Altrincham

infobox UK place
country = England
map_type= Greater Manchester
official_name= Altrincham
latitude = 53.3838
longitude = -2.3547
population= 67,061 (2001 Census)
population_density= Pop density mi2 to km2|3781|precision=0|abbr=yes|wiki=yes
metropolitan_borough= Trafford
metropolitan_county= Greater Manchester
region = North West England |constituency_westminster= Altrincham and Sale West
post_town= ALTRINCHAM
postcode_district= WA14 & WA15
postcode_area= WA
dial_code= 0161
os_grid_reference= SJ765875
london_distance= convert|161|mi|km|abbr=on SE

Altrincham (Audio|En-uk-Altrincham.ogg|listen: pron-en|ˈɒltrɪŋəm respell|OL|tring-əm) is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England.cite web | url=http://www.gmcro.co.uk/guides/gazette/gazframe.htm| date=2003-07-31| title=A select gazetteer of local government areas, Greater Manchester County| publisher=Greater Manchester County Records Office Retrieved on 12 December 2007.] It lies on flat ground south of the River Mersey convert|7.7|mi|km|1 southwest of Manchester City Centre, and convert|4.2|mi|km|1 south-southeast of Stretford. It has a population of 67,000.

Historically a part of Cheshire, Altrincham was established as a market town in 1290, a time when most communities were based around agriculture rather than trade, and there is still a market in the town today. Further socioeconomic development came with the extension of the Bridgewater Canal to Altrincham in 1765 and the arrival of the railway in 1849, stimulating industrial activity in the town. Outlying villages were absorbed by Altrincham's subsequent growth, along with the grounds of Dunham Massey Hall, formerly the home of the Earl of Stamford, and now a tourist attraction with three Grade I listed buildings and a deer park.

Altrincham today is a commuter town, partly because of its transport links – particularly the Metrolink. The town has a strong middle class presence; there has been a steady increase in Altrincham's middle classes since the 19th century. It is also a centre for sport, being home to Altrincham F.C. and an Elite Ice Hockey club, Manchester Phoenix.

History

The name Altrincham first appears as "Aldringeham", probably meaning "Homestead of the Aldhere's people".cite book | first=R N | last=Dore | year=1972 | title=A History of Hale, Cheshire: From Domesday to Dormitory | publisher= John Sherratt and Son Ltd | location=Altrincham | pages=12 | isbn=0-85427-030-2] It has been, and continues to be, misspelled as "Altringham".

There is evidence of human activity in the area during prehistoric and Roman times. Two Neolithic arrowheads and the remains of a Roman road running through Broadheath have been discovered. The road linked the Roman fortress of Chester (Deva Victrix) with the fort of York (Eboracum), and it appears to have been in use for a considerable period of time, as it has been repaired. Until the Norman invasion, the manors surrounding present-day Altrincham were owned by the Saxon Thegn Alweard; after the invasion they became the property of Hamon de Massey.cite book | first=Mike | last=Nevell | year=1997 | title=The Archaeology of Trafford | publisher=Trafford Metropolitan Borough with University of Manchester Archaeological Unit | pages=15, 18, 39, 87, 95, 100, 126–30 | isbn=1-870695-25-9]

Altrincham was not mentioned in the Domesday Book. The earliest documented reference to the town was in 1290, when it was granted its Royal Charter as a Free Borough by Baron Hamon de Massey V. The charter allowed a weekly fair to be held, and it is possible that de Massey established the town to generate income through tolls, dues and taxes from trade, suggesting that Altrincham may have been a planned market town. That would have been unusual during the Middle Ages, when most communities were agricultural. Altrincham Fair became St James's Fair or Samjam in 1319 and continued until 1895. Fair days had their own court of Pye Powder (a corruption of the French for "dusty feet"), presided over by the mayor and held to settle disputes arising from the day's dealings.cite web |url= http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/history.html |title=Altrincham History |publisher=Altrincham History Society Retrieved on 24 July 2007.]

On the extinction of the Massey family in 1340, the lands of Altrincham passed to the Earl of Stamford. By 1348, the town had 120 burgage plots – ownership of land that can be used as a measure of status and importance in an area – putting it on a par with Macclesfield and above Stockport and Knutsford. Though the Earl remained in charge overall, in the 15th century the government of Altrincham fell to a court leet.

The oldest confirmed residence in Altrincham, although now demolished, was The Knoll, on Stamford Street. An excavation by South Trafford Archaeological Group in 1983 discovered evidence that the house dated from the 13th or 14th century, and that it may have contained a drying kiln or malting floor. [cite web |url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bryan.burtonbj/The%20Knoll%20Altrincham.htm |last=Faulkner |first=P |title=The Knoll, Altrincham |publisher=South Trafford Archaeological Group |year=2005 Retrieved on 11 September 2007.] During the English Civil War, men from Altrincham fought for the Parliamentarian Sir George Booth. During the war, armies camped several times on nearby Bowdon Downs.

The extension of the Bridgewater Canal to Altrincham in 1765 stimulated the development of market gardening, and for many years Altrincham was notable for its vegetables.cite book | last=McNeil | first= R | coauthors =Mike Nevell | title=A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Greater Manchester | publisher=Association for Industrial Archaeology | year=2000 | isbn=0-9528930-3-7 | page=61] When the canal was completed in 1776, it provided a water route from Manchester, through Altrincham, to the Irish Sea. By 1767, warehouses had been built alongside the canal in Broadheath, the first step in Altrincham's industrialisation and the development of Broadheath as an industrial area.

In July 1845, the Act of Parliament allowing for the construction of the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway (MSJAR) was passed. At 8:00 am, 20 July 1849, the first railway train left Altrincham, carrying 65 passengers. The MSJAR had two stations in the town: Altrincham on Stockport Road, and one called Bowdon – though not actually in Bowdon – on Lloyd Street/Railway Street. They were both closed in 1881, and replaced by Altrincham & Bowdon station on Stamford New Road. Broadheath Railway Station, at the northern edge of the town, on the London and North Western Railway line, was opened in 1854. The Cheshire Midland Railway (later the Cheshire Lines Committee) opened from Altrincham to Knutsford on 12 May 1862.cite book | first=Frank | last=Dixon | year=1994 | title=The Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway | publisher=The Oakwood Press | isbn=0-85361-454-7 ]

In the late 1800s Altrincham became a base from which professionals and industrialists would commute to Manchester. A notable early commuter was the calico printer William Neild who travelled daily by coach from High Lawn in Bowdon in the 1840s; however the less well–to–do would commute by express or 'flyer' barges from Broadheath.cite book|first=Frank|last=Bomford|title=Broadheath 1885-1985|publisher=Birkenhead Press|ISBN=0951722522|year=1995] With the coming of the railway the areas in and around Altrincham became very desirable places for the middle classes and commuters to live.cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_table_page.jsp?data_theme=T_SOC&data_cube=N_SOC_redist&u_id=10106709&c_id=10001043&add=Y |author= |title=Altrincham social class |publisher=Vision of Britain Retrieved on 20 December 2007.] Between 1851 and 1881 the population increased from 4,488 to 11,250.

The industrial area of Broadheath, spanning an area of convert|250|acre|km2, was founded by Harry Grey, 8th Earl of Stamford, in 1885 for the purpose of attracting businesses. By 1900, Broadheath had its own docks, warehouses and electricity generating station. The site's proximity to rail, canal and road proved attractive to companies making machine tools, cameras and grinding machines. The presence of Tilghmans Sand Blast Co Ltd and the Linotype and Machinery Company established Broadheath as an industrial area of national standing. By 1914, there were 14 companies operating in Broadheath, employing thousands of workers. One of those was the Budenberg Gauge Company. A direct result of the industrialisation of Broadheath was a population boom and the creation of 172 workers' homes by Linotype near the factory; between 1891 and 1901 the population of Altrincham increased by 35% from 12,440 to 16,831.

In 1931, the MSJAR line was electrified (1500 V DC OLE), one of the first electrified railway lines, supplied by overhead current, in Great Britain. At the same time a further Altrincham station was opened on that line, at Navigation Road, to serve the housing developments in the area. By 1937, there were 130 train services daily between Manchester and Altrincham.

There was little change in Altrincham from the turn of the 20th century to the start of World War II. Although experiencing some bombing as part of the Luftwaffe's raids on Greater Manchester, the town emerged from the war relatively unscathed and, along with the rest of Britain, experienced a boom period shortly after. This manifested itself in the construction of new housing and the rebuilding of the town centre in the 1960s.cite book | first=Frank | last=Bamford | year=1991 | title=The Making of Altrincham, 1850-1991: from market to megastore? | publisher=Frank Bamford, Altrincham | pages=78, 85 | isbn=0951722514] However, the boom period was followed by a depression in the 1970s, during which time employment at Broadheath fell by nearly 40%. In 1974, Altrincham became part of the newly formed Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

Governance

Civic history

Altrincham became a Free Borough in 1290, a self governing township. That remained the case until the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 which did not recognise the town's borough status. Altrincham’s growing population led to unsanitary conditions in the town and the Public Health Act of 1848 led to the creation of Altrincham’s Board of Health in 1851 to address this problem, ahead of the rest of Trafford.

An urban district council in the administrative county of Cheshire was established for Altrincham under the Local Government Act 1894. The district was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1937. With the passage of the Local Government Act 1972, the administrative counties and municipal boroughs were abolished and Altrincham became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester on 1 April, 1974.

Political representation

Altrincham was in the parliamentary constituency of Altrincham which was created in 1885. This lasted until 1945 when it was replaced by Altrincham and Sale. In 1997, this in turn became part of the newly created constituency of Altrincham and Sale West. Since its formation, Altrincham and Sale West has been represented in the House of Commons by the Conservative MP, Graham Brady. At the 2005 General Election, the Conservatives won a majority of 7,159 and 46.4% of the vote. Labour won 30.3% of the vote, Liberal Democrats 21.7% and the United Kingdom Independence Party 1.7%. [cite news |title=Altrincham and Sale West |work=Guardian Unlimited |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0,,-671,00.html Retrieved on 20 December 2007.] This is one of only a small number of seats in the North West held by the Conservative Party, and the only one in Greater Manchester.

The town is within Trafford Metropolitan Borough; Trafford Council is responsible for the administration of local services, such as education, social services, town planning, waste collection and council housing. The area is divided into seven electoral wards: Altrincham, Bowdon, Broadheath, Hale Central, Hale Barns, Timperley, and Village. These wards have 21 out of the 63 seats on the Trafford Council; as of the 2007 local elections seventeen of these seats were held by the Conservative Party and four by the Liberal Democrats. [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2004 |title=Trafford local election results 2006 |publisher=Trafford MBC |date=3 May 2004 Retrieved on 17 December 2007.
•cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2006 |title=Trafford local election results 2006 |publisher=Trafford MBC |date=3 May 2006 Retrieved on 17 December 2007.
•cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2007 |title=Trafford local election results 2007 |publisher=Trafford MBC |date=3 May 2007 Retrieved on 17 December 2007.] The councillors for the Altrincham ward are:
* Councillor Alex Williams (Conservative). [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DemServCouncillor.asp?councillor_id=%7B6C1071F3-1439-4FCA-8867-67BD705117F7%7D |title=Councillor Alex Williams |publisher=Trafford MBC Retrieved on 9 July 2007.]
* Councillor Mrs Susan Williams (Conservative): Leader of the Council. [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DemServCouncillor.asp?councillor_id=%7B42269359-B529-492A-9A38-306198B4D366%7D |title=Councillor Mrs Susan Williams |publisher=Trafford MBC Retrieved on 9 July 2007.]
* Councillor Michael Young (Conservative): Chairman of Accounts and Audit Committee. [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DemServCouncillor.asp?councillor_id=%7B42F87E23-4E79-4DE7-AA87-EB626574E863%7D |title=Councillor Michael Young |publisher=Trafford MBC Retrieved on 9 July 2007.]

Geography

At coor dms|53|23|2|N|2|21|17|W|city (53.3838, −2.3547), Altrincham is on the southwestern edge of the Greater Manchester Urban Area, immediately south of the town of Sale, convert|8|mi|km|0 from Manchester City Centre. It lies in the northwest corner of the Cheshire Plain, just south of the River Mersey. The Bridgewater Canal passes through the Broadheath area of the town. Altrincham’s drinking water is supplied by United Utilities and sourced from the Lake District, about convert|90|mi|km|0 away. [cite web |url=http://www.unitedutilities.com/external//waterquality/index.aspx?viewmode=summary&PC1=M33%203HF |title=Drinking water quality report |author= |publisher=United Utilities |date=21 December 2007 Retrieved on 28 December 2007.] The local bedrock consists mainly of Keuper Waterstone, a type of sandstone, and water retrieved from those rocks is very hard and often saline, making it undrinkable. [cite book |author= Taylor, B J; R H Price and Frederick Murray Trotter |year=1963 |title=Geology of the Country around Stockport and Knutsford |publisher=Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain |page=58 |isbn=]

The climate of Altrincham is generally temperate, with few extremes of temperature or weather. The mean temperature is slightly above average for the United Kingdom; whereas both annual rainfall and average hours of sunshine are slightly below the average for the UK.cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/uk.html |author=Met Office |title=Annual UK weather averages |publisher=Met Office |year=2007 Retrieved on 23 April 2007.]

Divisions and suburbs

Altrincham is one of the four major urban areas in Trafford, the other three being Sale, Stretford and Urmston. The Altrincham area, as defined by Trafford MBC, comprises the south of Trafford. In addition to the town of Altrincham, it includes the villages of Timperley, Bowdon, Hale and Hale Barns. The Broadheath area of the town was a light industrial centre until the 1970s, but is now a retail park. The most densely populated part of the town is around the town centre, with the less populated areas and more green space further from the centre of town in villages such as Bowdon and Hale. The Oldfield Brow area lies on the outskirts of the town beside the Bridgewater Canal and close to Dunham Massey. [cite web |title=Bowdon ward profile |publisher=Trafford MBC |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DocMan2Document.asp?document_id=A7B83889-E107-4DD9-B583-A399CB3C00EF Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Hale Central ward profile |publisher=Trafford MBC |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DocMan2Document.asp?document_id=063A1FEE-82E9-4B7D-B725-E0B6DEC381B7 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Hale Barns ward profile |publisher=Trafford MBC |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DocMan2Document.asp?document_id=95CF5831-2634-4AB6-8E8F-8BA6047B6B62 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.]

Demography

As of the 2001 UK census, the town of Altrincham had a total population of 67,061.cite web |title =Altrincham ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941526&c=Altrincham&d=14&e=16&g=356022&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Bowdon ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941525&c=Bowdon&d=14&e=16&g=356062&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Broadheath ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941524&c=Broadheath&d=14&e=16&g=356100&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Hale ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941517&c=Hale&d=14&e=16&g=356322&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Timperley ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941508&c=Timperley&d=14&e=16&g=356629&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Village ward key statistics |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5941506&c=Village&d=14&e=16&g=356699&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.] Of the 27,900 households in Altrincham, 41.6% were married couples living together, 28.6% were one-person households, 7.3% were co-habiting couples and 7.8% were lone parents. [cite web |title=Altrincham ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941526&c=Altrincham&d=14&e=16&g=356022&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Bowdon ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941525&c=Bowdon&d=14&e=16&g=356062&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Broadheath ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941524&c=Broadheath&d=14&e=16&g=356100&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Hale ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941517&c=Hale&d=14&e=16&g=356322&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Timperley ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941508&c=Timperley&d=14&e=16&g=356629&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Village ward household data |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941506&c=Village&d=14&e=16&g=356699&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=165 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.]

The population density is PD km2 to sq mi|1460|precision=0|spell=UK cite web |title=Timperley ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941508&c=Timperley&d=14&e=16&g=356629&i=1001x1003x1004&o=56&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Altrincham ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941526&c=Altrincham&d=14&e=16&g=356022&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Bowdon ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941525&c=Bowdon&d=14&e=16&g=356062&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Broadheath ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941524&c=Broadheath&d=14&e=16&g=356100&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Hale ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941517&c=Hale&d=14&e=16&g=356322&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Village ward population density |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941506&c=Village&d=14&e=16&g=356699&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=789 Retrieved on 24 July 2007.] and for every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. Of those aged 16 to 74 in Altrincham, 18.7% had no academic qualifications, lower than the 21.3% in all of Trafford and 28.9% in England. 6.8% of Altrincham’s residents were from outside of the United Kingdom, low compared with the English average of 9.2%. There is a low proportion of non-white people (4.6%). The largest minority group was Jewish, at 2.8% of the population.

In 1931, 14.6% of Altrincham’s population was middle class compared with 14% in England and Wales, and by 1971, this had increased to 28.8% compared with 24% nationally. Parallel to this increase in the middle classes of Altrincham was the decline of the working class population. In 1931, 30.3% were working class compared with 36% in England and Wales; by 1971, this had decreased to 18.6% in Altrincham and 26% nationwide. The rest of the population was made up of clerical workers and skilled manual workers. The change in social structure in Altrincham was at a similar rate to that of the rest of the nation but was biased towards the middle classes, making Altrincham the middle class town it is today.

Population change

Economy

Historically, Altrincham was a market town with a small number of its population employed in agriculture.During the Industrial Revolution, Altrincham grew as an industrial town, particularly the Broadheath area, which was developed into an industrial estate. In 1801 there were four cotton mills in Altrincham, part of its textile industry, although they had closed by the 1851 census. The decline of the textile industry in Altrincham mirrored the decline of the industry in the Trafford area as a result of a lack of investment and the development of more established industrial areas such as Manchester, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Oldham. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, heavier industries moved into Broadheath, providing local employment. The area steadily declined during the second half of the 20th century, with employment at Broadheath falling from 8,000 to 5,000 between 1960 and 1970. Despite the presence of retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer in the town, and redevelopment schemes costing over £100 million,cite web |url=http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/display.var.1043706.0.the_face_of_altrinchams_future.php |first=Lynsey|last=Roberts |title=The face of Altrincham's future |publisher=Messengernewspapers.co.uk |date=27 November 2006 Retrieved on 20 December 2007.] Altrincham's 15.5% level of employment in retail is below the national average of 16.9%. Altrincham, with its neighbours Bowdon and Hale, is said to constitute a "stockbroker belt", with well-appointed dwellings in an area of sylvan opulence.cite book|last=Frangopulo|first=N J|year=1977|title=Tradition in Action: The Historical Evolution of the Greater Manchester County|publisher=EP Publishing|location= Wakefield|page=224]

The historic market town developed as a residential area in the 19th century although it retains its retail heritage in the Old Market Place (a conservation area) and a new pedestrianised shopping centre. The retail districts of the town have more recently fallen victim to decline due to competition from the nearby Trafford Centre and a regenerated Manchester city centre. [cite web |title=Altrincham |publisher=The Sale and Altrincham Pages |url=http://www.luso.u-net.com/altrinch.htm |date=24 January 2007 Retrieved on 19 July 2007.
•cite web |url=http://archive.thisistrafford.co.uk/1999/8/20/10721.html |title=Recipe for disaster - restaurant owners slams town decline |publisher=Thisistrafford.co.uk |date=20 August 1999 Retrieved on 13 August 2007.] However the empty shop facilities and run-down sections of the town, are being redeveloped. The Trafford Revised unitary development plan, [cite web|url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning/Planning-UnitaryDevelopmentPlan |title=Planning - unitary development plan |year=2007 |publisher=Trafford MBC Retrieved on 12 December 2007.] which guides and controls all development in Altrincham, was adopted in June 2006. In 2006 Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council unveiled plans for a £1.5 million face lift for the town centre.cite web |url=http://www.thisistrafford.co.uk/search/display.var.1019324.0.town_gets_a_facelift.php|title=Town gets a facelift |publisher=thisistrafford.co.uk |last=Roberts |first=Lynsey |date=13 November 2006 Retrieved on 12 December 2007.] The most noticeable current development is the £40m redevelopment of Altrincham's Stamford Shopping Centre, scheduled for completion in September 2009. The redevelopment will create convert|146000|sqft|m2 of new retail space and convert|203000|sqft|m2 of refurbished space, providing convert|349000|sqft|m2 in total. [cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/189/189342_40m_renewal_plan.html |title=£40m renewal plan |work=Manchester Evening News |publisher= M.E.N. media|date=29 November 2005 Retrieved on 20 December 2007.
•cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/213/213818_40m_precinct_takes_shape.html |title=£40m precinct takes shape |work=Manchester Evening News|publisher = M.E.N. media |date=23 May 2006 Retrieved on 20 December 2007.]

Another development, costing £150m and nicknamed "Station Location", is scheduled for completion in 2011. The convert|4.5|acre|ha|1|sing=on site, bordered by Oakfield Road, Moss Lane and the railway station platform, will include an extreme sports centre, an ice rink (the home of Manchester Phoenix ice hockey club) with a 3,000-seat capacity, an 85-bedroom hotel, two new public squares, restaurants, shops, flats, convert|25000|sqft|m2 of office space and a 960-space car park. A temporary ice rink was opened in February 2007, near to the site, to house Manchester Phoenix until the new, larger rink, is completed. [cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/151/151847_first_view_of_extreme_sports_centre.html |first=Jill|last=Burdett |title=First view of extreme sports centre |work=Manchester Evening News |publisher = M.E.N. media |date=21 March 2005 Retrieved on 20 December 2007.
•cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/198/198097_there_is_nothing_like_a_dome_.html |first=Clarissa|last=Satchell |title=There is nothing like a dome |work=Manchester Evening News |publisher= M.E.N. media |date=1 September 2006 Retrieved on 20 December 2007.]

As of the 2001 UK census, Altrincham had a workforce of approximately 48,090 people. The economic activity of residents in Altrincham was 43.0% in full-time employment, 12.2% in part-time employment, 21.9% self-employed, 2.0% unemployed, 2.1% students with jobs, 3.6% students without jobs, 14.1% retired, 6.0% looking after home or family, 2.3% permanently sick or disabled and 2.2% economically inactive for other reasons. Altrincham has a high rate of self employment (22%) compared to the rest of Trafford (16%) and England (17%). The town has a low rate of unemployment (2.0%) compared to Trafford (2.7%) and England (3.3%). The Office for National Statistics estimated that during the period of April 2001 to March 2002 the average gross weekly income of households in Altrincham was £653 (£33,969 per year), nearly 30% higher than the average for the North West. [cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Altrincham ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941526&c=Altrincham&d=14&e=4&g=356022&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=266 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Bowdon ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941525&c=Bowdon&d=14&e=4&g=356062&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=266 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Broadheath ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941524&c=Broadheath&d=14&e=4&g=356100&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=266 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Hale ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=3&b=5941517&c=Hale&d=14&g=356322&i=1001x1003&m=0&enc=1&domainId=4 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Timperley ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941508&c=Timperley&d=14&e=4&g=356629&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=266 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.
•cite web |title=Model-based estimates of income for the Village ward |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941506&c=Village&d=14&e=4&g=356699&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=266 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.]

According to the 2001 UK census, the industry of employment of residents in Altrincham was 20.2% property and business services, 15.5% retail and wholesale, 11.6% manufacturing, 11.2% health and social work, 8.8% education, 7.6% transport and communications, 5.6% finance, 5.2% construction, 4.0% hotels and restaurants, 4.0% public administration and defence, 0.8% agriculture, 0.7% energy and water supply, and 4.5% other. This was roughly in line with national figures, except for the town's relatively high percentage of workers in property and business services. [cite web | title =Altrincham ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941526&c=Altrincham&d=14&e=16&g=356022&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.
•cite web | title =Bowdon ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics | url =http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941525&c=Bowdon&d=14&e=16&g=356062&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.
•cite web | title =Broadheath ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics | url =http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941524&c=Broadheath&d=14&e=16&g=356100&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.
•cite web | title =Hale ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics | url =http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941517&c=Hale&d=14&e=16&g=356322&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.
•cite web | title =Timperley ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics | url =http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941508&c=Timperley&d=14&e=16&g=356629&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.
•cite web | title =Village ward industry of employment | publisher = Office for National Statistics | url =http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941506&c=Village&d=14&e=16&g=356699&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=119 Retrieved on 13 July 2007.]

Culture

Landmarks and attractions

On the outskirts of Altrincham is the 18th-century Dunham Massey Hall [cite web | title=Dunham Massey - Lodge | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=212842 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] and its convert|250|acre|km2|0|sing=on deer park, both now owned by the National Trust. The hall is early Georgian in style, and it, along with its stables and carriage house, are Grade I listed buildings. [cite web | title=Dunham Massey | work=National Trust | url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-dunhammassey Retrieved on 11 July 2007.] Another of Altrincham's attractions is the historic market, set up over 800 years ago when the town was first established.

Stamford Park is a 16 acre (6.5 ha) park designed by landscape gardener John Shaw. It was opened to the public in 1880, as a sports park with areas for cricket and football and is now owned and run by Trafford Council. The land was donated by George Grey, the 7th Earl of Stamford. The park is listed as Grade II on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, [cite web |url=http://www.friendsofstamfordpark.org.uk/home.htm |title=Welcome to Stamford Park |publisher=Friends of Stamford Park Retrieved on 10 July 2007.
•cite web |url=http://www.friendsofstamfordpark.org.uk/images/PDF2.pdf |title=The historical significance of Stamford Park |publisher=Friends of Stamford Park |format=PDF Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] as well as having won a bronze award from the Greenspace award scheme. [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/news/issues/79/articles/parks_green_flag.asp |title=Parks pass 'green flag' test |publisher=Trafford.gov.uk Retrieved on 5 September 2008.] Trafford council intend to build a £7,000 skate park in Stamford Park as part of a scheme to reduce crime by providing youths with activities. CCTV will be installed to monitor the skate park. [cite web |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1029951_skate_park_to_combat_crime |title=Skate park to combat crime |work=Manchester Evening News |author=Dean Kirby |date=29 December 2007 Retrieved on 5 September 2008.]

The clock outside the main transport interchange was built in 1880, and has been a Grade II listed building since 1985. [cite web | title=Clock Tower on Station Forecourt | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212789 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] Royd House was built between 1914 and 1916 by local architect Edgar Wood as his own residence. It has a flat concrete roof and a concave façade and is faced in Portland red stone and Lancashire brick. [cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main.jhtml?xml=/property/2001/03/24/tpman24.xml |title=When diamonds were a man's best trend |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |work=telegraph.co.uk|date=24 March 2001 Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] It is regarded as one of the most advanced examples of early 20th-century domestic architecture, and is referenced in architectural digests. The house has been a Grade I listed building since 1975, one of six such buildings in Trafford. [cite web | title=Royd House | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212892 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] cite web | title=Planning and building control: listed buildings | publisher=Trafford MBC | url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/Download.asp?c=docman2&f=pdf&id=5AD074D0-A2CF-4964-8188-E2333AA27652|format=PDF |month=March | year=2007 Retrieved on 14 December 2007.]

The Old Market Place is thought to stand on the site of the original town settlement. Now a registered conservation area it consists of a series of part timber-framed buildings echoing the wattle and daub constructions of the original houses and burgage plots. The cobblestone paving was replaced in 1896. The Buttermarket which stood in the area near the Old Market Place from the 17th century until the late 19th century was also the site for dispensing early local justice. A courtroom, stocks and whipping post saw public floggings take place there until the early 19th century. The whipping post and stocks were restored as a tourist attraction by local traders in the 1990s. However the Buttermarket area was also a site of religious importance, since prospective brides and grooms are thought to have declared their intentions here. In 1814 Thomas de Quincey described the Old Market Place in his "Confessions of an English Opium Eater" while travelling from Manchester to Chester: "fruits and flowers were scattered about in profusion; even the stalls of the butchers, from their brilliant cleanliness, appeared attractive; and bonny young women of Altrincham were all tripping about in caps and aprons coquettishly disposed".cite web | url= http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/tourp1.html | title=Tour of Altrincham: Old Market Place | publisher=Altrincham History Society Retrieved on 3 January 2008.]

Cultural events and venues

Altrincham has two theatres, the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse and the Club Theatre. The Altrincham Garrick group was formed in 1913. The Garrick held the world stage premier of Psycho in 1982. In 1998, it received a grant of £675,000 from the National Lottery as part of a £900,000 redevelopment of the theatre, which was completed in 1999. [cite web |url=http://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/historymain.htm |title=History of the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse |publisher=Altrincham Garrick Playhouse|first=Richard|last=Sails |month=January | year=2007 Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] The Club Theatre group began in 1896, as the St Margaret’s Church Institute Amateur Dramatics Society. It provides a venue for the Trafford Youth Theatre production each year, and it runs the Hale One Act Festival, an annual week-long event started in 1972. [cite web |url=http://www.clubtheatre.org.uk/Hale%20Festival/hale%20history.htm |title=The history of the Hale One Act Festival|publisher=The Club Theatre Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] The Club has received awards from both the Greater Manchester Drama Federation and the Mid-Cheshire Theatre Guild. [cite web |url=http://www.clubtheatre.org.uk/cthistory.htm |title=Theatre history |publisher=The Club Theatre Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] Altrincham also has Greater Manchester's only Michelin starred restaurant, the Juniper. [cite web |url=http://www.michelinrestaurantsguide.com/michelin-uk-restaurants.asp |title=Michelin star restaurants in the UK |work=Andy Hayler's Restaurant Guide |year=2007 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.]

ports

Altrincham F.C., nicknamed "The Robins", were founded in 1903 and play home matches at Moss Lane. The club plays in the Football Conference, the highest level of English non-league football and the fifth tier overall. In the 1970s and 1980s Altrincham F.C. built a reputation for "" acts against Football League teams in FA Cup matches. The club has knocked out Football League opposition on a record 16 occasions, [cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/altrincham/7083570.stm |first=Peter |last=Oliver |title=Tinson prepares for FA Cup hurrah |work= BBC Sport|date=7 November 2007 Retrieved on 9 December 2007.] including a 1986 victory against top-flight Birmingham City. [cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/01/28/sfndry28.xml |title=Football diary: unable Seaman |publisher= Telegraph Media Group Limited|work=telegraph.co.uk|first=Martin|last= Smith |date=26 January 2006 Retrieved on 9 December 2007.] Altrincham won the forerunner of the Football Conference in its first two seasons, but was denied election to the Football League on both occasions, falling a single vote short in 1980. [cite web |url=http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1979-80/Div41979-80.htm|title=Division 4 1979/80 |publisher= Footballsite.co.uk Retrieved on 9 December 2007.] Altrincham has since had mixed fortunes. Relegated to the Northern Premier League in 1997, the club earned promotion two years later, but suffered a second relegation after a single season in the Conference. [cite web |url=http://www.fchd.info/ALTRINCH.HTM |title=Altrincham F.C. history |first=Richard|last= Rundle |publisher=Football club history database Retrieved on 9 July 2007.] In both the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, Altrincham avoided relegation only as a result of other teams being deducted points, or being expelled from the Conference. [cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/5044276.stm |title=Scarborough relegation confirmed |work=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2006 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.
•cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/boston_united/6738469.stm |title=Boston suffer new demotion blow |work=BBC Sport |date=10 June 2007 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.]

Altrincham is one of the few towns in North West England with an ice rink, and has had an ice hockey team since 1961, when Altrincham Ice Rink was built in Broadheath. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2900661.stm |title=Ice rink closes after 42 years |work=BBC News |date=30 March 2003 Retrieved on 11 December 2007.] The Altrincham Aces (later renamed the "Trafford Metros") existed from 1961 until 2003, when Altrincham Ice Rink closed. [cite web |url=http://www.altrinchamaces.co.uk/history.htm |title=Altrincham ice hockey: a history |first=Richard|last= Jones |publisher=Altrinchamaces.co.uk Retrieved on 11 December 2007.] The town then had a three year period without a rink or ice hockey team, until construction of the 2,500 capacity Altrincham Ice Dome was completed. [cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/days_out/s/1004/1004074_get_your_skates_on_in_altrincham.html |title=Get your skates on in Altrincham |work=Manchester Evening News|publisher=M.E.N. media |date=10 April 2007 Retrieved on 11 December 2007.] Manchester Phoenix, a professional team in the Elite Ice Hockey League, relocated to the Ice Dome during the 2006–07 season, having withdrawn from competition two years earlier due to the high cost of playing matches at Manchester's MEN Arena. [cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/04/05/050406_manchester_phoenix_feature.shtml |title=Phoenix on ice|first=Andy|last= Costigan |work=bbc.co.uk|date=6 April 2006 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.] When not being used by Phoenix the Altrincham Ice Dome is open to the public for ice skating. [cite web |url= http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/altrincham |title=Silver Blades ice rink |author= |publisher=Silver-blades.co.uk Retrieved on 24 July 2007.]

Founded in 1897, [cite web |url=http://www.akrfc.co.uk/Introduction.htm |title=Altrincham Kersal RUFC History |publisher=akrfc.co.uk |year=2006 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.] Altrincham Kersal RUFC plays rugby union in North One, the competition below the National Leagues, and is amongst the top 80 clubs in England. Altrincham has been promoted five times in the past ten seasons. The club has produced England and Sale Sharks players Mark Cueto and Chris Jones and continues to produce players for the Sale Jets. [cite web |url=http://www.akrfc.co.uk/Aboutus.htm |title=Inside Altrincham Kersal RUFC |publisher=akrfc.co.uk |year=2006 Retrieved on 9 July 2007.] Altrincham and District Athletics Club was founded in 1961, and provides training facilities for track and field, road running, cross-country running and fell running. [cite web |url=http://www.altrinchamac.fsnet.co.uk |title=Altrincham & District Athletics Club |publisher=Seamons.org.uk Retrieved on 10 July 2007.] Seamons Cycling Club was formed in 1948, in the area of Altrincham known locally as Seamons Moss. [cite web |url=http://www.seamons.org.uk/history.htm |title=History of Seamons CC |publisher= Seamons Cycling Club Retrieved on 10 July 2007.]

Education

There are 18 primary schools, one special school, and 8 secondary schools in the Altrincham area, including 5 grammar schools; the Trafford district maintains a selective education system assessed by the Eleven Plus exam. Several of the secondary schools in the Altrincham area have specialist status: Altrincham College of Arts (arts); [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3584024 |title=Altrincham College of Arts |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] Altrincham Grammar School For Boys (language); [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3585404 |title=Altrincham Grammar School for Boys |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] Altrincham Grammar School For Girls (language); [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3585407 |title=Altrincham Grammar School for Girls |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College (maths and computing); [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3585403 |title= Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] Loreto Grammar School for Girls (science); [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3585901 |title=Loreto Grammar School |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] and St. Ambrose College (maths and computing). [cite web |url=http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/schools/search/default.aspa?id=3585900 |title=St Ambrose College |author= |publisher=Specialist School and Academies Trust Retrieved on 25 July 2007.] Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was described in its 2005 Ofsted report as "outstanding with an outstanding sixth form". [cite web |url=http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=277540&providerCategoryID=8192&fileName=\school\106\s5_106362_20051206.pdf |format=PDF |title=Altrincham Grammar School for Girls inspection report |publisher=Ofsted |date=10 October 2005 Retrieved on 18 July 2007.] Loreto Grammar – a Voluntary Aided, Catholic grammar school – was also described in its 2005 Ofsted report as "outstanding with an outstanding sixth form". [cite web |url=http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=277546&providerCategoryID=8192&fileName=\school\106\s5_106378_20060104.pdf |author= |title=Loreto Grammar School for Girls inspection report |publisher=Ofsted |date=9 December 2005 |format=PDF Retrieved on 18 July 2007.] Brentwood Special School is a mixed school for 11–19 years olds who have special needs or learning difficulties. [cite web |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/admissions/schooldetails.asp?DFESID=358-7001 |title=Brentwood special school |publisher=Trafford.gov.uk Retrieved on 8 September 2008.]

Religion

As of the 2001 UK census, 76.5% of Altrincham’s residents reported themselves as being Christian, 1.7% Muslim, 0.7% Hindu, 2.8% Jewish, 0.2% Buddhist and 0.1% Sikh. The census recorded 11.7% as having no religion, 0.1% with an alternative religion, and 6.1% not stating their religion. Altrincham is in the Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury, [cite web |title=Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury |url=http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org |publisher=Dioceseofshrewsbury.org Retrieved on 7 May 2007.] and the Church of England Diocese of Chester. [cite web |title = The Church of England Diocese of Chester |url = http://www.Chester.anglican.org |publisher=Chester.anglican.org Retrieved on 4 June 2007.]

There is one synagogue, The Hale and District Hebrew Congregation, on Shay Lane, Hale, and there are plans to build another close by to cater for Jews of Sephardi origin.

During the medieval and post-medieval period, the township of Altrincham was part of the Bowdon parish. There are five Grade II Listed Churches in Altrincham: Christ Church, [cite web | title=Christ Church | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212792 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] the Church of St Alban, [cite web | title=Church of St Alban | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212766 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] the Church of St George, [cite web | title=Church of St George | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212754 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] the Church of St John the Evangelist, [cite web | title=Church of St John the Evangelist | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212784 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] and Trinity United Reformed Church. [cite web | title=Trinity United Reformed Church | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212797 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] All these churches have been listed buildings since 1985. There are three Grade II* listed churches in Altrincham out of only nine Grade II* buildings in Trafford: the Church of St Margaret, [cite web | title=Church of St Margaret | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212760 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] the Church of St John the Divine [cite web | title=Church of St John the Divine | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=436249 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.] and Hale Chapel in Hale Barns. [cite web | title=Hale Chapel | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212885 Retrieved on 4 February 2007.]

Transport

Altrincham railway station is the southern terminus of one of the lines of the Manchester Metrolink light rail system, which connects it with the centre of Manchester and locations in Greater Manchester such as Sale and Bury. The Metrolink service also serves the Navigation Road railway station. Metrolink services leave around every six minutes between 7:15 and 18:30, and every 12 minutes at other times of the day. [cite web | title = Tram Times | publisher = Metrolink | url = http://www.metrolink.co.uk/tramtimes/index.asp Retrieved on 6 May 2007.] National Rail services link Altrincham and Navigation Road stations with Chester via Northwich, and with Manchester via Stockport. Altrincham Interchange, next to the railway station, is a hub for local bus routes. Manchester Airport, the largest in the UK outside London, is convert|4|mi|km to the southeast of the town.

Notable people

Altrincham has been home to notable people, both past and present. Helen Allingham lived in Altrincham and then Bowdon as a child.cite web | title = Biographies of local people| publisher = Altrincham History Society | url = http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/biogs.html Retrieved on 19 July 2007.] Alison Uttley wrote the Little Grey Rabbit books while living in Bowdon. The dramatist Ronald Gow lived in Altrincham in his youth and later taught at the local grammar school. It was the birthplace of the actress Angela Cartwright. [cite web | title = The Official Angela Cartwright Website | publisher = Altrincham History Society | url = http://www.angela-cartwright.com/Scrapbook.htm Retrieved on 19 July 2007.]

Altrincham is home to professional footballers (including Manchester United and Manchester City players), other sport stars, television personalities, particularly "Coronation Street" actors and music industry celebrities. Ian Brown and John Squire of the The Stone Roses both attended Altrincham Grammar School for boys. [cite news | title = Where did it all go right? |first=Simon |last=Hattenstone |publisher = Guardian News and Media Limited |work = Guardian Unlimited | url = http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,16373,1575685,00.html | date =23 September 2005 Retrieved on 19 July 2007.] In addition, Paul Young from Mike and the Mechanics and Sad Café, lived in Altrincham until his death in 2000. [cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/838035.stm |title=Mechanics singer Young dead |work=BBC Online |date=17 July 2000 Retrieved on 11 July 2007.] Cricketer Paul Allott was born in Altrincham and played test cricket for England. Allott played for Lancashire between 1978 and 1991 and played his 13 tests between 1981 and 1985. [cite web |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/8526.html |author= |title=Paul Allott player profile |publisher=Cricinfo.com Retrieved on 28 August 2007.] Altrincham born Bill Speakman received the Victoria Cross for valour in 1951 in the Korean War. [cite news |url=http://archive.thisistrafford.co.uk/2001/10/24/5994.html |title=The reluctant hero |publisher= Newsquest Media Group |work=Sale and Altrincham Messenger |date=24 October 2001 Retrieved on 28 August 2007.] Sir Michael Pollock, an officer in the Royal Navy who rose to the position of First Sea Lord, was born in Altrincham. [cite news |url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,1885451,00.html |first= Dan |last=van der Vat |title= Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Pollock |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |work=Guardian Unlimited |date=2 October 2006 Retrieved on 28 August 2007.]

References

External links

* [http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com Altrincham History Society] .