The main approach road into Altrincham is the A56. Historically the road follows the route of the old Watling Street Roman road which ran from Manchester to Chester.

Until the first years of the twentieth century travel by horse and coach from Manchester to Chester was along this old Watling Street route.

This is the reason why many long stretches of the A56 are still today called either Chester or Manchester Road. Long before the age of railway travel approaching Altrincham from the north by coach would be along this highway.

An important stop along the journey between Manchester and Chester would have been the George and Dragon coaching Inn. The type of coach and horses still in use in 1910 can be seen in the picture on the right.

Below: The George and Dragon on Manchester Road in 1905 the Wheatsheaf Inn can just be seen on the far right.

Above: The 'Tally Ho' four-horse stagecoach that ran between Altrincham and Delamere, photographed outside the AbbeyArms at Delamere and presumably ready to take the passengers back to Altrincham . 1910

Above: The George and Dragon in 2008. Externally there has been very little change - apart from the sign on the side which was removed only quite recently. It is now a Premier Lodge Inn with motel rooms to the rear.

Left: A better view of the Wheatsheaf with corner of The George and Dragon just visible on the left. This picture was taken in the early 20th century

The George and Dragon has a history dating back at least to the eighteenth century as a coach staging post. Likewise the Wheatsheaf Inn, on the opposite side of Manchester Road, was the staging post for the return journey from Chester. Both of these public houses are a central part of the Sandiway Conservation Area which was designated as a conservation area by Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council in December 1975.

Above: From the Wheatsheaf looking back down Manchester Road in 1916 at an approaching tram. the George is on the right.

Above: The Wheatsheaf in 2008 at the point where Manchester Road becomes Church Street. Even the trees are included as part of the Conservation of the area.

Church Street is a stretch of road which continues from Manchester Road through Old Market Place and on to the Dunham Road heading towards Chester.

The first part of Church Street -from the Wheatsheaf Inn to the Woodlands Road traffic junction - has seen a more dramatic change than the section which runs through Old Market Place and up to Dunham Road.

The most drastic early changes were made in 1938 and 1939 when the road was widened and the old cottage properties on the left side of the street were demolished.

Left: Church Street in 1939 looking down towards the Woodlands Road traffic Junction where the Cresta Court now stands.

Above:Church Street in 2008 looking towards Woodlands Road Traffic junction

Left: These Church Street Cottages were demolished to make way for the new road widening.

However, the central reservation which today runs along the first section of Church Street was created at the time the road was widened.

The area was included in the land owned by the The Earl of Stamford who instructed that the trees, which are to be seen in the central reservation, be preserved.

The left side of Church Street has very much altered but as it can be seen the houses to the right, on the far side of the road are little changed.

(see left and right pics below)

Above: The central reservation in March 2008 planted up with daffodils