Urmston lies about 6 miles south west of Manchester city centre and nowadays includes the areas of Davyhulme and Flixton.

It was originally a small farming community, but with the Industrial Revolution was transformed into a middle class residential area. Large houses were built by the wealthy bankers, manufacturers and merchants.

In 1872, the coming of the railway ensured that the area remained popular. Business men were now able to escape the city by returning home to a residence in a rural area.