Originally a river port, Shardlow developed greatly with the opening of the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1770. Goods were transferred from wide boats to narrowboats and stored during this operation or while awaiting redistribution by road, in a growing range of warehouses.

Along with this development came all sorts of other businesses and buildings to support the carriers - boat builders, ropewalks, workshops, stores, stables, offices, workers cottages and owner's houses. The decline of the Canal business brought different uses for the warehouses but the area remains remarkably unchanged.

Shardlow Heritage Centre is housed in the oldest of these warehouses. It tells the story of the village from Roman times to the present day with particular emphasis on the canal port. It includes wall and cabinet displays, a mock up boat cabin, an audio visual introduction to the village today, dressing up clothes for children, a small library and sales area and an extremely friendly and helpful group of volunteer staff.