Stockport's county affiliation is historically complex, primarily lying in Cheshire with portions in Lancashire, while administratively it is part of Greater Manchester.
Historic County Affiliation of Stockport
Historically, the town and most of the borough of Stockport are situated within the historic county of Cheshire. However, its geographical spread means that certain areas of the borough also extend into the historic county of Lancashire. This division is largely defined by natural boundaries within the region.
- Predominantly Cheshire: The main historic town of Stockport and the majority of its surrounding borough are traditionally part of Cheshire.
- Partially Lancashire: An area located to the west of the River Tame and north of the River Mersey falls within the historic county of Lancashire.
Stockport's Modern Administrative County
While its historical roots are firmly planted in Cheshire and Lancashire, Stockport's administrative identity in the modern era is different. Since 1974, Stockport has been a metropolitan borough within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester. This means that for administrative, governmental, and ceremonial purposes, Stockport functions as a key component of Greater Manchester.
For more information on the metropolitan county, you can refer to resources about Greater Manchester.
Summary of Stockport's County Affiliations
| Type of County | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Historic | Primarily Cheshire, with parts in Lancashire |
| Administrative | Greater Manchester |
Geographic Markers of Historic Divisions
The historic division of Stockport between Cheshire and Lancashire can be understood by considering these natural waterways:
- River Tame: The area west of this river, combined with land north of the River Mersey, historically fell under Lancashire.
- River Mersey: Areas north of this river, particularly when combined with those west of the River Tame, were traditionally part of Lancashire.
