English town weaves a unique silk heritage and new designs

MACCLESFIELD, Britain－The town of Macclesfield in northwest England was dubbed the "silk capital of England" in the 18th century, and now local entrepreneurs and artists are trying to keep this heritage alive.

A glimpse at the names of Macclesfield's many buildings, streets and restaurants, such as "Silk Retail Park", "Silk Road", "Silk House", and "Silktown Fryer", reveals the significant role silk has played in the town's history and identity.

According to Macclesfield's historical records, the town started to boom in the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its lucrative silk-manufacturing industry. It is said to have been the world's largest producer of finished silks. The town's location at the western end of the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting Europe and China, also contributed to its silk trade boom.