City and metropolitan borough (pop., 2001: 284,544), northwestern England.
First chartered in 1220, the original settlement was built in a gorge where the Rivers Tame and Goyt meet to form the River Mersey ; the modern town has spread over higher ground. Cotton spinning was important in the 19th century; in the 20th century diversification brought electronics and heavy engineering industries. Part of the metropolitan area of Greater Manchester, the metropolitan borough includes, in addition to Stockport proper, the urban area of Cheadle, the towns of Bramhall, Romiley, and Marple, and areas of open countryside.