Places to visit
St Luke's (Bombed Out Church)
St Luke's Church, Liverpool, is a former Anglican parish church, which is now a ruin. It stands on the corner of Berry Street and Leece Street, looking down the length of Bold Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England. The church was built between 1811 and 1832, and was designed by John Foster, senior and John Foster, junior
Brief History Of Liverpool
From early humble origins Liverpool, as grown
and developed to become one of the most famous cities to visit in United
Kingdom. Liverpool, rich though it is in cultural history, architecture and for the many entertainers it has produced. Liverpool is very much a city of the 21st-century and the John Lennon Aiport, named for one of Liverpool's most famous sons, to-day, welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe.
Liverpool has a colorful history: In 1190 the place was known as 'Liuerpul', meaning a pool or creek with muddy water. Other origins of the name have been
suggested, including 'elverpool', a reference to the large number of eels in the Mersey. The long history of this great city stretches back in time to the 1st-century A.D. when a settlement first appeared on the bank of the Mersey.
This had grown into a thriving fishing village by the year 1200 and a charter
when letters patent were issued by King John advertising the establishment of a
new borough at Liverpool, and inviting settlers to come and take up holdings
there. It is thought that the king wanted a port in the district that was free
from the control of the earl of Chester. Initially it served as a dispatch point
for troops sent to Ireland, soon after Liverpool Castle was built, which was
removed in 1726. For four centuries, Liverpool was relatively unimportant. In
the middle of the 16th century the population of Liverpool was only around 500,
and the port was regarded as subordinate to Chester until the 1650s. A number of
battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an
eighteen-day siege in 1644. Liverpool, from this time till the end of the next
century, the 1700's, made but a slow progress either in the extent of its trade
or in the number of its inhabitants; nor is there any remarkable occurrence
recorded of it, except the siege of it by Prince Rupert, in the English Civil
Wars in 1644; some traces of which were discovered when the foundation of the
Liverpool Infirmary was sunk, particularly the marks of the trenches thrown up
by the prince, and some cartouches, etc., left behind by the besiegers. In 1699
Liverpool was made a parish on its own by Act of Parliament, separate from that
of Walton-on-the-Hill, with two parish churches. From that time may be traced
the rapid progress of population and commerce, until Liverpool had become the
second metropolis of Great Britain. In the 18th century, as trade from the West
Indies was added to that of Ireland and Europe, Liverpool began to grow. The
first wet dock in Britain was built in Liverpool in 1715. Substantial profits
from the slave trade helped the town grow and prosper. Liverpool's Black
community dates from this period and grew rapidly, reaching a population of
10,000 within five years. By the beginning of the 19th century, 40% of the
world's trade was passing through the docks at Liverpool. The Liverpool of
to-day owes much to the construction in 1846 of the "Albert Dock" a stunning
architectural triumph, and the construction of numerous wet and dry docks.
Liverpool soon became a treasure house of precious cargoes from all over the
world and the Pier Head landing stage is reputed to be the largest floating quay
in the world. Liverpool expanded significantly in the 19th century and a number
of major buildings were constructed (St. George's Hall, Lime Street Station
etc.). When the American Civil War broke out Liverpool became a hot bed of
intrigue. The last confederate ship, the CSS Alabama, was built at Birkenhead on
the Mersey and the CSS Shenandoah surrendered there. Liverpool was granted city
status in 1880. Liverpool's Town Hall was designed by John Wood of Bath. Later
James Wyatt was responsible for enlarging the building by the addition of a
Dome. Other notable buildings are the restored Museum and Walker Art Gallery.
The old parish church of St. Nicholas was rebuilt in 1952, except for the tower
of 1815. This church stands in a memorial garden facing pierhead. Standing on
the Pierhead for almost a century are the Three Graces. Rising to nearly 295ft
is the Royal Liver Building which has two towers surmounted by the legendry
Liver Birds, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The idea
for these three majestic buildings was conceived and they were constructed as
visible symbols of Liverpool's international prestige. To-day, these three
buildings define one of the worlds most recognizable skylines. Sir Giles
Gilbert-Scott designed the New Anglican Cathedral, it was begun in 1904, it has
a wonderful organ and fine stained glass windows. In stark contrast is the new
Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King, with its impressive interior
lanterntower of multi-coloured glass. This great modern-day Cathedral was
consecrated in 1967. During World War II there were eighty air-raids on
Merseyside, with an especially concentrated series of raids in May 1941 which
interrupted operations at the docks for almost a week. Although 'only' 2,500
people were killed, almost half the homes in the metropolitan area sustained
some damage and 11,000 were totally destroyed. John Lennon, one of the founding
members of The Beatles, was born in Liverpool during an air-raid on October 9,
1940. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing
estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. However, the
city has been suffering since the 1950s with the loss of numerous employers. By
1985 the population had fallen to 460,000. Declines in manufacturing and dock
activity struck the city particularly hard. Liverpool has a strong maritime
history that goes back over 800 years and there is much that bears witness to
this illustrious seafaring prowess to be seen in the town and the museums. This
enterprising City truly has something for everyone. If it is peace and quiet
that you seek, then it is to be found in the wonderful countryside that lies
just a stones throw from the city. If it is sea and sand then that too can be
found close by. Exciting shops are all around and there are numerous pubs, inns
and restaurants many of which are renowned for their international cuisine and
some that offer delicious 'home-cooked' dishes, all though provide the visitor
with a unique eating experience.
and developed to become one of the most famous cities to visit in United
Kingdom. Liverpool, rich though it is in cultural history, architecture and for the many entertainers it has produced. Liverpool is very much a city of the 21st-century and the John Lennon Aiport, named for one of Liverpool's most famous sons, to-day, welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe.
Liverpool has a colorful history: In 1190 the place was known as 'Liuerpul', meaning a pool or creek with muddy water. Other origins of the name have been
suggested, including 'elverpool', a reference to the large number of eels in the Mersey. The long history of this great city stretches back in time to the 1st-century A.D. when a settlement first appeared on the bank of the Mersey.
This had grown into a thriving fishing village by the year 1200 and a charter
when letters patent were issued by King John advertising the establishment of a
new borough at Liverpool, and inviting settlers to come and take up holdings
there. It is thought that the king wanted a port in the district that was free
from the control of the earl of Chester. Initially it served as a dispatch point
for troops sent to Ireland, soon after Liverpool Castle was built, which was
removed in 1726. For four centuries, Liverpool was relatively unimportant. In
the middle of the 16th century the population of Liverpool was only around 500,
and the port was regarded as subordinate to Chester until the 1650s. A number of
battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an
eighteen-day siege in 1644. Liverpool, from this time till the end of the next
century, the 1700's, made but a slow progress either in the extent of its trade
or in the number of its inhabitants; nor is there any remarkable occurrence
recorded of it, except the siege of it by Prince Rupert, in the English Civil
Wars in 1644; some traces of which were discovered when the foundation of the
Liverpool Infirmary was sunk, particularly the marks of the trenches thrown up
by the prince, and some cartouches, etc., left behind by the besiegers. In 1699
Liverpool was made a parish on its own by Act of Parliament, separate from that
of Walton-on-the-Hill, with two parish churches. From that time may be traced
the rapid progress of population and commerce, until Liverpool had become the
second metropolis of Great Britain. In the 18th century, as trade from the West
Indies was added to that of Ireland and Europe, Liverpool began to grow. The
first wet dock in Britain was built in Liverpool in 1715. Substantial profits
from the slave trade helped the town grow and prosper. Liverpool's Black
community dates from this period and grew rapidly, reaching a population of
10,000 within five years. By the beginning of the 19th century, 40% of the
world's trade was passing through the docks at Liverpool. The Liverpool of
to-day owes much to the construction in 1846 of the "Albert Dock" a stunning
architectural triumph, and the construction of numerous wet and dry docks.
Liverpool soon became a treasure house of precious cargoes from all over the
world and the Pier Head landing stage is reputed to be the largest floating quay
in the world. Liverpool expanded significantly in the 19th century and a number
of major buildings were constructed (St. George's Hall, Lime Street Station
etc.). When the American Civil War broke out Liverpool became a hot bed of
intrigue. The last confederate ship, the CSS Alabama, was built at Birkenhead on
the Mersey and the CSS Shenandoah surrendered there. Liverpool was granted city
status in 1880. Liverpool's Town Hall was designed by John Wood of Bath. Later
James Wyatt was responsible for enlarging the building by the addition of a
Dome. Other notable buildings are the restored Museum and Walker Art Gallery.
The old parish church of St. Nicholas was rebuilt in 1952, except for the tower
of 1815. This church stands in a memorial garden facing pierhead. Standing on
the Pierhead for almost a century are the Three Graces. Rising to nearly 295ft
is the Royal Liver Building which has two towers surmounted by the legendry
Liver Birds, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The idea
for these three majestic buildings was conceived and they were constructed as
visible symbols of Liverpool's international prestige. To-day, these three
buildings define one of the worlds most recognizable skylines. Sir Giles
Gilbert-Scott designed the New Anglican Cathedral, it was begun in 1904, it has
a wonderful organ and fine stained glass windows. In stark contrast is the new
Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King, with its impressive interior
lanterntower of multi-coloured glass. This great modern-day Cathedral was
consecrated in 1967. During World War II there were eighty air-raids on
Merseyside, with an especially concentrated series of raids in May 1941 which
interrupted operations at the docks for almost a week. Although 'only' 2,500
people were killed, almost half the homes in the metropolitan area sustained
some damage and 11,000 were totally destroyed. John Lennon, one of the founding
members of The Beatles, was born in Liverpool during an air-raid on October 9,
1940. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing
estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. However, the
city has been suffering since the 1950s with the loss of numerous employers. By
1985 the population had fallen to 460,000. Declines in manufacturing and dock
activity struck the city particularly hard. Liverpool has a strong maritime
history that goes back over 800 years and there is much that bears witness to
this illustrious seafaring prowess to be seen in the town and the museums. This
enterprising City truly has something for everyone. If it is peace and quiet
that you seek, then it is to be found in the wonderful countryside that lies
just a stones throw from the city. If it is sea and sand then that too can be
found close by. Exciting shops are all around and there are numerous pubs, inns
and restaurants many of which are renowned for their international cuisine and
some that offer delicious 'home-cooked' dishes, all though provide the visitor
with a unique eating experience.
Rodney Street Plaque Walk
Dating back to the late 1700’s walking along Rodney Street in Central Liverpool is almost like slipping back in time to the Victorian era. Along the route you will be greeted by various plaques commemorating various people, events and lives. here is Lionheart Liverpool’s guide:
Number 4: this plaque commemorates James Maury (1746 -1840). James was the first American Consol to Liverpool
Slight walks up till you reach:
Number 9: This home was the birthplace of brother and sister: Arthur and Anne Clough. Anne (1820-1892) was an avid activist and fighter for education for women. She was the first principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, UK. Her brother Arthur (1819-1861), was a poet and writer of socialism. Arthur also devoted a lot of his time to his wife's cousin; one Florence Nightingale
Next door but one is
Number 11: This was home to Mr Nicholas Montsarrat born in 1910 and passing in 1979 he was a writer who’s most famous work was the novel: The Cruel Sea
It’s a bit of a walk till we reach our next house:
Number 34: This was the residence of a pioneer and supporter of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway. Mr Henry Booth (1788-1869)
Number 43: The plaque here is in remembrance of Mr C. Thurston Holland he was a leading pioneer in the field of radiology
Next up is:
Number 53: The plaque here is dedicated to Dr William Duncan (1805-1863) Dr Duncan was Britain’s first medical officer of health and if you visit St John’s lane in Liverpool city centre there is a public house honoured in his name: Dr Duncan’s
Number 59: This was the studio of Edward Chambre Hardman. A world renowned photographer. His works include the stunning: The Copse this dates to 1934. He was born in 1898 in Dublin and died on April 2nd 1988 at Sefton Hospital. His house and studio now belongs to the national Trust.
Next is:
Number 62: This was the home to Mr William Ewart Gladstone. He was born at number 62 in 1809; the son of a merchant he went on to be the Prime minister of the United Kingdom on four separate occasions and during his fourth and final reign he became the oldest ever prime minister at the age of 84. He left office at the age of 85 before passing on just 3 years later on 2nd march 1894.
Lastly on our walk is:
Number 80: This was the home of Lytton Strachey; a member of the Bloomsbury group and author of the eminent Victorians. Lytton was born in London 1880 before passing at the young age of 51 with stomach cancer in the winter of 1932. It was widely reported that Lyttons final words were: ‘if this is dying, I don’t think much of it’
The Map below will give you location details
Number 4: this plaque commemorates James Maury (1746 -1840). James was the first American Consol to Liverpool
Slight walks up till you reach:
Number 9: This home was the birthplace of brother and sister: Arthur and Anne Clough. Anne (1820-1892) was an avid activist and fighter for education for women. She was the first principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, UK. Her brother Arthur (1819-1861), was a poet and writer of socialism. Arthur also devoted a lot of his time to his wife's cousin; one Florence Nightingale
Next door but one is
Number 11: This was home to Mr Nicholas Montsarrat born in 1910 and passing in 1979 he was a writer who’s most famous work was the novel: The Cruel Sea
It’s a bit of a walk till we reach our next house:
Number 34: This was the residence of a pioneer and supporter of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway. Mr Henry Booth (1788-1869)
Number 43: The plaque here is in remembrance of Mr C. Thurston Holland he was a leading pioneer in the field of radiology
Next up is:
Number 53: The plaque here is dedicated to Dr William Duncan (1805-1863) Dr Duncan was Britain’s first medical officer of health and if you visit St John’s lane in Liverpool city centre there is a public house honoured in his name: Dr Duncan’s
Number 59: This was the studio of Edward Chambre Hardman. A world renowned photographer. His works include the stunning: The Copse this dates to 1934. He was born in 1898 in Dublin and died on April 2nd 1988 at Sefton Hospital. His house and studio now belongs to the national Trust.
Next is:
Number 62: This was the home to Mr William Ewart Gladstone. He was born at number 62 in 1809; the son of a merchant he went on to be the Prime minister of the United Kingdom on four separate occasions and during his fourth and final reign he became the oldest ever prime minister at the age of 84. He left office at the age of 85 before passing on just 3 years later on 2nd march 1894.
Lastly on our walk is:
Number 80: This was the home of Lytton Strachey; a member of the Bloomsbury group and author of the eminent Victorians. Lytton was born in London 1880 before passing at the young age of 51 with stomach cancer in the winter of 1932. It was widely reported that Lyttons final words were: ‘if this is dying, I don’t think much of it’
The Map below will give you location details
Necropolis Liverpool (Liverpool's Oldest)
Low Hill The first burial took place on the 1st February 1825 and after this the cemetery was used largely by nonconformists. By 1896, the number of burials in the Necropolis had caused serious unsanitary conditions in the surrounding area which led to the closure of the cemetery
Toxteth Cemetery
Opened in 1856 to release the pressure on St James and other neighbouring cemeteries.
The first burial to take place was that of Elizabeth Watling on June 17th 1856. Costing just £15,000 for 30 acres of land the Burial Board purchased it from The Earl Of Sefton. Designed by William Gay of Bradford and Thomas Denville was in charge the architecture. Ten years after its opening a further ten acres was purchased. The cemetery contains the war graves of 274 Commonwealth service personnel, 227 from World War I and 45 from World War II
It is also the resting place of numerous notable people including:
BENT, JOHN, Sir Knt born in 1793, he was the owner of Bent's brewery and Lord Mayor of Liverpool from 1850 to 1851. In October 1851, John was knighted at the Town Hall when Queen by Victoria came to Liverpool. It was stated in the local press "with much pomp and splendour and the streets thronged with people". He died on 13th August 1857.
BOGUE, ROBERT LACHLAN, born on 5th November 1820, Robert was a master at Liverpool College for 44 years and head from 1873 - 1890 to 1891. He lived at 17 Oxford Street, and was held in quite high regard by his pupils, one saying of John "He helped boys to an all round gentlemany character and bearing". On his retirement he was presented with an "illuminated address and a purse of pure gold". He died on 14th September 1903 aged 83 years, leaving in his will £125 to the Liverpool Hospital for Consumption.
COMMELIN, JOHN, was inspector of the Liverpool Fire Brigade. On 28th July 1861 he was killed by the" falling of a wall" after a large fire at the premises of Messers Garnock Bibby & Co on Wavertree Road, Liverpool. He died at the age of 39 and left a wife and a young family.
GRAVES, SAMUEL ROBERT born on 7th June 1818 born in Ireland. He was a Conservative politician and merchant ship owner. Samuel was Lord mayor of Liverpool in 1861. At the 1865 general election, Graves was elected Member of Parliament for Liverpool. He held the seat until his death on 18th January 1873.
The first burial to take place was that of Elizabeth Watling on June 17th 1856. Costing just £15,000 for 30 acres of land the Burial Board purchased it from The Earl Of Sefton. Designed by William Gay of Bradford and Thomas Denville was in charge the architecture. Ten years after its opening a further ten acres was purchased. The cemetery contains the war graves of 274 Commonwealth service personnel, 227 from World War I and 45 from World War II
It is also the resting place of numerous notable people including:
BENT, JOHN, Sir Knt born in 1793, he was the owner of Bent's brewery and Lord Mayor of Liverpool from 1850 to 1851. In October 1851, John was knighted at the Town Hall when Queen by Victoria came to Liverpool. It was stated in the local press "with much pomp and splendour and the streets thronged with people". He died on 13th August 1857.
BOGUE, ROBERT LACHLAN, born on 5th November 1820, Robert was a master at Liverpool College for 44 years and head from 1873 - 1890 to 1891. He lived at 17 Oxford Street, and was held in quite high regard by his pupils, one saying of John "He helped boys to an all round gentlemany character and bearing". On his retirement he was presented with an "illuminated address and a purse of pure gold". He died on 14th September 1903 aged 83 years, leaving in his will £125 to the Liverpool Hospital for Consumption.
COMMELIN, JOHN, was inspector of the Liverpool Fire Brigade. On 28th July 1861 he was killed by the" falling of a wall" after a large fire at the premises of Messers Garnock Bibby & Co on Wavertree Road, Liverpool. He died at the age of 39 and left a wife and a young family.
GRAVES, SAMUEL ROBERT born on 7th June 1818 born in Ireland. He was a Conservative politician and merchant ship owner. Samuel was Lord mayor of Liverpool in 1861. At the 1865 general election, Graves was elected Member of Parliament for Liverpool. He held the seat until his death on 18th January 1873.
Birkenhead Priory And St Mary's Tower
Birkenhead, Merseyside
Phone: 0151 666 1249
The Birkenhead Priory is the oldest building that is situated on Merseyside. Originally inhabited by Sixteen Monks they had the rights to fish in the River Mersey as well as launch a cross river ferry service. Dating back to 1150 and founded by Hamin De Massey it was used as a sanctuary. In 1275 Edward I made a visited to the priory.
It is an amazing place to visit.
The history long and fruitful of Birkenhead goes way back beyond Victorian years Merseyside,
Birkenhead Priory encapsulates so much of the town's history. The priory. Founded in 1150 so the monks of this Benedictine monastery had shelter and a place to welcome visitors.
The tower of St Mary's, the first parish church of the town
It is an amazing place to visit.
The history long and fruitful of Birkenhead goes way back beyond Victorian years Merseyside,
Birkenhead Priory encapsulates so much of the town's history. The priory. Founded in 1150 so the monks of this Benedictine monastery had shelter and a place to welcome visitors.
The tower of St Mary's, the first parish church of the town
Go On One Of Steve Binns MBE's Legendary Tours
Community historian Stephen Binns MBE is one of Liverpool's most outstanding ambassadors for the city's heritage and tourism industry, Go to Steve's Facebook for information on up coming events.
Bidston Hill
The Wirrals most active location. Murders, Suicides, Witchcraft and Spirits can all be linked to this area
China Town
Home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe and the arch is the largest multi spanning arch outside of China.