A border town for most of its history, Stockport owes its origins to a prehistoric ford and the fortified rocky outcrop that overlooked it. Early industry included the dyeing and bleaching of cloth, hatting, silk spinning and, later, cotton. Some of its medieval past has been hidden by rapid expansion during the early part of the Industrial Revolution, but much still remains if you know where to look. Stockport's market area, cobbled brows, historic buildings, thoroughfares, shopping centres and parks all add to the broad range of interest within these pages. The book is designed to make readers think again about a town they thought they knew - a town that has continued to change for over 750 years. It will encourage you to make your own journey into Stockport's hidden past.