Runcorn is an industrial town in
England on the southern banks of the
River Mersey at the site of the river's first bridge crossing. Runcorn can be considered as two separate towns, the 'old town' which grew up around a large chemical complex, and the 'new town' which was built in the
1970s and 80s as part of the government's new and expanded towns development program. The town also has an ancient castle and priory, both of which were sacked.