The History of Stretford

Stretford is about 4 miles South West of City Centre Manchester. Developments in the 1960s to create a shopping centre largely destroyed the hub of this small town. It had received its Charter in 1932 and despite urban sprawl has kept an individual identity from the other surrounding areas. Everyone has heard of Stretford - for us Man City fans unfortunately it's the 'Stretford End' with United. But this small town boasts both Old Trafford's (football and cricket) within sight of it's Town Hall.

Stretford Town Hall lit up for its opening in 1933

Today Stretford can see increasing prosperity from the development of the nearby Trafford Centre. On this site I would like  to look at how the town developed and use a host of images to show how it progressed from a 'pig town' to a supply of industrial labour for Trafford Park. As the decline of industry hit in the 1970s Stretford has undergone further transformations into a base for service industries.

press here for a view of Stretford's farming past.  

press here for Stretford's industrial past.  

press here for Stretford's developments and key buildings.  

press here for Stretford at war.  

press here for Stretford at leisure over the years.