Altrincham is a market town in Greater Manchester. It was given a market charter in 1290, and permitted to hold a market on a Tuesday. When the Bridgewater Canal arrived in Altrincham in 1765 it encouraged a growth of market gardening in the town, and the later arrival of the railway made the area popular with the middle-classes. Altrincham is frequently voted one of the best places to live in the North East of England and is said to have the highest proportion of millionaires as residents outside of London. The Waterstones is located in a modern shopping centre.
Altrincham Market
Altrincham Market (or Alty Market as the locals call it) has seen a revival in recent years, and the indoor market is now home to various eateries with communal tables seating nearly 200 people, whilst the outdoor covered section has various stalls from clothing and pottery to cheese, and opens on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a very attractive building in a pretty area of the town.
The Eudaemonium
This is a living sculpture in the form of a book and made from metal and wood intended to promote well-being. It has a locked cupboard behind the metal panel with the wording on, which contains recipes and tips for health. It’s a nice idea, although I’m not sure how this helps people as they can’t access the items, as far as I can tell. It’s an attractive statue though.
The wording in the centre reads:
Note the spelling of Altrincham with a ‘g’ instead of a c. This is the spelling of the town as it would have ben in the year 1290.
Janet's Adventures in Waterstones 