This fascinating collection of almost 200 photographs explores the areas of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme. One rural, isolated farming settlements, the growth and expansion of these areas has largest been the result of two daring schemes, the Bridgwater Canal in the eighteenth century and the Manchester Ship canal at the end of the nineteenth century. These industrial developments were instrumental in shaping the area as a whole and affecting people’s daily lives.

The reader is taken on a tour of the area and chapters are included on schools, churches, working life and wartime experiences. Leisure and entertainment is also examined such as the once popular local festival, the Flixton Wakes.

Each image is accompanied by supporting text providing a wealth of local colour and historical detail. Using photographs from the collection in the Trafford Local Studies Centre, these evocative images will provide older residents of the area with a nostalgic look at the recent past and brig newcomers an opportunity to look at how things used to be.