Until the arrival of industry in the later part of the 18th century the area was rural, containing only small settlements.
There is one surviving industrial building, a former engineering workshop, that has been listed.
Many of the other listed buildings are associated with the development of a substantial town, and with its road and rail links.
A number of public and commercial buildings are listed, including the town hall, the public library, the former mechanics' institute, a market hall, a shopping arcade, and a former bank.
The other listed buildings include large houses, some of which have been adapted for other purposes, a political club, churches, and memorials.