Warrington was founded in pre-Roman times at the crossing of the Mersey, and it became a medieval market town with tool and textile industries. Today it is an industrial area with sawmills, breweries, printers, and factories manufacturing metal and leather products and clothing. Part of the unitary authority has been developed as a new town.

Warrington was founded by the Romans at an important crossing place on the River Mersey. A new settlement was established by the Saxon Wærings. By the Middle Ages, Warrington had emerged as a market town at the lowest bridging point of the river. A local tradition of textile and tool production dates from this time.