‘Black and White’ buildings are a feature in the centre of Northwich and give the streets a far older appearance than is actual. Most notable and elaborate is the four-storey gabled frontage of the Old Post Office. Now taken over by Wetherspoons, the pub was appropriately named ‘The Penny Black’ in keeping with the theme of the post office.

Another half-timbered building of note is the Brunner Public Library, given to the town in 1887 by Sir John Brunner, and rebuilt after subsidence damage in 1909. It was extended and modernised in 1951 and now has lending, children’s and reference sections as well as an exhibition room.

In The Crescent, off London Road, is Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College. This brick-built building was a gift from Sir John Brunner and is the fourth building in the town to have succeeded the original Grammar School founded by Sir John Deane. The college, with its swimming pool and fine playing fields, has been considerably extended over the years by the Cheshire Education Authority. The first school was founded in 1557 by Sir John Deane, Priest of St. Bartholomew’s, Smithfield, London, and the original school charter still hangs in the school hall. There are no traces now of the first two schools, built in Witton Parish churchyard.

The third school and headmaster’s house in Church Road, Northwich were the offices of Northwich Town Council.  Due to redevelopment the offices have been turned into additional sheltered housing for Victoria House along with support services.

The Town Council then moved their offices across the road into the Cemetery Lodge. This building houses the Burial Registrars offices, 3 further offices, small meeting room, store rooms and kitchen.