Images open window to Greater Manchester borough's forgotten agricultural past

A new 2026 calendar featuring historic photos of Trafford is now on sale. Trafford has roots dating back to Roman times, with evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age activity also in the area. Once largely rural and agricultural, the area underwent a significant transformation during the Industrial Revolution, with the emergence of textile mills and engineering works. In 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal spurred rapid growth, particularly around Old Trafford. Post-war development saw Trafford evolve into a key residential and commercial borough, which was officially formed in 1974. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Many associate Trafford as being the home of the Trafford Centre, Manchester United FC, and the Lancashire County Cricket Club. A 2026 calendar featuring fascinating scenes from the borough's past is now available to buy from the Local Studies and Archives Centre at Waterside House, Sale. Staff at the centre carefully selected a dozen images from the Trafford Council's photographic archives, each depicting places, people, and events of the borough in years past. The calendar is on sale for £12 at Local Studies, as well as at Stretford and Urmston libraries, alongside heritage Christmas cards featuring new images from the extensive archives. Also about to be revealed is Trafford Local Studies and Archives' annual social media advent calendar, featuring more newly digitised and unseen images from around the borough. Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: "We have an amazing collection of old photos of Trafford in our collections as well as documents, plans and other artefacts. "We love to bring this material to wider audiences wherever we can. We're delighted to present the calendar and greetings cards, that can take pride of place in people's homes, as well as a wealth of shareable vintage imagery on social media." View some of the images featured in the new calendar below. Love Greater Manchester's past? Sign up to our nostalgia newsletter here