Altrincham is a market town within the Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on flat ground south of the River Mersey about southwest of Manchester city centre, south-southwest of Sale, Greater Manchester and east of Warrington. As of the 2001 UK census, it had a population of 41,000.
Historic counties of England 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, formerly the home of the Earl of Stamford, and now a tourist attraction with three Grade I Listed Building and a deer park.
Altrincham today is an affluent commuter town, partly because of its transport links. 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, home to Altrincham F.C. and an English Premier Ice Hockey League ice hockey club, Manchester Phoenix.
