ALTRINCHAM town centre’s rich history was brought to life in a recent series of heritage walks.

The Discover Historic Altrincham walking tours were organised by Altrincham and Bowdon Civic society in conjunction with Manchester Guided Tours.

Here are some facts about the town’s history revealed on the tour, which you may not know, designed to help you impress your friends and family next time you're wandering around Altrincham.

* King Edward I’s charter of 1290 permitted a market on Tuesdays.

* Altrincham Town Hall was built in 1900, designed by the Manchester architect C.H. Hindle, and Altrincham Council met there until 1974. when Trafford took over.

* There is a blue plaque on a property on Market Street, to mark the fact is the family home of Victorian watercolour artist Helen Allingham.

* Dunham Road Unitarian Church was opened in 1872 by William Gaskell, the husband of writer, Elizabeth Gaskell.

* Albert Place and the Old Market Place - was the former site of the Butter Market and where the stocks still stand.

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

* Chapel Street in Altrincham was dubbed the ‘bravest street in England’ after 161 men from there volunteered in the First World War.

* The market trader statue was the work of leading artist Colin Spofforth in 2007.