Niethiston

Niethiston is a town and civil parish in the fictional Crownshire county of Veridia, situated on the Lerne River about 15 miles north of Alderwick, the regional capital. As of 2021, the population was approximately 6,200.

The settlement originates in the 12th century as a market town; market rights were granted in the early 13th century, fostering growth around the Market Square and river mills. The 14th-century parish church of St. Bartholomew remains a central landmark. The arrival of the North Line railway in the 19th century transformed trade patterns and facilitated regional connections.

Niethiston lies on rolling farmland with nearby woodlands to the west. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild summers and cool, wet winters; rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

The local economy centers on retail, public services, and light manufacturing, with agriculture in the surrounding countryside. The town serves as a service hub for the northern Crownshire region, supporting nearby villages and attracting visitors to its historic core.

Notable sites include the Market Square, the Iron Bridge over the Lerne, and a series of canal locks tied to a historic transport route. The annual Niethiston Fair and a small summer arts program are key cultural events, drawing residents and visitors to civic events and markets.

Education comprises two primary schools and one secondary school. The nearest university campus is in Alderwick. Niethiston connects to surrounding towns via regional roads; the closest railway station is Northbridge, five miles away, with local bus services linking the town to nearby communities.