Stockport

Stockport is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies to the southeast of Manchester city centre, at the confluence of the River Goyt and the River Tame, which forms the River Mersey. The town sits on a historically strategic crossing of routes between northern England and the northwest.

Founded as a medieval market town, Stockport grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution. It became a centre for hat-making and related textile industries, earning a reputation for felt hats. Although heavy industry declined in the 20th century, these sectors left a lasting industrial heritage.

Notable landmarks include the Stockport Viaduct, a large brick railway viaduct opened in the 1840s, and the town’s civic architecture. Cultural facilities include the Stockport Hat Works museum, celebrating the hatting industry, the Stockport Plaza cinema, and local markets.

Governance: Stockport is part of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, within Greater Manchester. It was historically part of Cheshire and became part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan area in 1974. The local economy is now diverse, with services, retail, and logistics playing major roles, aided by proximity to Manchester, the M60 motorway, and rail links.

Transport and sport: Stockport is served by Stockport railway station with services to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and London via connections. The town is also connected by major roads and bus services. Stockport County F.C. plays at Edgeley Park, and the town hosts a range of cultural and recreational facilities.