Crewe and Nantwich, former borough (district), Cheshire East unitary authority, historic county of Cheshire, northwestern England. Crewe has long been associated with the railways and is today a railway and industrial centre. Nantwich is known for its historical associations and buildings of architectural interest. The extensive rural hinterland has many examples of black-and-white half-timbered buildings and is a prosperous dairy farming area, much of the milk being used for Cheshire cheese.