Altrincham is one of the oldest towns in Trafford, and in fact one of the longest established market towns in north-west England. The name probably comes from the Anglo-Saxon, 'Aldhere' and so 'Aldheringeham' - the village of Aldhere's people. Although it is not specifically mentioned in the Domesday Book, its documented history begins in 1290, with the market charter granted by Edward I. Economic development accelerated with the extension of the Bridgewater Canal to Altrincham in 1765 and the arrival of the railway in 1849, and in the late 19th century Altrincham became a base for professionals and business men commuting to Manchester. Altrincham was regulated by the Court Leet until the mid 19th century; this was followed by the Local Board, Urban District Council, Municipal Borough Council until 1974, when it became part of Trafford. Images available on Trafford Lifetimes.