 August 2021|website=Planetfootball.com|access-date=1 March 2022}}
• Ian White (born 1970), darts player
• Luke Littler (born 2007), darts player

• List of listed buildings in Runcorn
• List of schools in Halton
• {{portal-inline|Cheshire}}

Citations

{{reflist}}

Sources

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last=Greene |first=J. Patrick |author-link=J. Patrick Greene |title=Norton Priory: The archaeology of a medieval religious house |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1989 |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-33054-8}}
• {{cite book |last=Nickson |first=Charles |title=History of Runcorn; with an account of the ancient village of Weston ... Drawings by H. Fitton. [Reprinted from the "Runcorn Guardian."] |url=http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_000000000600 |publisher=Mackie & Co. |year=1887 |location=London and Warrington |oclc=5389146 |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727053202/http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_000000000600 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=A.D.M. |last2=Phillips |first2=C.B. |title=A New Historical Atlas of Cheshire |publisher=Cheshire County Council |year=2002 |location=Chester |isbn=0-904532-46-1}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Schooner Port: Two Centuries of Upper Mersey Sail |publisher=G.W. & A. Hesketh |year=1983 |location=Ormskirk |isbn=0-905777-34-4}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Old Runcorn |publisher=Halton Borough Council |year=1990}}
• {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Bridging the Years: The Story of Runcorn-Widnes Transporter Bridge |publisher=Dave Thompson |year=2000 |location=Runcorn}}

{{refend}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last=Cowan |first=C.A. |title=Runcorn Ferry and Hale Ford |publisher=Halton Borough Council |series=Crossing the Runcorn Gap |year=1990}}
• {{cite book |last=Cowan |first=C.A. |title=Runcorn Railway Bridge |publisher=Halton Borough Council |series=Crossing the Runcorn Gap |year=1990}}
• {{cite book |last=Cowan |first=C.A. |title=Runcorn Town Hall: A History and Description |publisher=Halton Borough Council |year=1990}}
• {{cite book |last=Cowan |first=C.A. |title=Early Bridging Proposals |publisher=Halton Borough Council |series=Crossing the Runcorn Gap |year=1992}}
• {{cite book |last=Halton Borough Council |title=The Bridging of Runcorn Gap |publisher=Halton Borough Council |year=1978}}
• {{cite book |last=Howard |first=Liz. |title=The Way We Were – Runcorn Remembered: A Social History |publisher=Aurora |year=1993 |location=Manchester |isbn=1-85926-031-4}}
• {{cite book |last=Howard |first=Liz. |title=Runcorn in Old Picture Postcards |publisher=European Library |series=Back in Time |year=1995 |location=Zaltbommel |isbn=90-288-6124-6}}
• {{cite book |last=Nicolle |first=Dorothy |title=Widnes and Runcorn: Photographic Memories |publisher=Frith Book Company |year=2004 |location=Salisbury |isbn=1-85937-854-4}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Runcorn in Times Past |publisher=Countryside Publications |year=1980 |location=Chorley |isbn=0-86157-032-4}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Runcorn |publisher=Alan Sutton |series=The Old Photographs Series |year=1994 |location=Bath |isbn=0-7524-0025-8}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Runcorn – The Second Selection |publisher=Tempus |series=Images of England |year=1999 |location=Stroud |isbn=0-7524-1826-2}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Runcorn: A Century of Change |publisher=Tempus |series=Images of England |year=2005 |location=Stroud |isbn=0-7524-3617-1}}
• {{cite book |last=Starkey |first=H.F. |title=Runcorn: A Town not so New |publisher=MiddleView |year=2008 |location=Gwespyr, Flintshire |isbn=978-1-902964-08-9}}
• {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Over the Hill: An Historical Look at Runcorn Hill and its Locality |publisher=Dave Thompson |year=2000a |location=Runcorn}}
• {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Bridging the Mersey: A Pictorial History |publisher=European Library |series=Back in Time |year=2000b |location=Zaltbommel |isbn=90-288-2640-8}}
• {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Bridging Us Together: The Story of Runcorn–Widnes Bridge |publisher=Dave Thompson |year=2001 |location=Runcorn}}
• {{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=The Changing Face of Runcorn |publisher=Sutton |series=Britain in Old Photographs |year=2004 |location=Stroud |isbn=0-7509-3507-3}}
• {{cite book |last=Whimperley |first=Arthur |title=Halton Castle: An Introduction and Visitors' Handbook |publisher=Arthur Whimperley |year=1981 |location=Widnes}}
• {{cite book |last=Whimperley |first=Arthur |title=The Barons of Halton |publisher=MailBook Publishing |year=1986 |location=Widnes}}

{{refend}}

{{commons category}}

{{Wikivoyage|Runcorn}}

{{EB1911 Poster|Runcorn}}

• [http://www.runcornhistsoc.org.uk Runcorn & District Historical Society.]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141018023325/http://www.rudi.net/books/3355 Resource for Urban Development International on Runcorn New Town]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd6B4QfkqUg 1974 Canadian documentary film about Runcorn New Town]
• [https://x.com/bbcarchive/status/786948903438397440 1971 BBC Archive video on the Runcorn Busway]
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01rk56y/where-we-live-now-3-new-town-home-town#t=35m32s 1979 BBC film, Where We Live Now]

{{Cheshire, Borough of Halton}}

{{Cheshire}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns in Cheshire

Category:Planned communities in England

Category:Borough of Halton

Category:Unparished areas in Cheshire

Category:Planned communities established in the 1960s

Category:Port cities and towns in North West England

Category:915 establishments

Category:Populated places established in the 10th century

Category:10th-century establishments in England

Category:Former civil parishes in Cheshire