It tells the tale of when prosperity first came to Runcorn with the building of the Bridgewater Canal, which was completed in 1776; the start of Runcorn as an industrial town.

Heavy industry, such as soap and alkali works, soon moved in, as did major transportation links, including the Bridgewater Canal. As people flocked to the town for work in its chemical works, the character of the place changed as it grew to accommodate the overspill from neighbouring Liverpool and Manchester.

Sprawling housing estates were built, including the infamous Southgate, and Runcorn New Town was officially designated in 1964.