Altrincham 285284 221904137 2008-06-26T16:45:34Z Quarty 885123 /* External links */ {{infobox UK place| |country = England |map_type= Greater Manchester |official_name= Altrincham |latitude = 53.3838 | longitude = -2.3547 |population= 67,061&nbsp;([[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001&nbsp;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 (UK Parliament constituency)|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}} [[Boxing the compass|SE]] }} '''Altrincham''' ({{Audio|En-uk-Altrincham.ogg|pronunciation}}) ({{IPAEng|ˈɒltrɪŋəm}}, ''"Oltringum"'') is a town within the [[Trafford|Metropolitan Borough of Trafford]], in [[Greater Manchester]], [[England]].<ref name="GM Gazetteer">{{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]]|accessdate=2007-12-12}}</ref> It lies on flat ground south of the [[River Mersey]] {{convert|7.7|mi|km|1|lk=on}} southwest of [[Manchester City Centre]], and {{convert|4.2|mi|km|1}} south-southeast of [[Stretford]]. It has a population of 67,000. [[Historic counties of England|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|Dunham Massey Hall]], formerly the home of the [[Earl of Stamford]], and now a tourist attraction with three Grade I [[Listed Building|listed buildings]] and a deer park. Altrincham today is a [[commuter town]], partly because of its transport links&mdash;particularly the [[Manchester Metrolink|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 League|Elite Ice Hockey]] club, [[Manchester Phoenix]]. ==History== The name Altrincham first appears as "Aldringeham", probably meaning "Homestead of the Aldhere's people".<ref name="A History of Hale">{{cite book | first=R N | last=Dore | date=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}}</ref> 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, Greater Manchester| Broadheath]] have been discovered. The road linked the Roman fortress of [[Chester]] ([[Deva Victrix|Deva]]) 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 [[manorialism| manors]] surrounding present-day Altrincham were owned by the Saxon [[Thegn]] Alweard; after the invasion they became the property of [[Hamon de Massey]].<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford">{{cite book | first=Mike | last=Nevell | date=1997 | title=The Archaeology of Trafford | publisher=Trafford Metropolitan Borough with [[Manchester University| University of Manchester Archaeological Unit]] | pages=15, 18, 39, 87, 95, 100, 126–30 | isbn=1-870695-25-9}}</ref><ref name="A History of Hale"/> 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.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> 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.<ref name="Altrincham history">{{cite web | url= http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/history.html | title=Altrincham History | publisher=Altrincham History Society | date= | accessdate=2007-07-24}}</ref> 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]]&mdash;ownership of land that can be used as a measure of status and importance in an area&mdash;putting it on a par with [[Macclesfield]] and above [[Stockport]] and [[Knutsford]].<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> Though the Earl remained in charge overall, in the 15th century the government of Altrincham fell to a [[court leet]].<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> 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.<ref>{{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]] | date=2005 | accessdate=2007-09-11}}</ref> During the [[English Civil War]], men from Altrincham fought for the [[Roundhead| Parliamentarian]] [[George Booth, 1st Baron Delamer| Sir George Booth]]. During the war, armies camped several times on nearby Bowdon Downs.<ref name="Altrincham history"/> [[Image:Seamonsmossbridge.jpg| thumb | Seamons Moss Bridge over the [[Bridgewater Canal]]]] 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.<ref name="GM Arch">{{cite book | last=McNeil | first= R | coauthors =Mike Nevell | title=A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Greater Manchester | publisher=Association for Industrial Archaeology | date=2000 | isbn=0-9528930-3-7 | page=61}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> In July 1845, the [[Act of Parliament]] allowing for the construction of the [[Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway| Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway]] (MSJAR) was passed. At 8:00&nbsp;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, Greater Manchester| Bowdon]]&mdash;though not actually in Bowdon&mdash;on Lloyd Street/Railway Street. They were both closed in 1881, and replaced by [[Altrincham station| Altrincham & Bowdon station]] on Stamford New Road.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> 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]].<ref name="Dixon">{{cite book | first=Frank | last=Dixon | date=1994 | title=The Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway | publisher=The Oakwood Press | isbn=0-85361-454-7 }}</ref> 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&ndash;to&ndash;do would commute by express or 'flyer' [[barge]]s from Broadheath.<ref name="BamfordBroadheath">{{cite book|first=Frank|last=Bomford|title=Broadheath 1885-1985|publisher=Birkenhead Press|ISBN=0951722522|year=1995}}</ref> With the coming of the railway the areas in and around Altrincham became very desirable places for the middle classes and commuters to live.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/><ref name="Altrincham social class">{{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 |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Between 1851 and 1881 the population increased from 4,488 to 11,250.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> 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.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> In 1931, the MSJAR line was [[Railway electrification in Great Britain| electrified]] (1500 V DC [[Overhead lines| OLE]]), one of the first electrified railway lines 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.<ref name="Dixon"/> 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.<ref name="Making of Altrincham">{{cite book | first=Frank | last=Bamford | date=1991 | title=The Making of Altrincham, 1850-1991: from market to megastore? | publisher=Frank Bamford, Altrincham | pages=78, 85 | isbn=0951722514}}</ref> 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 [[Trafford|Metropolitan Borough of Trafford]].<ref name="Making of Altrincham"/> ==Governance== ===Civic history=== [[Image:arms-altrincham.jpg|thumb|right|Arms of the former Altrincham Municipal Borough Council]] Altrincham became a Free Borough in 1290, a self governing township. That remained the case until the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835|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 [[Local board of health|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.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> An [[urban district]] council in the [[administrative counties of England|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 [[April 1]], [[1974]].<ref name="Altrincham history"/> ===Political representation=== Altrincham was in the parliamentary [[constituency]] of [[Altrincham (UK Parliament constituency)|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 (UK Parliament constituency)|Altrincham and Sale West]]. Since its formation, Altrincham and Sale West has been represented in the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]] by the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative MP]], [[Graham Brady]]. At the [[United Kingdom general election, 2005|2005 General Election]], the Conservatives won a majority of 7,159 and 46.4% of the vote. [[Labour Party (UK)| Labour]] won 30.3% of the vote, [[Liberal Democrats]] 21.7% and the [[United Kingdom Independence Party]] 1.7%.<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> This is one of only a small number of seats in the North West held by the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]], and the only one in Greater Manchester. The town is within [[Trafford| 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 [[ward (politics)|wards]]: Altrincham, [[Bowdon, Greater Manchester|Bowdon]], [[Broadheath, Greater Manchester|Broadheath]], [[Hale, Greater Manchester|Hale Central]], [[Hale Barns]], [[Timperley]], and Village. These wards have 21 out of the 63 seats on the Trafford Council; as of the [[Trafford Council election 2007|2007 local elections]] seventeen of these seats were held by the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] and four by the [[Liberal Democrats]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2004 | title=Trafford local election results 2006 | publisher=Trafford MBC | date=2004-05-03 | accessdate=2007-12-17}}<br />•{{cite web | url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2006 | title=Trafford local election results 2006 | publisher=Trafford MBC | date=2006-05-03 | accessdate=2007-12-17}}<br />•{{cite web | url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/content/elections/resultssummary.asp?year=2007 | title=Trafford local election results 2007 | publisher=Trafford MBC | date=2007-05-03 | accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> The councillors for the Altrincham ward are: * Councillor Alex Williams (Conservative).<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> * Councillor Mrs Susan Williams (Conservative): Leader of the Council.<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> * Councillor Michael Young (Conservative): Chairman of Accounts and Audit Committee.<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> ==Geography== {{further|[[Geography of Greater Manchester]]}} [[Image:TraffordAreasAlt.png|thumb|left|The [[Metropolitan Borough of Trafford]], highlighting Altrincham in red.]] At {{coor dms|53|23|2|N|2|21|17|W|city}} (53.3838, &minus;2.3547), Altrincham is on the southwestern edge of the [[Greater Manchester Urban Area]], immediately south of the town of [[Sale, Greater Manchester|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, Greater Manchester|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.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-28|date=[[21 December]] [[2007]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book |author= Taylor, B J; R H Price and Frederick Murray Trotter |date=1963 |title=Geology of the Country around Stockport and Knutsford |publisher=Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain |page=58 |isbn=}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Climate01">{{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 |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-04-23}}</ref> ===Divisions and suburbs=== Altrincham is one of the four major urban areas in Trafford, the other three being [[Sale, Greater Manchester|Sale]], [[Stretford]] and [[Urmston]]. The Altrincham area, as defined by [[Trafford|Trafford MBC]], comprises the south of Trafford. In addition to the town of Altrincham, it includes the villages of [[Timperley]], [[Bowdon, Greater Manchester|Bowdon]], [[Hale, Greater Manchester|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.<ref name="Timperley pop. Dens."/><ref>{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}</ref> ==Demography== {| class="wikitable" id="toc" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="5" !colspan="4"|'''Altrincham Compared''' |- |'''[[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 UK Census]]'''||'''Altrincham'''||'''Trafford'''||'''England''' |- |Total population||67,061||210,145||49,138,831 |- |White||95.4%||91.6%||90.9% |- |Asian||2.3%||4.1%||4.6% |- |Black||0.4%||2.0%||2.3% |- |Jewish||2.8%||1.1%||0.5% |- |Over 65 years old||16.4%||16.2%||15.9% |} As of the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 UK census]], the town of Altrincham had a total population of 67,061.<ref name="Altrincham">{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}</ref> Of the 27,900 households in Altrincham, 41.6% were married couples living together, 28.6% were one-person households, 7.3% were [[cohabitation|co-habiting]] couples and 7.8% were lone parents.<ref>{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-09 }}</ref> The population density is {{PD km2 to sq mi|1460|precision=0|spell=UK}}<!--Sources are actually given in people/ha--><ref name="Timperley pop. Dens.">{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-24 }}</ref> and for every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. Of those aged 16 to 74 in Altrincham, 18.7% had no [[Education in England#Qualifications|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.<ref name="Altrincham"/> 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.<ref name="Altrincham social class"/> ===Population change=== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;width:70%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;" ! colspan="20" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|[[Population growth]] in Altrincham since 1801 |- ! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | Year ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1801 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1811 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1821 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1831 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1841 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1851 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1861 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1871 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1881 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1891 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1901 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1911 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1921 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1931 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1939 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1951 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1961 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 1971 ! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000080;" | 2001 |- Align="center" ! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | Population | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 1,692 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 2,032 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 2,302 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 2,708 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 3,399 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 4,488 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 6,628 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 8,478 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 11,250 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 12,440 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 16,831 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 17,813 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 20,450 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 21,356 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 39,940 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 39,789 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 41,122 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 40,786 | style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 67,061 |- | colspan="20" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|<small>'''Source:'''[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_table_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TPop&u_id=10106709&c_id=10001043&add=N A Vision of Britain through Time]</small><ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> |} ==Economy== [[Image:Altrinchammarket.jpg|thumb|Altrincham Market]] 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, Greater Manchester|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 [[United Kingdom Census 1851|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]].<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> 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.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/><ref name="Making of Altrincham"/> Despite the presence of retailers such as [[Tesco]], [[Sainsbury's]] and [[Marks & Spencer]] in the town, and redevelopment schemes costing over £100&nbsp;million,<ref name="Stamford New Road"/><ref name="Altrincham's future">{{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=2006-11-27 |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Altrincham's 15.5% level of employment in retail is below the national average of 16.9%. Altrincham, with its neighbours [[Bowdon, Greater Manchester|Bowdon]] and [[Hale, Greater Manchester|Hale]], is said to constitute a "[[stockbroker]] belt", with well-appointed dwellings in an area of [[sylvan]] opulence.<ref name="GM Evolution">{{cite book|last=Frangopulo|first=N J|date=1977|title=Tradition in Action: The Historical Evolution of the Greater Manchester County|publisher=EP Publishing|location= Wakefield|page=224}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Altrincham | publisher = The Sale and Altrincham Pages | url = http://www.luso.u-net.com/altrinch.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-19|date=[[24 January]] [[2007]]}}<br />•{{cite web |url=http://archive.thisistrafford.co.uk/1999/8/20/10721.html |author= |title=Recipe for disaster - restaurant owners slams town decline |publisher=Thisistrafford.co.uk |date=1999-08-20 |accessdate=2007-08-13}}</ref> However the empty shop facilities and run-down sections of the town, are being redeveloped. The Trafford Revised [[Development plan|unitary development plan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning/Planning-UnitaryDevelopmentPlan |title=Planning - unitary development plan |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-12 |publisher=Trafford MBC}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Stamford New Road">{{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=2006-11-13|accessdate=2007-12-12}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}<br />•{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> 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 [[Altrincham Ice Dome|temporary ice rink]] was opened in February 2007, near to the site, to house Manchester Phoenix until the new, larger rink, is completed.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}<br />•{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="Altrincham's future"/> 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%).<ref name="Altrincham"/> 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 England|North West]].<ref>{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}<br />•{{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 | accessdate = 2007-07-13 }}</ref> ==Culture== ===Landmarks and attractions=== [[Image:Dunhammasseydeerpark.jpg|thumb|Dunham Massey Deer Park]] On the outskirts of Altrincham is the 18th-century [[Dunham Massey|Dunham Massey Hall]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Dunham Massey - Lodge | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=212842| accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> and its {{convert|250|acre|km2|0|sing=on}} deer park, both now owned by the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]. The hall is early [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] in style, and it, along with its stables and carriage house, are Grade I [[listed building]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title=Dunham Massey | work=National Trust | url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-dunhammassey | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> 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&nbsp;[[hectare|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. It is now owned and run by Trafford Council. The land was donated by [[George Grey, 7th Earl of Stamford|George Grey]], the 7th [[Earl of Stamford]]. The park is listed as Grade II on the [[National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.friendsofstamfordpark.org.uk/home.htm |title=Welcome to Stamford Park |publisher=Friends of Stamford Park |accessdate=2007-07-10}}<br />•{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> The clock outside the main transport interchange was built in 1880, and has been a Grade II listed building since 1985.<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | title=Royd House | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212892 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref><ref name="Listed buildings">{{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 | accessdate=2007-12-14|date=March 2007}}</ref> 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 framing|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 [[Pillory|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".<ref name="oldmarketplace">{{cite web | url= http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/tourp1.html | title=Tour of Altrincham: Old Market Place | publisher=Altrincham History Society | date= | accessdate=2008-01-03}}</ref> ===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 (novel)|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.<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-10|date=January 2007}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> The Club has received awards from both the Greater Manchester Drama Federation and the Mid-Cheshire Theatre Guild.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clubtheatre.org.uk/cthistory.htm |title=Theatre history |publisher=The Club Theatre |accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> Altrincham also has Greater Manchester's only Michelin starred restaurant, the Juniper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.michelinrestaurantsguide.com/michelin-uk-restaurants.asp |title=Michelin star restaurants in the UK |work=Andy Hayler's Restaurant Guide |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> ===Sports=== [[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 "[[wikt:giant-killing|giant-killing]]" acts against Football League teams in [[FA Cup]] matches. The club has knocked out Football League opposition on a record 16 occasions,<ref>{{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]]|accessdate=2007-12-09}}</ref> including a 1986 victory against top-flight [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]].<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-09}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1979-80/Div41979-80.htm|title=Division 4 1979/80 |publisher= Footballsite.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-09}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fchd.info/ALTRINCH.HTM |title=Altrincham F.C. history |first=Richard|last= Rundle |publisher=Football club history database |accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/5044276.stm |title=Scarborough relegation confirmed |work=BBC Sport|date=[[2006-06-03]] |accessdate=2007-07-09}}<br />•{{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]] |accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> 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, Greater Manchester|Broadheath]].<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref> The Altrincham Aces (later renamed the ''Trafford Metros'') existed from 1961 until 2003, when Altrincham Ice Rink closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altrinchamaces.co.uk/history.htm |title=Altrincham ice hockey: a history |first=Richard|last= Jones |publisher=Altrinchamaces.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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]]] |accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref> [[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]].<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> When not being used by Phoenix the Altrincham Ice Dome is open to the public for ice skating.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.silver-blades.co.uk/altrincham |title=Silver Blades ice rink |author= |publisher=Silver-blades.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2007-07-24}}</ref> Founded in 1897,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akrfc.co.uk/Introduction.htm |title=Altrincham Kersal RUFC History |publisher=akrfc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-07-09|date=2006}}</ref> 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 (rugby player)|Chris Jones]] and continues to produce players for the Sale Jets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akrfc.co.uk/Aboutus.htm |title=Inside Altrincham Kersal RUFC |publisher=akrfc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-07-09|date=2006}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altrinchamac.fsnet.co.uk |title=Altrincham & District Athletics Club |publisher=Seamons.org.uk |accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> Seamons Cycling Club was formed in 1948, in the area of Altrincham known locally as Seamons Moss.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seamons.org.uk/history.htm |title=History of Seamons CC |publisher= Seamons Cycling Club|accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> ==Education== {{further|[[List of schools in Greater Manchester]]}} There are 18 primary schools and 8 secondary schools in the Altrincham area, including 5 [[Grammar schools in the United Kingdom|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 school|specialist status]]: [[Altrincham College of Arts]] ([[Arts College|arts]]);<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> [[Altrincham Grammar School For Boys]] ([[Language College|language]]);<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> Altrincham Grammar School For Girls (language);<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> [[Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College]] ([[Mathematics and Computing College|maths and computing]]);<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> Loreto Grammar School for Girls ([[Science College|science]]);<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> and [[St. Ambrose College]] (maths and computing).<ref>{{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 |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref> Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was described in its 2005 [[Ofsted]] report as "outstanding with an outstanding sixth form".<ref>{{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=[[2005-10-10]] |accessdate=2007-07-18}}</ref> Loreto Grammar&mdash;a [[Voluntary Aided]], [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] grammar school&mdash;was also described in its 2005 Ofsted report as "outstanding with an outstanding sixth form".<ref>{{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=[[2005-12-09]] |accessdate=2007-07-18}}</ref> ==Religion== {{seealso|List of churches in Greater Manchester}} [[Image:Stgeorgeschurch.jpg|right|thumb| [[St George's Church, Altrincham|St George's Church]]]] 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.<ref name="Altrincham"/> Altrincham is in the Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury,<ref>{{cite web |title=Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury |url=http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org |publisher=Dioceseofshrewsbury.org |accessdate = 2007-05-07}}</ref> and the Church of England Diocese of Chester.<ref>{{cite web |title = The Church of England Diocese of Chester |url = http://www.Chester.anglican.org |publisher=Chester.anglican.org |accessdate = 2008-06-04}}</ref> 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 [[Jew]]s of [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardi]] origin. During the medieval and post-medieval period, the township of Altrincham was part of the Bowdon parish.<ref name="Archaeology of Trafford"/> There are five [[Listed building|Grade II Listed Churches]] in Altrincham: Christ Church,<ref>{{cite web | title=Christ Church | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212792 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> the Church of St Alban,<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> the [[St George's Church, Altrincham|Church of St George]],<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> the Church of St John the Evangelist,<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> and Trinity United Reformed Church.<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> the Church of St John the Divine<ref>{{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 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> and Hale Chapel in [[Hale Barns]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Hale Chapel | work=Images of England|publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=212885 | accessdate=2007-02-04}}</ref> ==Transport== [[Image:Altrinchamstation.jpg|thumb|Altrincham railway station]] [[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, Greater Manchester|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.<ref>{{cite web | title = Tram Times | publisher = Metrolink | url = http://www.metrolink.co.uk/tramtimes/index.asp | accessdate = 2007-05-06 }}</ref> [[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, Greater Manchester|Bowdon]] as a child.<ref name=altbiogs>{{cite web | title = Biographies of local people| publisher = Altrincham History Society | url = http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com/biogs.html | accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref> [[Alison Uttley]] wrote the Little Grey Rabbit books while living in Bowdon.<ref name=altbiogs/> The dramatist [[Ronald Gow]] lived in Altrincham in his youth and later taught at the local [[grammar school]].<ref name=altbiogs/> It was the birthplace of the actress [[Angela Cartwright]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Official Angela Cartwright Website | publisher = Altrincham History Society | url = http://www.angela-cartwright.com/Scrapbook.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref> Altrincham is home to professional footballers (including [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Manchester City F.C.|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.<ref>{{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 = [[2005-09-23]] | accessdate = 2007-07-19}}</ref> In addition, Paul Young from [[Mike + The Mechanics|Mike and the Mechanics]] and [[Sad Café (band)|Sad Café]], lived in Altrincham until his death in 2000.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> Cricketer [[Paul Allott]] was born in Altrincham and played [[test cricket]] for England. Allott played for [[Lancashire County Cricket Club|Lancashire]] between 1978 and 1991 and played his 13 tests between 1981 and 1985.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/8526.html |author= |title=Paul Allott player profile |publisher=Cricinfo.com |accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> Altrincham born [[Bill Speakman]] received the Victoria Cross for valour in 1951 in the Korean War.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> [[Michael Pollock|Sir Michael Pollock]], an officer in the [[Royal Navy]] who rose to the position of [[First Sea Lord]], was born in Altrincham.<ref>{{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]] |accessdate=2007-08-28}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Spoken Wikipedia|Altrincham-article.ogg|2008-02-02}} * [http://althistsoc.users.btopenworld.com Altrincham History Society]. {{Greater Manchester}} {{featured article}} [[Category:Towns in Greater Manchester]] [[Category:Trafford]] [[Category:Articles including recorded pronunciations (UK English)]] [[nl:Altrincham]] [[pl:Altrincham]] [[ro:Altrincham]] [[zh:奥尔特灵厄姆]]