Go BackAltrincham is a market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, on the southern part of Greater Manchester, England. Located on the southern side of River Mersey, about 13 km from downtown Manchester, Altrincham has a population of around 45,000 people (2012 estimate). It was historically part of Cheshire until 1974, when the Greater Manchester area was created.
Old Market Place, Altrincham: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altrincham_Old_Market_Place.jpgAuthor: Andreeg2001
Human habitation in the area surrounding Altrincham goes back to prehistoric times, as evidenced in the discovery of Neolithic arrowheads there. The area was under Saxon rule until the Norman Conquest, after which it became the property of Hamon de Massey. The town was mentioned for the first time in 1290, when it received a charter to hold a weekly market. When the Massey family became extinct in 1340, Altrincham became property of the Earl of Stamford.
In 1765, Altrincham experienced growth as a vegetable farming area when the Bridgewater Canal was extended there. By 1776, the canal was completed, linking Manchester via Altrincham to the Irish Sea, immensely benefiting the town's industrial growth.
Altrincham experienced one more burst of high growth in the post World War II years, but by the 1970s was facing a decline. The town economy has evolved to embrace shopping, but faces stiff competition from Trafford Centre and downtown Manchester. Major retailers in Altrincham include Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer.
Seamons Moss Bridge, Altrincham: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seamonsmossbridge.jpgAuthor: David Long
Visiting Altrincham
You can reach Altrincham by taking the A56 road from Manchester.Places of Interest in Altrincham
- Church of St George, Altrincham: Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, a Grade II listed building in Altrincham.
- Dunham Massey Hall: Early Georgian manor hall built in 1616 by Sir George Booth. It is a Grade I listed building.
- Old Market Place: A beautiful part timber-framed building within a registered conservation area.
- Royd House: Historic building designed by architect Edgar Wood as his own home in 1914. It is today a Grade I listed building.
- Stamford Park: 16-acre park designed by landscape gardener John Shaw and opened to the public in 1880.
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