Martin Lewis' tragic childhood and the stunning UK village he grew up in where homes sell for £325k

Martin Lewis is the UK's most searched-for British man and he has been helping Brits save money on everything from energy bills to travel for years - but his life hasn't always been easy

Martin Lewis CBE, the award-winning journalist and consumer champion, has empowered millions of Brits to take charge of their finances and save money.

The founder and Executive Chair of the popular Money Saving Expert website, Martin is also a prime-time ITV show host, charity founder, author, and according to Google, the UK's 'most searched-for' British man. His career has seen him lead significant financial justice campaigns, including those for reclaiming bank charges and PPI.

Every week, on his ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Money Show: Live, he provides invaluable financial advice to people across the UK. Viewers have even witnessed him become emotional as he strives to assist those in dire straits.

Born in Didsbury, Manchester, but raised in a rural village in Cheshire's Delamere Forest, Martin, who embodies the term 'man of the people', attended The King's School in Chester during his formative years.

He later studied Government and Law at the London School of Economics, where he engaged in political campaigning, before earning a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism from Cardiff University, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Currently, Martin resides in London with his TV presenter wife Lara Lewington and their daughter Sapphire. Despite having an idyllic childhood in rural Cheshire, his world was shattered when his mother tragically passed away just before his 12th birthday.

Martin, a Norley native close to Frodsham, shared on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs the lasting impact his mother Susan's death had on him.

"My mum was there one day and she wasn't the next and that was it," he recounted. "This was 1984 and you didn't have counselling. My childhood ended that day and I am still not over it."

In an effort to help parents and teachers better equip children for modern challenges, Martin released a documentary in 2018 titled '10 Things Your Kids Need To Know'.

He also provided a rare insight into his childhood by featuring his former family abode in Norley within the documentary. This picturesque village boasts a modest population of just 1,219 and is known for its charming local pub, the Tigers Head.

Nestled merely five miles from the historic market town of Frodsham, with its roots stretching back to the 13th century, Norley is quaint yet substantive. Frodsham maintains its age-old allure through the weekly market it hosts, enhancing the towns character alongside its traditional streets, old-time buildings, and unique boutiques, all contributing to a sense of unchanging elegance.

While there, visitors can discover the 12th-century St. Laurence Church, relish the hospitality in its pubs and cafes, or embark on the renowned Sandstone Trail that begins in this very locale.

Frodsham's advantageous position not only offers access to stunning outdoor pursuits but also serves as a prime spot for taking trips to attractions such as Chester and the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

In 2022, Frodsham topped the list of ten rural towns, villages and hamlets that are drawing the most attention from buyers seeking a significant lifestyle change, as ranked by Rightmove

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Frodsham is a highly sought-after place to live, with properties averaging £324,842 over the past year. Detached properties were the market's mainstay, selling for an average of £461,779, while semi-detached homes averaged £300,604 and terraced properties £207,462, according to Rightmove.

Just outside the town lies the expansive 2,400-acre Delamere Forest. As one of the county's largest woodlands, it's ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, and horse riding.

The forest's varied landscape encompasses woodlands, clearings, and picturesque trails, and is home to wildlife including woodpeckers, buzzards, foxes, and deer.

It also boasts a visitor centre, cafe, picnic areas, and a Go Ape adventure course. Its peaceful setting and close proximity to Chester and Manchester make it a favoured nature retreat.

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