FROM the moment we meet our guide, Pauline Lloyd, we go back in time.

Discover Historic Altrincham is the first of four walking tours organised by Altrincham and Bowdon Civic society in conjunction with Manchester Guided Tours.

Pauline tells us about King Edward I’s charter of 1290 permitting a market on Tuesdays.

We pass the Town Hall, designed by Martin Stone in 1900, where Altrincham Council met until 1974 when Trafford took over. 

The December sun shines on Colin Spottforth’s sculptor of a market trader outside.

Then to Stamford Estates Office, a Georgian building with distinctive fan lights giving the house a unique identity.

Around the corner, Artist Helen Allingham’s family home bears a blue plaque

The nearby Unitarian Church was opened in 1872 by William Gaskell, the husband of writer, Elizabeth Gaskell.

We stroll up High Bank, the original Roman Road, to Albert Place and the Old Market Place, where the Butter Market once stood and the stocks still stand. 

The Old Market Tavern was originally a coaching inn where post and newspapers were delivered.

After visiting the site of Chapel Street where 161 men volunteered in the Great War, we finish at Art with a Heart to see old maps and documents about old Altrincham.

Judie Collins, Chairman of the Civic Society said: ”We were often being approached to organise walks so we decided to bring in the professionals.  

Please support these Christmas walks so there can be a more varied programme in 2014.”

*  To book walks on December 8, 15 or 22, telephone 07812 129754.