History of Tiverton Parish
The village of Tiverton is first mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Tevretone, though there is some anecdotal evidence of a Roman Station in the area in earlier times. Much of its recorded history up to the Civil War is linked with the nearby Beeston Castle. Tiverton is an attractive village in Chester District, being both agricultural and residential in character. Located two miles south of Tarporley, and straddling both the Whitchurch and Nantwich roads, it is a village through which many pass, but perhaps few will know by name. The Sandstone Trail is a well-known long distance footpath which passes through Tiverton on its way south from Frodsham to Whitchurch. There are also 40 other footpaths (28km) which traverse the area and show the visitor the entrancing views and solitude that can be enjoyed in this part of Cheshire.
Tilstone Fearnall, the adjoining parish to the east, was incorporated with Tiverton for administrative convenience in 2002.
Tiverton and Tilstone Fearnall Parish Boundary, click to enlarge
The area of Tiverton is given as 1691 acres of land and 14 of water, and these include several hamlets – Tiverton Heath, Four Lane Ends, Beeston Brook, Hand Green, Brassey Green, and Birch Heath. Around 1870, Tiverton had a population of 704 living in 131 houses whilst Tilstone Fearnall had a population of 155 living in 30 houses. In common with many rural villages, the population of the two parishes has declined to 500 persons but now living in more (208) dwellings. The area of water comes from the Shropshire Union Canal and River Gowy, both defining the southern boundary. Tilstone Fearnall adds 60 houses and similarly shares the Nantwich road and the same waterways.
To-day, Tiverton is an interesting blend of old and new. A spate of development occurred in the 1960s, since when only five new houses have been added, though many have been hugely extended or modernised. As with many small villages, the old village life is changing with the demise of the village stores, post office and primary school. The ‘heart’ of the village now turns on its Methodist Chapel and Village Hall. There is only one public house, which has a restaurant and campsite, and an Indian restaurant, both on the boundaries of the Parish, and several small businesses (see Local Services page). Tilstone Fearnall includes St Jude’s Church.