Historic Trafford
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Trafford from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Trafford's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Trafford's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Old Trafford Bowling Club Pavilion
Old Trafford
An amateur bowling club pavilion of 1877 by John Bowden in a Tudor Revival style over two storeys, with an unusually ornate interior.
The Sale
Sale
The Sale, built in 1878 to the designs of Lockwood, Smith and Heathcote, is designated at Grade II, for the following principal reasons: Rarity: it is...
32-34 Railway Street
Altrincham
Former Manchester & County Bank, constructed in 1906. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of All Saints
Old Trafford
Designed by Edward Welby Pugin in 1867-8, the Church of All Saints features Gothic Revival architecture with notable stained glass and interior...
Stamford Park junior and infant schools, master's house a…
Hale
Primary school dated 1905, by Henry Lord, comprising infant and junior schools, master's house, boundary walls and railings, and playground shelters...
Old Church of Saint Werburg
Warburton
The Old Church of Saint Werburg, largely rebuilt in the 17th century, features a mixed architectural style with notable elements like a Jacobean...
Church of St Peter, Hale
Hale
Anglican church, 1890-2, by Tate and Popplewell of Manchester. Buff/pale pink brick with pressed brick and terracotta dressings, tiled roof.
Trafford Park War Memorial
Old Trafford
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Linotype Works Engine House and Chimney Base
Altrincham
Engine house and chimney base. 1897 by Stott & Sons for the Linotype Company. Chimney reduced in height in late C20.
Denzell House
Bowdon
House. Built in 1874 for Robert Scott by Clegg & Knowles of Manchester. Rock faced stone with ashlar dressings and coloured tile roof.
War Memorial Obelisk and Tablet in Urmston Jewish Cemetery
Urmston
First World War memorial, 1919, and Second World War memorial tablet, to Jewish servicemen. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Hale Barns and Ringway War Memorial
Hale
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Urmston Memorial Cross
Urmston
First World War memorial, with additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St Mary the Virgin, including boundary wall and…
Urmston
Anglican church, 1887-90, by George Truefitt.
Dunham Town War Memorial
Dunham Massey
A First World War memorial of c1930 by an unknown designer, with Second World War additions, in the form of a cross with a laurel-wreath wheel head.
St Martin's, Ashton-upon-Mersey War Memorial
Sale
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Carriage House Immediately to South of Kitchen Courtyard
Dunham Massey
The Carriage House at Dunham Massey, built in 1721, features a U-shaped brick structure with significant architectural details and serves various...
16 Old Market Place
Altrincham
House, early C19, extended in the mid-C19, converted into offices in the mid-C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
War memorial in St Werburg's churchyard
Warburton
First World War memorial, 1920, with the names of those lost during the Second World War added later. Read the official list entry to find out more.
War memorial cross in the grounds of the Church of St Ann…
Sale
First World War memorial, 1920. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Davyhulme Circle War Memorial
Urmston
First World War cenotaph incorporating a memorial clock, 1924, with Second World War inscriptions added later, ashlar sandstone. Rebuilt in 1965.
War Memorial in St Mary's Churchyard, Davyhulme
Urmston
First World War memorial, 1922, rough-hewn granite, Celtic cross design. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Church of St Vincent De Paul and Presbytery
Altrincham
Roman Catholic church, 1903-5, by Edmund Kirby of Liverpool, Ruabon brick with terracotta dressings, slate roof, Early English style, attached...
Historic Trafford through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Trafford
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Hale
Hale Carr, Hale, 1934
Hale
Hale Carr and surrounding countryside, Hale, 1934
Broadheath
The Churchill Machine Tool Works, Broadheath, 1932
Broadheath
The H. W. Kearns and Co Ltd Engineering Works and environs, Broadheath, 1950
Altrincham
Henry Bannerman and Sons Ltd Textile Works, Altrincham, 1951
Altrincham
Henry Bannerman and Sons Ltd Textile Works, Altrincham, 1951
Partington
Millbank Paper Mills, Partington, 1948
Partington
The Alliance Box Co Ltd Works on the Manchester Ship Canal, Partington, 1953
Partington
The Manchester Corporation Gas Works, Partington, 1929
Partington
The Gas Works, Partington, 1939
Historic England Archive images of Trafford
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Trafford's past.
Eric de Mare
Trafford
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of the Barton Aqueduct and Manchester Ship Canal.
John Laing Collection
Timperley, Trafford
Date created: 18 Oct 1984
Boys on apparatus in the gymnasium at Delahays Secondary School
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Timperley, Trafford, Trafford
Date created: 1920 - 1950
GENERAL VIEW WITH PEOPLE SAT ON BENCHES
Eric de Mare
Trafford
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Copy of an print showing a general view of the Barton Aqueduct before 1894. The woodcut originates from Smiles' "Lives of the Engineers".
John Laing Collection
Timperley, Trafford
Date created: 18 Oct 1984
Exterior view of Delahays Secondary School
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Old Trafford, Trafford
Date created: 1902 - 1907
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE RUSTIC BRIDGE
Eric de Mare
Davyhulme, Trafford
Date created: 1955
A view of a vessel on the Barton Swing Aqueduct, Greater Manchester.
Eric de Mare
Davyhulme, Trafford
Date created: 1955
A view of a barge crossing the Barton Swing Aqueduct, Greater Manchester.
Eric de Mare
Davyhulme, Trafford
Date created: 1955
A view of an empty barge travelling through the Barton Swing Aqueduct, Greater Manchester.
Eric de Mare
Barton Upon Irwell, Salford
Date created: circa 1950s
General view from the south showing the Barton Swing Aqueduct carrying the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal.
Stories about heritage in Trafford
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Trafford.
The Timeless Charm of English Market Towns and Halls
Mentions Market House
Discover the history of English market towns and halls, including farmers' markets, Christmas markets, market squares and corn exchanges.
How Tutankhamun Influenced 20th Century Design and Architecture
Mentions Tatton Cinema
From the most expensive jewellery and furniture to public buildings, learn now Tutankhamun inspired the world of design and popular culture.
England’s Heritage Worth £31 Billion To Economy Reveals New Report
Mentions Market House, Trafford
New research shows the value of heritage to England’s economy which contributes to economic prosperity and growth.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Trafford Hall, Trafford Park, Trafford, Greater Manchester
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
Photographic copy of an engraving of 1830 showing Trafford Hall and Trafford Park from the south. The illustration was drawn by Mrs Pettiward.
Trafford Hall, Trafford Park, Trafford, Greater Manchester
The Great Stone, Chester Road, Stretford, Greater Manchester
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This stone is probably the remains of a medieval boundary cross.
The Great Stone, Chester Road, Stretford, Greater Manchester
Salford Docks, Salford, Greater manchester
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The sailing ship 'Ellida' moored at Salford Docks.
Salford Docks, Salford, Greater manchester
Market Place, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Two carriages wait for passengers outside the Unicorn Hotel. The Unicorn was originally built in the early 19th century. It was a mail coaching inn.
Market Place, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Dunham School, Woodhouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This school is dated 1759. It has the inscription "This School was Erected in 1759 For the Benefit of the Township of Dunham Massey.
Dunham School, Woodhouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Barton Swing Aqueduct, Greater Manchester
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A view of an empty barge travelling through the Barton Swing Aqueduct.
Barton Swing Aqueduct, Greater Manchester
Barton Swing Aqueduct, Eccles, Greater Manchester
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
The Barton Swing Aqueduct shown in the open position to allow a ship to pass along the Manchester Ship Canal below it.
Barton Swing Aqueduct, Eccles, Greater Manchester
31 Stamford Street, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The Georgian town house at 31 Stamford Street has lost some of its grandeur and has now been converted into offices.
31 Stamford Street, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
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