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This is an archive of content formerly featured on the Cheshire Portal.

Lewis Carroll; possibly a self-portrait taken with assistance

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (27 January 1832 – 14 January 1898), better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was an author, mathematician, logician, Anglican clergyman, and photographer, who was born in Daresbury.

Carroll's most famous writings are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass and the poems "The Hunting of the Snark" and "Jabberwocky". His works popularised the Cheshire Cat. His facility at word play, logic and fantasy has delighted audiences ranging from children to the literary élite. But beyond this, his work has become embedded deeply in modern culture, and he has directly influenced many artists.

There are societies dedicated to the enjoyment and promotion of his works and the investigation of his life in many parts of the world including North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. His biography has recently come under much question as a result of what has come to be termed the "Carroll Myth".

Featured as Selected biography from January–August 2007 and from May 2008 to July 2018

Anderton Boat Lift

The Anderton Boat Lift near the village of Anderton provides a 50 foot vertical link between two navigable waterways: the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. It is one of only two working boat lifts in the United Kingdom, the other being the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.

Constructed in 1875, the boat lift was designed by Edward Leader Williams and Edwin Clark. It originally used water-filled hydraulic rams to support a pair of water-filled caissons, which could each accommodate two narrowboats or a single barge. Corrosion proved a problem with the hydraulic rams, which were replaced in 1908 by electric motors with a system of counterweights and overhead pulleys, designed by J.A. Saner.

The boat lift remained in use for over 100 years until it was closed due to corrosion in 1983. Restoration started in 2001 and the boat lift was re-opened in 2002. The lift and associated visitor centre and exhibition are operated by British Waterways.

Featured as Selected article from May 2008 to December 2012

Manchester Ship Canal at Runcorn

The 36-mile Manchester Ship Canal, built in 1887–94 at a cost of around £15 million, was once the largest navigation canal in the world. It links the River Mersey with Manchester, passing via Ellesmere Port, Runcorn (pictured) and Widnes.

Credit: Peter I. Vardy (February 2004)

Featured as Selected picture from April 2010 to December 2012

Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton

Little Moreton Hall is a moated 15th-century manor house near Congleton, which is one of the finest and best-known timber-framed buildings in England. It is in the care of the National Trust.

Credit: Christine-Ann Martin (12 May 2002)

Featured as Selected picture from January–August 2007 and from May 2008 to December 2012

Crewe Alexandra Stadium

Edward William "Eddie" Johnson (born 20 September 1984) is a former English footballer. He played as both a midfielder and a striker.

Born in Chester, Johnson attended Boughton Heath Primary School and The Bishops' Blue Coat Church of England High School in the city. He started his football career at Crewe Alexandra's academy at the age of 10, then joined Manchester United as a junior player in 1999, remaining with the club until 2006. During this time he played on loan for Crewe Alexandra (stadium pictured), Royal Antwerp and Coventry City. He also represented England at youth level in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. In 2006 he joined Bradford City, where he played 64 league games in two seasons, and then in 2008, spent six months with Chester City.

In 2008, he moved to the American team Austin Aztex, playing in the USL First Division. In 2011 transferred to Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer, the highest N. American soccer league. He retired in April 2012.

Featured as Selected biography from April 2010 to November 2013

Cholmondeley Castle

Cholmondeley Castle, Cholmondeley was built in 1801–4 as a mansion house. Turrets and towers were added in 1817–19 by Robert Smirke to make it appear a castle. This engraving by Alexander Francis Lydon appeared in Morris's Country Seats in 1880.

Featured as Selected picture from May 2008 to July 2014