 Farming was the main occupation in Urmston until the early 19th century , when weaving became a significant source of employment , although this later declined due to competition from large industry . In 1848 , the population was recorded as being 771 , with around 80 % of the land being farmed . The opening of the Cheshire Lines Railway in 1873 allowed the town to grow as a commuter town : between 1871 and 1901 the population grew by over 650 % , from 996 to 6 @,@ 594 . By 1901 , farming had virtually died out , and the town became a residence for the middle classes . 
