The Winsford rock salt mine was formed 220 million years ago when a massive series of salt beds formed during the Triassic geological era. Seawater moved slowly from the open sea over a shallow area creating a chain of salt marshes. The marshes were replenished by concentrated seawater or brine, which repeatedly entered the Cheshire basin and evaporated away leaving the vast deposits of rock salt.

Underground mining began in the 17th century, after rock salt was discovered accidentally by prospectors looking for coal to heat the salt pans. At that time, the rock salt was used only as salt licks for animal feed and to strengthen weak brine. In 1844 the salt mine opened in Winsford and apart from a short period at the beginning of the 20th century, the mine has been a thriving business ever since.

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