History of Kirkdale

Chirchedale, Domesday; Kirkedale, 1185; Kierkedale, 1200 (VCH Lancs, III).

Origins of the name: from Norse kirk (church), and dale (valley / ‘road to’); perhaps “road to the church [at Walton-on-the-Hill]”.

Image: 59-73 Barlow Lane, Kirkdale by Rodhullandemu, released under a Creative Commons license

Historic Features in Kirkdale

Kirkdale occupies an area of flat land on the banks of the Mersey, formerly consisting of sand hills, for which this part of the Sefton coast is still well known. It is one of the oldest coastal settlements, pre-dating Liverpool itself, and containing evidence for centuries of human occupation.

Origins of the name: from Norse kirk (church), and dale (valley / ‘road to’); therefore the name may mean “the road to the church”, referring to the road from Liverpool to its mother church at Walton-on-the-Hill.

This would help explain the fact that there are no traces of an ancient church in the area, and only scant sign of an original village. Kirkdale Road was an important route into Liverpool too, once the emerging town became a market destination for traders and producers across Lancashire.

[J.A. Picton recorded that in 1699, when a case was being made for Liverpool becoming a parish in its own right, separate from Walton, one of the reasons was that parishioners were being distracted on their way to church by the ale house in Kirkdale! In that sense the place name referred to a village sitting on the road between Liverpool and Walton, namely Kirkdale Road, which becomes Walton Road at the suggested old centre of Kirkdale itself.]

Morley Street (on a site now occupied by football pitches) can be considered the next best thing to a founding village: it was the place where settlement existed before Liverpool engulfed the area, and can be seen on the early Ordnance Surveys. Kirkdale Marsh lay to the north of here, while Beacon Gutter, a small stream running to the south of Blackfield House, formed the southerly boundary with Liverpool.

Book

I don’t know of a good book about general Kirkdale history. Could you recommend one? Let me know in the comments!

Website

Perhaps the best web resource on Kirkdale history is that on Bob Edward’s Liverpool Picturebook. There’s a collection of old photos and text is a good summary of the area’s past.

Visit the (now archived) website

Kirkdale c.1900

Use the slider in the top left to change the transparency of the old map.

Landscape

James Picton, historian and architect, could write in the 19th century that Kirkdale consisted of two hills, with a road (the ‘dale’) running between. The Blackfield Terrace area was one hill, whilst the second hill can be found in the area formerly occupied by the Liverpool Industrial School (see below).

A stream ran between the two hills, from the suburb of Walton to the place where Canada Dock now sits. This route can now probably be identified with the rough direction of Bank Hall Street, which runs south west towards the River Mersey from Stanley Road. The stream entered the Mersey at Bank Hall, an important building in the history of Kirkdale.

The Moores and Bank Hall

Kirkdale became home to the Moore family from the 13th century onwards. Up until that time John de la More had owned a house – Moore Hall, first mentioned in 1236 – in the north part of the town of Liverpool. But the family began to acquire lands in Kirkdale, and eventually built a new home out there. This was called Bank Hall, and the ‘Old Hall’, which gave its name to Old Hall Street, was left to the family’s Lady Dowager to live in.

The Old Hall continued in use until the 19th century, although it passed into the hands of the Stanley family as the fortunes of the Moores waned. The Perry map of 1768 shows the Old Hall as a large house with wings and gardens to one side. In the hundred years which followed this, the house was gradually altered and eventually demolished.

Bank Hall itself was a moated house, with a causeway between two lakes giving access to the building itself. It stood on the corner of what are now Bankhall Lane and Juniper Street, although the roads have seen some reshaping in the intervening years.

The coast to the west of Kirkdale was, before the arrival of the docks, popular as a destination for bathers and those seeking the fresh air. Later, when the Wellington, Huskisson and Sandon Docks were built, Southport replaced Kirkdale as the preferred holiday destination for discerning Liverpudlians.

Kirkdale Gaol

While Kirkdale was still an open landscape, a large gaol was constructed, incorporating a courthouse. Eyebrows were raised in Liverpool around the need for such as huge house of correction, which was said to be able to hold the entire population of Liverpool at the date it opened (1818). The building replaced the previous gaol, closer to the seafront, which had been described by the prison reformer John Howard as ” insufferably dirty, grimy and wretched”.

In 1835 the court moved to Liverpool itself (eventually to St George’s Hall), but the gaol’s catchment area covered the whole of south Lancashire. Prisoners who would previously have been sent to Lancaster now came to Kirkdale, and a good number were executed here in public.

The building itself was at the end of Sessions Road (appropriately), a place used since its demolition in 1897 as a recreation ground. The layout used the fashionable model of the ‘Panopticon’, with two towers in the centre which each looked over its own wing. The prison officers were thus able to watch the prisoners in their cells without the prisoners knowing precisely when (or by whom) they were being watched.

Kirkdale Industrial School

This school was another state-run institution, for the teaching of ‘pauper’ children, and stood on a site to the north east of the Gaol. It opened in 1845 to the designs of Lockwood and Allom, and was considered an attractive building at the time (some illustrations show a rather palatial-looking building).

The 400 children were taught reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as religious instruction and useful trades like carpentry, shoemaking and needlework. Eventually the buildings proved too small for the number of children needing to be taken care of, and new buildings were designed by Picton & Son.

When the need for such institutions fell out of favour in the 20th century, the building became the Kirkdale Homes for the Aged and Infirm, and were eventually taken into ownership by the council and Hospital Board. Now, however, the buildings have been demolished, and a network of modern roads and houses occupy the site.

Kirkdale, Liverpool and urban development

A village so close to the ambitious and growing town of Liverpool could not expect to stay rural for very long. The old Moore Hall on the edge of town was already becoming surrounded by buildings as the 18th century wore on, and was altered and demolished to make way for road improvements from 1820 onwards. Picton tells us that Kirkdale was still mostly rural at the beginning of the 19th century, and was still only half-developed by around 1850, and the 1851 Ordnance Survey backs this up. But new roads were being added onto Liverpool’s northern fringes to cater for the growth in businesses which were spreading out from Dale Street and Castle Street.

As Liverpool’s wealth increased, the richest merchants looked for room to build the large houses that would reflect their status in society. Kirkdale was one of the first areas to become a suburb, and a fashionable one at that. As the Industrial Revolution approached, the area of Kirkdale began to be developed with large houses and new roads, along with other desirable places like Toxteth Park and Mosslake Fields.

Two arrivals in the 19th century put paid to Kirkdale’s days as a semi-rural suburb. The first was the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, which brought trade and goods into north Liverpool, and immediately attracted a huge number of businesses to its terminus around Leeds Street. The second was the Liverpool & Bury (later the Lancashire & Yorkshire) Railway which opened in 1848. This not only encouraged even more industry into the area, but itself contributed to the smokey, sooty atmosphere taking over from, no doubt, the mellow airs of cut grass and cow dung.

Kirkdale’s proximity to the docks was always going to make it a great place to build houses for the thousands of casual workers who were too poor to live more than walking distance from their potetnial employers. As Liverpool’s growth reached its peak in the late Victorian period a grid-iron pattern of terraces crept across the landscape. The richer classes – from the clerks all the way up to the shipping line owners – moved further from the town centre. The clerks tended to move to Anfield and Walton while the richest built new villas in the countryside around Woolton and West Derby, or north of Bootle.

Finally, Kirkdale was incorporated into Liverpool itself in 1835, and was one of the earliest suburbs to do so.

Twentieth Century Slum Clearance

The swathes of unsuitable housing which blighted places like Kirkdale in the 20th century were the inevitable result of unscrupulous landlords throwing up as many properties as possible for the lowest cost. The bombing of the Liverpool docklands during the Second World War spilled over towards Scotland Road and the surrounding houses, and combined with ambitious slum clearances the post-war council took the opportunity to reshape the inner city.

Parts of Kirkdale became a blank canvas on which to draw in physical form the shape of Liverpool’s hoped-for resurgence. The most obvious feature, looked at on a map or from the air, is the loop road leading to the Kingsway Tunnel entrance, but many other parts of Kirkdale were reshaped too, and now the area immediately north of Liverpool city centre is dominated by large industrial units and warehousing, where there was once a mixture of dense housing, and a multitude of workplaces. Many of the roads in Kirkdale, such as once-major thoroughfares like Bevington Bush, have changed beyond all recognition: reshaped, remodelled, diverted, demolished.

The living and working conditions of Kirkdale have no doubt improved a lot since this process took place, but communities were separated when the houses came down, and nothing can quite reproduce the way of life experienced by millions of Liverpudlians in the 200 years since the area urbanised. Some people stayed in Kirkdale, and Logan Towers, one block, was the tallest prefabricated building in the world. Liverpool rivalled, or maybe even surpassed, London as a centre of high-rise living.

Sources

Books

Greaney, M., 2013, Liverpool: a landscape history, The History Press, Stroud

Picton, J, 1875, Memorials of Liverpool : historical and topographical, including a history of the Dock Estate, Longmans, Green, London

Philpott RA 1988 ‘Historic Towns of the Merseyside Area: a survey of urban settlement to c1800’ Liverpool Museum Occasional Paper, No 3, 60 pp.

Online

Kirkdale (British History Online) http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=41286

Kirkdale Gaol, Liverpool Mercury Nov 9th, 1857, Liverpool Life http://www.old-merseytimes.co.uk/kirkdalegaol.html

Liverpool, Lancashire http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Liverpool/

416 Comments on “History of Kirkdale”

    • Michael Davis

      says:

      Can anyone help? I am researching my family history and have discovered that my great-grandparents kept the pub at 238 Marsh Lane, Bootle for a number of years. If anyone has any information on this, which I believe was known as the St George Tavern towards the end of its life, i’d be extremely grateful. Many thanks

      Reply

  • O would like to know more about Back Westminster Road and the two very old cottages that are on the right hand side ?they have thick walls , and untill recently the did not have windows in the side elevation. i remember when i as a child they earth floors .
    volin

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Colin,
      These cottages could be very old indeed. Looking at the First Edition Ordnance Survey map (1:10,560) they are in a still rural area. Two major buildings nearby are Kirkdale Gaol, and the Liverpool Industrial School.
      The houses which still exist on Bootle Lane are marked, and it seems very odd that a row of large houses and a row of small cottages are squeezed back to back between large fields. Perhaps the cottages were associated with the houses, for example as service buildings. Alternatively, perhaps the cottages are older, with the newer houses on Bootle Lane being built on the main road.
      Looking at the layout of the gardens, it could be that the larger houses had only short gardens (having been built later), with the rest of the land belonging to the cottages, Back Westminster Road running between cottage and garden.
      The two cottages you mention are the only ones left out of the whole row, which extended north to what is now Goodall Street. It’s amazing what survives down the centuries.

      Reply

      • Robin

        says:

        Hello Martin,
        interesting to read your comments and yes it is amazing what survives through time. Including me. I was born in one of the dank cottages and lived for 23 years in the other and if you really want a tale about Romanies, poverty, betrayal, racism, education, violence and many other social issue’s then I have the true story that should be documented in a book.
        I remain extremely angry at my early life as a Romany and the manner in which we were treated or ill treated down “the Lane”.

        Rob.

        Reply

        • Hi Rob,

          Thanks for your comments. Yes, I’m always astounded by the hardiness of many of those born into mid-20th century Liverpool poverty. I’m from a rather pampered generation by contrast, and wouldn’t last a week in those conditions!

          If you do want to write a short account of your early life experiences then I would be more than happy to post something here, fully attributed to you. I’ve done something similar before (see e.g. http://www.liverpool-landscapes.net/2011/09/toxteth-some-distant-childhood-memories/). My readers are especially interested in the landscape, how the places shaped your experience, but whatever you have to offer would be fascinating.

          Regards,
          Martin

          Reply

          • Robin

            says:

            Hi Martin and thanks for your comments. However I am not sure if this is the best format to document the true story. It is much bigger than a few paragraphs would allow but thanks anyway.

            I need to speak with a ghost writer to pen the whole story.

            Kind regards Rob

        • Colette Hickson

          says:

          Did you have a Gypsy Caravan in the back way ?because when i was very young i rember seeing one there at the back of Westministwr road I was always fascinated by it . We lived i Selwyn Street

          Reply

        • Margaret

          says:

          Hi Robin

          Do you remember Freda, Dinky and Diddles, my Mum lived in Brunswick Square until the mid fifties. Their family name is Ward, she remembers them with great fondness.

          Reply

          • Linda

            says:

            Hello Margaret,
            Joseph Ward lived at 7 Brunswick Square until the time of his death in 1937, aged 72. His wife was called Elizabeth. I’m wondering if he was related to your mum’s family.
            Regards,
            Linda

        • Madeline

          says:

          Gosh reading your Post really brought back some beautiful childhood memories. I was born and raised in Westminster Road and my Sister had a Romany friend who lived down the ‘Lane’ I cannot at this moment remember Her name but Her Mum was always known to me as Auntie Elsie, I was always made extremely welcome when I called in to get my Sister home at Tea Time. I remember the dogs who use to bark at strangers walking up the entrance, they became my friends as they got to know me. I have lovely memories of sitting around the campfires in the evenings, I could go on and on….. God bless you Auntie Elsie you and your Family enhanced my childhood…..

          Reply

        • John Martland

          says:

          Hi robin any photos of your mum’s wagon I believe she bought it off yanky Joe varey on Appleby and had a Whitaker Hutchinson dray under it I’m into the old wagons that’s all and I live in scarisbrick thanks John

          Reply

        • Mark Messham

          says:

          HI ROBIN,WE MUST BE RELATED I USED TO VISIT AUNT FREDA AT BACK WESTMINSTER RD THROUGHOUT MY EARLY LIFE ALSO I HAVE SUFFERED RACISM BECAUSE OF MY BACKGROUND IT DOES LEAVE A SCAR AND LASTING MEMORY I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR STORY ,I AM BASED IN THE ISLE OF MAN NOW WE HAVE A CAR GARAGE IN RAMSEY 01624 816930 I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOU TO CONTACT.
          REGARDS
          MARK MESSHAM

          Reply

      • Hi there, I am trying to identify what the building 67 Bankhall Street was originally. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

        Reply

        • Martin

          says:

          Hi Martin,

          It’s marked on the 1967 map as the “Glob Works (Wire Rope & Cable)”. Hope that answers your question!

          Martin

          Reply

      • Pam

        says:

        Hi Martin,
        I live in 234 Westminster Road and was told when we bought this house it was built in 1825 and was formerly known as Bootle Lane. I would like to see and read about the area and in particular old photos/images of my house and area surrounding. So far have not had much success are you able to help?

        Reply

        • Martin

          says:

          Hi Pam,

          You’re right, there’s not much information online about this specific part of the city. It was rural about 150 years ago, becoming an attractive suburb, and gradually built up into an area of small terraced houses as the years went by. I’ve never seen any images of the buildings here, but the old maps of the place are very detailed around 1849: https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/Map/335301/393868/13/100870

          Martin

          Reply

        • Adrienne Wood

          says:

          My grandparents lived at 209 Westminster Road for most of their adult lives,I stayed with them for a few weeks in the summer in the late 50s and early 60s, I remember the grassed squares wher the children played and the sparrows took dust baths!

          My grandparents were of Italian heritage, Emmanuel Monti and Emilia Ferri. Manny had been a layer of terrazzo floors, he and some of his male relatives laid the floors in a number of important buildings in Liverpool, and also in the Royal Albert Hall and Canterbury Cathedral. They also did mosaic floors in shop entrances, and mosaic business signs on walls. My grandfather also had a wood and wood related hardware shop on or very close to Westminster Road, I remember at here being wood stacked all around the walls, and big circular saw mounted onto a large bench or table in the middle of the shop. My grandmother worked behind the counter, selling nails, screws, hinges, knobs and handles and suchlike.

          Reply

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Adrienne

            My name is Jane and I came across your post, I have no connection to you whatsoever, but I do assist people (no strings attached) with their family research.

            I was wondering have you looked into your family tree?
            Your Grandfather Emmanuel has the same birthday as my daughter – 12 May (1902) so that struck a cord with me.
            If you have already pursued your search please forgive the intrusion – if you would like me to search further for you just let me know

            Kindest regards Jane

          • Kevin Wood

            says:

            Philomena Monti married Ronnie Wood. I think we may be related somehow. My dad Tommy was Ronnie’s brother.

      • Hi Robin,
        I grew up by you & your Sister, remember the ponies & shire horses further down the lane. Your collie dog that ran fast to “exit stage left” I remember your family with great fondness actually.

        Reply

      • Anthony

        says:

        That was the kirkdale house of correction the new jail

        Reply

    • Jeff illingworth

      says:

      Hi Colin I think my father used to own no 1 Back Westminster Road, I have the receipt here for it. He bought it off A David Lewis a Glazier in 1948 for 250 pound.

      regards Jeff NZ

      Reply

    • Ken Crawford

      says:

      Hello Colin

      Only just discovered this website and read your letter. In the late 50s and early 60s, I knew a Jim Enright who lived in or just off Westminster Road. His father made (I think) hand-carts. Any relative? Jim would have been born in 1935 or 1936. Until the age of 13 in 1950, I lived on Stanley Road.

      Ken Crawford

      Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    I’m trying to find out what area in Kirkdale my father was born. His address on his birth certificate says 21 Sharp Street. This was in 1918.

    How would I be able to find anything out about his house and area?

    Hoping you can help

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Jane,

      According to some top research by Rob Ainsworth at the Liverpool History Society, Sharp Street has been redeveloped into Archer Close (Archer Street next to it has kept its name over the years). This is the place today: http://g.co/maps/sg2gj

      I hope this gets you started in your research (there are plenty of books on the area), but is there anything specific you’d like to know?

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

      • SYLVIA POWE

        says:

        Hi Martin

        I have been doing a bit of research into my late mother’s family tree and found that on the 1911 census her grandmother (Amelia Andrews} had a confectioner’s shop at 137 Westminster Road. I wondered if you would be able to give me any information about this, unfortunately there are no family members (to my knowledge) that I can ask.

        Kind regards

        Sylvie

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Sylvia

          Are you still researching your ancestor Amelia Andrews (nee Parker)

          If you would like more info I can help you with that.
          I have found her marriage license amongst other things.

          If you already have a full history please forgive the intrusion.

          Kind regards
          Jane

          Reply

          • sylvia powe

            says:

            Hi Jane

            Have just seen your reply. Although I don’t have Amelia’s marriage certificate, I do know the details of her marriage but would love to hear from you with regards to any information you may have.
            Kind regards

            Sylvie

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Sylvia

            Just came on to the website & saw your reply – as its been some time since then – please give me a few days & when I get a moment I’ll look for what I found regarding your ancestors

            Kind regards Jane

  • Hello Martin, I lived and grew up in one of the two remaining cottages in Kirkdale you were talking about earlier, they are very old and I remember most things from when I was 5 yrs old until I left to get married, Nice to speak to you. Yvonne

    says:

    Hello Martin,

    I grew up from when I was 5 yrs old in one of the two remaining cottages you were talking about in Kirkdale, I remember the stone walls and floors and how cold it used to be in the winter, I was there until I left to get married.

    Regards,
    Yvonne

    Reply

  • Gill

    says:

    Hi, I am currently researching the Molyneux family name, and research has shown that the family were Corn Millers, employing 7 men in 1851. The census shows the address as Molineux Mill & Cottage, Bootle Lane, Kirkdale, and the 1861 census shows the address as Windmill Yard, Bootle Lane, Kirkdale.

    Do you have any information on the mills? I am assuming that they no longer exist.

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi Gill,

      The main reference to this windmill I’ve found is on Wikipedia, which states that it burned down in 1834, and references the book Windmill Land by Allen Clarke (1916) as its source. However, I’ve not been able to get at a copy of the book myself to check.

      Its early demise means it doesn’t appear on the Ordnance Survey maps (the earliest of these being 1851). A windmill (“Spellow Mill”) appears on some earlier maps just north of Bootle Lane (now Westminster Road), though I’m not sure that this is the same one – it’s north of the still-present Spellow Lane, and may have used Bootle Lane as its address. If anyone else has an opinion on this do respond below.

      I’ve added a scan of the Yates and Perry map of 1768 to the Historic Liverpool Facebook page to let you make up your own mind.

      I hope this gives you a start in your research on the mill.

      Reply

  • Elaine Neary

    says:

    Hi Jane

    You mention you are researching Sharp Street. Sharp Street was one of two side streets which ran off Sandheys Street. The other being Wilkin Street. They ran into Archer Street which ran from Walton Road, down past St Marys park and church and finished at Westminster Road, just by the baths. My family lived in Sandheys for a very long time and everybody knew each other. What was your father’s name.

    Reply

    • Jimmy

      says:

      my grandparents lived in number 5 and number 10 sandhey street

      Reply

      • Diane Givnan

        says:

        What were there names. I lived in 17 and I’m 68 now so may of known them. My name was Diane Stewart

        Reply

      • Jonathan

        says:

        Does anyone remember the Rooney family at 6 Sandhays St. Margaret and Robert would of been the heads of the family in 1929. They had many children though I dare say that wasn’t uncommon! Two boys went to the US in c1929.

        Reply

      • Hello Jimmy, I have only just come across this site and your email . I used to live at number 16 Sandheys Street until 1966/7.
        We left to go and live in Zante Tower in Netherfield Rd. Biggest mistake my parents ever made. I didn’t stick around.
        Can I ask. What was your surname

        Reply

      • WILL

        says:

        Hi Jimmy,if you dont mind me asking. When did they live in Sandheys St, and what where their names

        Reply

    • I lived in Sandheys st from birth untill 69. My mums and dads name was Agnes and Jackie Stewart. We lived in number 17 . My name Was Diane Stewart my sister Joan and brother Donald. I have lots of memories from my childhood and remember a lot of people who lived there

      Reply

      • Elaine Neary

        says:

        Omg Diane Stewart. Only talking about you yesterday. I was Elaine Cottier. Loved in the top house number 37. I’m remember you all so well. Your Donald used to play cricket n the street with the Arrowsmiths and Stephen Rimmer. My auntie lived in 17 before your mum and then she went to Canada and came back to live in Wilkin Street. Edna Fowles.
        My mum was Rene and we loved bed with my Nan Mrs Milling

        Wasn’t Joyce Moor and her brothers Kevin and Brian next to you

        Reply

        • Diane givnan

          says:

          Hi yes Joyce was my friend. Isabel Wallace lived opposite and Frances Duncan further down the street. I remember the Arrowsmiths especially Jeanette. God I remember my childhood and how we were always playing out .iI remember Mrs Milling and also the lady who always made toffee apples on bonfire night. Happy days

          Reply

        • Diane Givnan

          says:

          Hi yes Joyce lived next door with Kevin and Brian. Frances Duncan lived further down and Isabel Wallace lived opposite. I remember the Arrowsmiths especially Jeanette. I remember your nan well. I remember having a happy childhood even though we didn’t have much. All the kids played together ( kick the can cricket to name two).

          Reply

          • Elaine Neary

            says:

            If have to dig it out but I’ve got a picture of your dad when he was about 5. He was in my mums class at st Mary’s school. I’ll try find it over the weekend. Don’t know how pics work on this site but I’m on Facebook
            Great to hear from you. Are you in the site “I’m From Kirkdale “. A lot of people from our area are. Do you remember Pamela Arscott and her brother Richie. They are on. We have all been on tonight with memories. Michael Harrison whose mum had the shop with Dola and his dad had the dairy.

          • Diane Givnan

            says:

            A picture would be great thanks .I will find that other Kirk dale site and join and I’m also on face book. I remember Pamala and Dola. Do you remember Caroline Ainsworth who’s parents owned the newsagents on Walton rd. I had a paper round there when I was 13 for pocket money. I went to Major Lester school with her but then went on to Lambeth rd and she didn’t.

        • Shaun Joynson

          says:

          Elaine Cottier?

          Any relation to my grandmother Emma Cottier, who Iive in tintern street and later moved over to Medlock Street where my father was born.

          Reply

      • Hi Dianne. Sorry for the delay, as I have only just been made aware of this site. I used to live at No 16 Sandheys Street. My family left the street in 1968 to go and live in a multi storey tower block. Zante Tower, bottom of Netherfield road. Biggest mistake they ever made. I have many good memories of Sandheys Street and of the KIrkdale area.
        Please , if you wish, get in touch.

        Reply

  • Elaine Neary

    says:

    Hi Jane = just put a little info about Sharp Street on the site. Let me know if I can help

    Reply

    • Melinda Wilson

      says:

      Hello, my name is Melinda and I am researching Sharp Street also. My family, the Carrolls lived at number 7. James Carroll is listed there in 1900 as a General Dealer. Was there a shop in Sharp Street please? I can’t seem to find anything out at the moment.
      Thank you, Mel

      Reply

  • Hi,

    This link gets you to a map that shows the position of Molyneux mill, Bootle Lane.

    http://www.british-history.ac.uk/mapsheet.aspx?compid=55125&sheetid=4742&ox=0&oy=0&zm=1&czm=10&x=284&y=80

    The windmill that burnt down on Bootle Lane, 1834, was the mill that was owned by Jeremiah Shaw.

    http://archive.org/stream/historyofcornmil04bennuoft#page/198/mode/2up

    The Annals of 1843 Gores Directory says:

    Shaws windmill at Bootle entirely destroyed by fire. This mill was one of the oldest in the neighbourhood of Liverpool. There having been one on site upwards of 200 yrs.

    On the map above it shows New Mill which was the one that jeremiah Shaw built in place of the windmill that was destroyed by fire. His daughter and her husband ran New Mill on Bootle lane, after Jerry’s death in 1840.

    I do have a picture of New Mill but I am not sure how to get it on here.
    Any problems with the links let me know.

    regards Gillian

    Reply

  • Gillian Orritt

    says:

    Hi Martin,

    I will try and email the picture to you later. Unfortunately the quality isn’t as good as I

    would liked as I had to use the camera on a phone to take it, because our camera was

    broken, and I had promised to send a copy to someone, hence the phone camera. We

    have not been able to replace our camera yet. The picture is also under glass in a frame.

    Do you know where online I could find a copy of the Yates and Perry Map 1768 as I am

    interested in having a look at the map to the area to the left of the map you put on

    facebook for Gill.

    Regards Gillian

    Reply

  • Jimmy

    says:

    My grand parents lived in Sandhey Street one in number 5 and the other in number 10 right opposite each other i remember Joe
    Armours stable many good memories of that and all the other streets around there

    Reply

    • Hi Jimmy,

      Thanks for adding your memories of Kirkdale to this page. Lots of visitors to this site seem to have fond memories of the area.

      Martin

      Reply

  • Jimmy

    says:

    I grew up in Sellar Street just across Westminster Road went to ST Mary’s sunday school and church We lived at the back of the wood yard

    Reply

    • Tom hughes

      says:

      I lived in stellar street until I was 5 I’m Tommy Hughes my grandmother Francis Ellis and my aunty Eileen Evans also lived in stellar street on the landings

      Reply

    • Elizabeth doran maiden name whitcomb

      says:

      Hi may I ask your last name because I was born on the top landing next to the pub

      Reply

  • Paula Collins

    says:

    Hi,
    My great-great grandfather Thomas Sanderson was a saddler who operated from his home at 41 Westminster Road up until 1920. I know it’s a long shot, but would anyone have any photos of this property or nearby buildings,or does anyone else out there have any stories or links connected to him.
    Thanks
    Paula Collins

    Reply

    • Brian Gooden

      says:

      If you are the Paula Collins reearching the Ashworth family on Ancestry, please contact me on bandlgooden@gmail.com
      If not, please excuse the intrusion.

      Reply

  • Carol

    says:

    Hi Martin,
    Mywas listening to my mum and Uncle reminiscing about the olden days and they were trying to remember the name of the old pub which was on the corner of Kirkdale Rd/Netherfield Rd around the war times.Can you help with this I have treid researching this and asking around but with no luck.
    Thanks,
    Carol Ball.

    Reply

  • Robert Ready

    says:

    Recently a Photo Was Printed on The Im From Kirkdale Web Site of Fountains Road From The Corner of Westminster Road ,Showing St Johns Church on The Right and A Comment Was Left Saying That on The Left of There was A Jewish Synagog The Photo Was Dated Early 1900s Was There a Large Population of Jewish People Settled in Kirkedale at That Time.

    Reply

    • Hi Robert,
      There’s been a Jewish community in Liverpool since the 1800s, and although one of the first places to see a large number of Jews was around Lime Street / Brownlow Hill, there were certainly other places where communities grew up. Kirkdale is an area of Liverpool which naturally gained a range of immigrant communities, as housing was affordable for those coming in on ships, and particularly in the early 1900s, when the greatest number of Jews arrived in the city.

      Martin

      Reply

      • Brian Melrose

        says:

        Martin, I’m thinking that might be how I got my last name, Melrose. My ancestors left from Russia and probably stopped in Liverpool to wait for the onward journey to America. Perhaps my great-grandfather stopped in at the Melrose Pub on a day or two while they were waiting for the ship to take them onward to Ellis Island. That was back in 1911.

        Reply

        • Hi Brian,

          Sounds like an interesting family history to research! I like the idea that they spoke with a fellow pasenger and heard the name. Perhaps they saw the street AND the pub and took it as a sign!

          Good luck with your research,
          Martin

          Reply

  • Alane Beyer

    says:

    Hi Martin, Looks like my Great Grandfather Arthur Lewis Beyer lived at 89 Lambeth road in Kirkdale in 1901. Do you know if his home is still there ? I tried googling it and I think its still there … but who knows it could be a knewer build in its place now. Would be neat to know if anyone remembers our Beyer family. All of Arthurs children remained in England to my knowledge except my Grandfather Albert Leo Beyer. Alane.

    Reply

    • Hi Alane,

      You’re right, the road is still there but all the houses currently on it are only around 30 years old. In 1901 the street was packed with terraced houses – the type with small back yards and a rear alleyway. These were demolished in the middle of the 20th century as part of the city’s ‘slum’ clearance schemes, although to what extent these were slums is often a matter of debate.

      Maps from the 1950s and 1960s show gaps in the rows of houses, with the modern street layout appearing in the 1980s.

      Martin

      Reply

    • J Lewis

      says:

      Re LAMBETH ROAD some of the old terraces are still there.( upto about number 51).
      See them on Google Streetview

      My Greatgrandmother and family lived at no 100 in 1891, then Harcourt St around the corner in 1901 and 1911.
      In 1913 my grandmother married a guy from Crealock St, also round the corner .

      Reply

  • Alane Beyer

    says:

    Hi Martin, Thanks for the reply and your help.

    Thats sad to hear Great Grandpa’s house is also gone, just like Great Great Grandpa Beyer who lived in Anfield in Ash Leigh, his Villa is also gone.

    I guess with Great Grandpa being the last born out of 8 children, he was not well off living in Kirkdale, must have been a rude awakening for him coming from a home of priviledge.

    We will be in Liverpool next year so hope to find some hidden treasures still remaining. Rumford place is still there right ? Thats where GG Grandpa had a business, along with his son I believe they occupied 11 and 12 Rumford place. Ernest Beyer was a cotton merchant, so hope to find some information on him, maybe his home still exists ?? !

    Best Regards Alane

    Reply

    • Hi Alane, yes Rumford Place is still there, right in the middle of town not far from the Town Hall. Hope you can find out some stuff about your ancestors There’s plenty of Beyer family history around the web, so something should come up!

      Martin

      Reply

  • Alane Beyer

    says:

    Hi Martin,

    Good to hear Rumford place still exists !

    Thanks for your help … Regards Alane

    Reply

  • Jane Asbury

    says:

    I am trying to locate where ROMEO STREET either is or would have been in Kirkdale. I am assuming as I cannot find it on the map that it no longer exists.
    Does anyone have any idea where it was…I would be most grateful for any information.

    Reply

    • Hi Jane,

      Sorry, it’s taken me almost a month to reply – perhaps someone has already helped you! Romeo Street was one of a handful of streets named after Shakespeare characters which was situated near Bank Hall Station in north Liverpool. My Plan of Liverpool – North Sheet shows the location of Romeo Street as it looked in 1890. Hope this is of some help.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • robert dooley

      says:

      hi jane, romeo st was situated next to the Commodore picture house on Stanley road L20
      hope this helps

      Reply

  • Paula Blackburn

    says:

    Hi Martin, my dad, Harry Blackburn was born at 66 Harebell Street, his parents lived at 66, 50 and had a shop on Stanley road that sold prams. This was in 1923, they moved to Commercial Road where they lived until my grandparents died in 1955 and 1960. Can you tell me about the history of the flower streets and the tobacco factory where my nan worked? Many thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Paula,

      Can you tell me more about where the tobacco factory was? The flower streets first appear on the 1890 map, and so were part of the rapid expansion of the city at that time. I’ll see what else I can dig out about them.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

      • Alan Cornes

        says:

        Hi Martin. The tobacco factory was next to Tilliotsons on Vauxhall Road, I believe and I think it was a branch of the British American tobacco company (BAT). My dad worked there for a while as I recall (although this could be a senior moment on my part)

        Regards
        Alan

        Reply

        • Hi Alan,

          Thanks for the extra info, plus the link to the photo. Always good to add more detail to what’s on this site, especially when it comes to finding out things for other commenters! Much appreciated.

          Regards,
          Martin

          Reply

        • My mum worked at the BAT for a while Marie Cleary maybe someone you have come across may have known her. I believe it was in the 1950’s. Ann Marie

          Reply

      • Pat O'Reilly

        says:

        I worked at Tillotson’s and at the BA in the 1960’s, I lived on Howley St, those factory’s were on Industrial Road I believe.

        Reply

        • Gill Harris

          says:

          Hi Pat

          My mum worked at Tillotson’s in 50s/60s. Her name at the time was Dolly Howarth. Think her sister worked there too, Joan Dring.

          Reply

  • Laurie Hardman

    says:

    I was born in Brunswick Square Kirkdale.
    Any information regarding the history prior to it being redeveloped would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

    • Hi Laurie,

      I found this detail about the painter Joseph Campbell who lived in Brunswick Square on the Liverpool Museums blog: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/online/pre-raphaelites/news.aspx. There’s also a photo on the excellent Fotolore website showing the Brunswick Square area in 1976. I have a map on this website of Brunswick Square from way back in 1890, so there are definitely a few resources out there covering its history!

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

      • Laurie Hardman

        says:

        Thanks Martin.
        Brunswick Square was unadopted,and I’m pretty sure that it had seen much better days.We moved when I was a small boy in 1955,and I can remember my grandmother saying that pre-war it had been gated. Maybe the gates and railings were taken down to make Spitfires!
        Best Laurie

        Reply

  • pete

    says:

    Hi Martin

    I wonder if you can help. I saw a BBC program about historic buildings and it featured a large derelict tudor style building in Kirkdale.

    I have lived in North Liverpool all my life and had never heard of these – are they actually in Kirkdale?

    Thanks.

    Pete

    Reply

    • Hi Pete,

      I don’t recall any buildings like that in Kirkdale, though of course the programme may have had the exact location wrong. There’s Everton library which is… sort of Tudor, and not a million miles from Kirkdale. It’s also next to a mock Tudor pub. I’ll see if anyone on the Facebook page knows of other buildings in this style around Kirkdale, or who saw the programme.

      Martin

      Reply

      • Kevin

        says:

        Eldon Grove off Scotland Road

        Reply

        • Brilliant – yes! I didn’t realise that building was still standing. Hope this helps you, Pete, and thanks Kevin for your comment!

          Martin

          Reply

  • Barry Ward

    says:

    Hello Martin,
    My father was born in 1924 at 39 Pluto Street. I know this street no longer exists, and I presume it was demolished during or after the War. I was wondering if any photos exist of Pluto Street, or if you can give me any information about the houses, number of rooms ., when they were contsructed etc ?
    Thanks, Barry.

    Reply

    • stephen vaughan

      says:

      hi my mum grew up in number 22 pluto street her name was margaret Pettigrew she was brought up by her grandmother we used to go back with her when we were young great memories steve vaughan

      Reply

      • Jim Nolan

        says:

        Hi,
        Just come across this site and if you are still interested.
        My family the Nolan’s lived in 25.
        Regards,
        Jim

        Reply

        • Kate Nolan

          says:

          Hi Jim, I’m trying to research my family tree on behalf of my Dad. He doesn’t know much about his Dad’s side of the family and would love to find out more. His Dad was Leslie Anthony Nolan but often went by Anthony or Tony. He had 10 brothers and sisters and they grew up somewhere off Scotland Road. They were very devout catholic. He had sisters called Lilly and Charlotte and a brother called John. We’re unsure of all their names as my Dad never grew up knowing any of that side of the family unfortunately. If you have any info on any Nolan’s who may of been related to my Grandad I would love to know.

          Reply

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Kate

            Was your Grandad born in 1927 and his mother’s name “Gornall”?
            If it was let me know and a do a little digging for you

            Kind regards Jane

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Katie
            I just came by your tree on Ancestry – however I have just found your Grandad’s marriage.
            I believe his name was Peter Nolan & he married Florence Gornall in
            All Soul’s RC Church 12 May 1907, both spouses lived at 30 Abram Street.

            Peter’s father was John Nolan
            Florence’s father was John Gornall
            Florence had a brother named George who also resided at 30 Abram St.

          • Kate

            says:

            Hi Jane, Thanks for you’re response. My Grandad was in fact born 1927 and his Mother’s maiden name was Gornall. I’ve only discovered this information very recently, from census records. His father’s name was Peter Nolan. And info you can find would be really appreciated. Kate

          • Kate Nolan

            says:

            Hi again Jane, yes Peter was my great grandad who passed away many years before my Dad was born. I didn’t know that Florence’s brother George lived with them too. I’m trying in vain to trace Francis Nolan who was my Grandads brother who emigrated to Australia. I’m aware he will of passed away years ago but wonder if he had children over in Australia. And any other info about my Grandads grandparents. Peter’s Dad John Nolan may have come from Ireland. His mother was called Bridget we think. And she came from Ireland as far as we know. Thanks again for you’re help. X

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Katie
            Great to hear from you I sent you a message via Ancestry I have set up A Nolan tree – so if you respond I can invite you, rather than put everything on here. If you don’t have a current membership it doesn’t matter as I you can access mine and view everything.
            This way you can show your Dad, sadly I think I’ve found Francis’s death record – he died in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 8 July 2001 & it looks like he possibly married. I have made contact with this individual on your behalf but haven’t revealed any specific details until we know that they are related.
            I’m not sure if you know but I live on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada and I’m 8 hours behind you time wise.

            I look forward to hearing from you

            Kind regards Jane

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Katie

            I am off to bed – but sooooooooooooo excited to tell you I’ve found a photo of Peter Nolan B. 1883

          • ALISON NOLAN

            says:

            Hello

            My family are from the Kirkdale area, we lived in Fountains Road and we moved to Widnes in 1972
            John Nolan is my father sadly deceased and I am wondering if there is a connection to you. His father was John Nolan and my father had 2 brothers – Frank and Ken

            Kind Regards

            Alison

          • Kate Nolan

            says:

            To Alison Nolan, I can’t reply to you on your reply to my post so I really do hope you see this. I’m certain we are related. I would love to get in contact. I’m on ancestry and you can email me if you would like to chat. I’ve done so much research since I posted on here and have so much information to share.
            Please get in touch.
            kmnolan08@gmail.com

      • Chris Jackson

        says:

        Stephen.
        Do you know much of the Pettigrew family history? I have a particular interest in Robert M Pettigrew. He also lived at No 22 Pluto Street and is registered there in 1939. I know that he lived there beyond that, as my Mother remembers him there while she was growing up after being born in 1946. My Mum lived at No 3 Pluto Street.
        He lived alongside William, Roy C, Robert, Mary and Gladys Pettigrew.

        Reply

  • I have a letter dated 18 Sept 1852 posted marked Liverpool and noted as being written at “Morley’s Point”. Do you know where this may have been located? It was written by my gggrandfather who was working there at the time. I have been unable to find any reference to this location on a map. Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  • Barbara Hughes(nee moore)

    says:

    Very interesting information on this area…thanks. I lived in latham st and from the house you could see B.A.British American Tobacco Factory.The huge clock was very useful indeed.

    Reply

    • hi barbara my name is john i was born in latham st i lived in the houses that had an attic i could also see the bat clock.

      says:

      later on we moved to a house between bat and puddifers scrapyard at the top of sandhills.i think it was the only house on that side of commercial rd.

      Reply

  • Rae Lee

    says:

    Hi Martin (And others!),

    On behalf of my wife I wonder whether you or anyone else can help me? My wife lived in Newby street when she was younger and she attended a Doctor’s by Westminster road/Foley Street. I wonder if anyone remembers it, as she’d like to get hold of some of her old records (Or does anyone know how we’d go about getting hold of these in another way)?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi,

      I’m not much of an expert on medical records, but there’s a discussion here on the Family History website about possibilities of getting old records. It might help you begin your research.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Lynn lucas

      says:

      Was it Dr Simon and Dr Edwards surgery. I am not sure that it actually had a name but it used to be my doctors as well. I moved away in my teens, but it wasnt far from the swimming baths on Westminster Road.

      Reply

    • David Cardle

      says:

      Hi, Just discovered the site.

      I was born in 1950 and lived in a flat above the doctors surgery in Westminster Road. My mother, Betty Cardle was the doctors receptionist through the 50 and early 60’s. The two doctors were Dr Pottinger and Dr Godfrey. My maternal grandparents lived in Leven Street and my dads mother lived in Nith Street.

      Reply

      • Tom O'Brien

        says:

        Hi David
        I don’t know of your parents , but in your note you mention your dads mother lived in Nith Steet . I was born in 1 Nith Street in 1953 , the house was occupied by my grand parents Albert and Sara Brown perhaps they knew your dads mother

        Reply

        • David Cardle

          says:

          Hi Tom,
          I am sure they did Tom. My nan, Agnes Cardle lived at No 8. My dad Joe and brother Peter were both born there. Their father (my grandfather) Jo Cardle died in 1939 and my nan married again several years later to Bill Bryson (from Scotland) and became Agnes Bryson. During the school holidays when my mum worked at the surgery she used to drop me off in the morning at my nans . Very fond memories.

          Reply

          • Thomas O'Brien

            says:

            David , I remember playing with 2 brothers from Nith st when I was young but I couldn’t remember their names , they could be your dad Joe and his brother Peter .

        • Alison

          says:

          Hi Tom…Was William Brown your uncle ? He was living at 1 Nith Street too. I think he married. Can you help with any information, Would be very grateful

          Reply

        • Alison

          says:

          Hi Tim. I am looking for information on Albert , Sarah , Annie and William Brown from 1 Nith Street. I would be very grateful of any help you can give me. Many thanks

          Reply

  • James L. Secor

    says:

    Martin, I need a good history of the Kirkdale area, particularly the flower streets neighborhood. This is for a group of stories I’m writing, a tongue-in-cheek detective series. All of the crimes are social, most legally not crimes–which is my point. But I’m shy on history. I’m not Scouse. I’m a former colonist who had the double-edged sword experience of living in the flower districts in 2009-10, Snowdrop St. If a longer discussion is needed, please feel free to get to me privately. Thanks.
    jimsecor

    Reply

  • Pam

    says:

    Hi Martin,

    I am very interested in the houses on Westminster Road, I do actually live in one that was built in 1825 apparently they where the first to be built are you able to give me any information, or how I could find out?

    Thanks
    Pam

    Reply

    • Hi Pam,

      The website Old Maps is a great place to start – you can search for Westminster Road, Liverpool in the box on the home page, and explore different eras of maps using the toolbar on the right hand side. If you let me know which specific houses you’re looking into, I might be able to have a look at some of my own library and see if there’s anything else helpful for you.

      Martin

      Reply

  • Pat Kirby ,or Wynne was my maiden name

    says:

    Does anyone remember the TANNERY, Orwell road?.

    i grew up just across the road from it ,North Dingle

    Reply

      • Thanks for sharing that image Reg – very interesting indeed, especially with the extra information you’ve added from local people. Definitely worth a browse. There’s some other great photos on there too, so thanks!

        Best Wishes,
        Martin

        Reply

        • Reg Towner

          says:

          Hi Martin. Thanks for your kind comments about my pictures. I am always happy to make a contribution to excellent local interest sites such as yours.
          best
          RT

          Reply

    • Martin Carr

      says:

      Hi I lived in orwell road and went to st johns school, I remember the tannery in orwell road and irwins, also the various stables around the area as a kid you new when the horses would be coming back from the various jobs they were on, We used to feed them carrots that we would scrounge from waterworths or rosses on Stanley road I lived in 25 0rwell road till the 1970s

      Reply

    • dear pat I think i may have gone to the same school as you in 1941.My name is john Harding and our family lived in 41 North Dingle. I went to the st johns School in fountains road.Names I remember include yourself Jimmy Bingham The Gilbertsons the Robertses andthe mussells(?)There was also a paul Raymond.I also recall another Harding household living higher up the street whom i am anxious to trace.I do remember the tannery well

      Reply

      • Liz sugden

        says:

        Hi would you have known wallaces lived 33 north dingle .1963- 70s or someone Michael king tall guy blonde hair ,trying to build up picture of my mums history she died when I was 12 went to same school and St. John’s church .lived around the area most life til twentys.family names Stanley,Barbara Ada Bernard teddy Pauline

        Reply

        • Pat Kielty

          says:

          Just seen this are you Barbara’s daughter.

          Reply

      • Andy Craig

        says:

        Hi John,
        Just came across this site and noticed you mentioned the Mussell’s.
        My mum Elizabeth (known as Betty) was a Mussell. She grew up at 7 Agnes Road with her sister Marie (passed away last year) and brother Tony (now in USA). Their Dad (my Pop)George Mussell worked at American Tobacco and their Mum (my Nanna)was Alice (nee Ralston?).
        Tony married Vera ? and Marie married Tommy Jones and they both brought up their families in Agnes Road. My mum moved out to Huyton/Roby.
        I have a photo of my Mum as a bridesmaid aged 3, holding hands with the pageboy. The pageboy was Brian Craig who eventually became her husband… and my Dad!
        My Dad played football for the Melrose with Tony Mussell and Tommy Jones, and (I think) his youngest brothers Steven and Robert Craig.
        Best wishes

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Andy

          My name is Jane & I now live in BC Canada, I can tell you that with certainty that we are related, Elizabeth Mussell’s grandmother was Mary Holden b. 1875 & died in 1918.
          Mary Holden is my Gt. gt. aunt.
          Mary married James Mussell in 1894 they had at least 7 children – one of these was George Henry b.1908 who married Alice Woods
          They are Elizabeth’s parents & Elizabeth then went on to marry Brian Craig.
          I have been researching the family tree for many years and would love to share info with you!
          Martin can pass on my email to you, if you’d like to contact me.

          Kind regards
          Jane

          Reply

          • Jsaunderson

            says:

            Hi Jane,

            I’m interested in the work you have done on the Mussell family tree as my wife’s maiden name is Mussell. Her name is Lily and her father was Thomas who was the son of John Andrew Mussell (brother of George) and Lily Nichol. James Mussell, Mary Holden’s husband was, I believe, the son of George Mussell and Edith Eliza Brownsea. Regards, Joe

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Martin

            Thank you for putting me in touch with Joe – I have responded to him directly & yes we are related (distant cousins) so hopefully I can fill in any gaps or give them a family tree which is actually as big as a forest!!

            Martin you’re a true Star *** thank you

          • Anthony Mussell

            says:

            Hi there. My name is Anthony Mussell son of Tony and Vera Mussell. I would love to hear more about our family tree. So interesting. We all live in the US now. Please email me sometime Antomussell@yahoo.com

        • Anthony Mussell

          says:

          Andy how are you mate. This is your cousin Anthony Mussell. My other cousin lives in Malta and just sent this article to me. I live in West Palm Beach now so does my mum dad. I’m going to be seeing them today. They will love reading about this. I hope all is well with you and the family. I think the last time I saw you was when I was about 12

          Reply

    • Carole Seabuhr (almond)

      says:

      I lived in 107 North Dingle from 1949 until 1960. I went to Fonthill Road School.

      Reply

      • Billy Halliday

        says:

        I lived in 32 Tillard street, and also went to fonthill road school

        Reply

      • ken knight

        says:

        Hi Carol,
        I lived at 113 north dingle, I remember you and your brother Richard such happy carefree times.
        your dad was the manager in irwins all sadly gone.
        No more space Carol best wishes
        ken knight

        Reply

        • Hello Ken.
          I remember you and Graham and your mum, and Joe Dodds horses. We used to catch a ride when they came back from the docks. Long time ago now. The CrowCaroles lived next door and the smiths next door to you. We had the tannery opposite. My best friend at school was Jean Cannon she lived in Becket st.

          Reply

          • Bill Foster

            says:

            Hello
            By the 1950s it was the British Rope works..

          • Bill Foster

            says:

            My grandmother was an Almond. Janet Almond.
            Her brother, Samuel, was an ostler, I think for Dodd’s at the top of Bankhall Street.

          • Bill Foster

            says:

            Sorry about the Rope works thing….it was intended for someone else.

    • Maureen La Castra

      says:

      This may be too late to reply but I remember the tannery – we were terrified of it and the ‘smell’ we were ‘dared’ to run past the entrance on our way home from St.John’s school.

      Reply

  • Maijella Walsh

    says:

    I would like to find photos or any information on Pluto Street. Where would it have been in todays kirkdale map?

    Reply

    • Hi Maijella,

      Pluto Street was between Vesuvius Street and Smith Street (which both still exist). There was another road, Hewley Street, between Vesuvius and Smith Streets, so I think Pluto Street would be roughly where this north-south row of houses is now.

      Hope that helps.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Claire Dixon

    says:

    Hello,
    Does anyone know of a confectioners shop in Kirkdale possibly Westminster road around 1901ish run by Catherine Merrick? I am trying to find out if it existed and where?
    Or if there was a confection shop in that area where she may have worked?

    Thank you

    Claire

    Reply

    • Pat Kirby(was wynne)

      says:

      There ws a shop on the left hand side on Westminster road,not far from the Police Station and fire station. I can remember being in my pram when i was tiny ,mum had been for a loaf of bread and i am nibbling he corners off the loaf. can’t give any more information as i was only little.

      Reply

    • Ray

      says:

      My mum worked in a confectioners on the corner of Medlock St and Westminster Rd in the 1930’s………it was owned by a man named Chris Delaney, and was called Delaney’s………..they owned two shops, the other was along Stanley Rd, near the New Strand, near to the Salvation Army…….hope this is of some help!

      Reply

      • Ann

        says:

        My mum worked at Delaney’s in 1940s. Her family name was Ainsworth and they lived in Westminster Road. She was a great baker all her life, a love of which she passed on to me.

        Reply

      • Dawn Turner

        says:

        My great aunt Ellen was married to Chris Delaney. I have a reference she wrote for my grandma (her sister). My Grandma Barbara and great aunts Ellen and Rose’s maiden name was Donovan. As 3 sisters they were known in the family as The Three Graces. The bakery was originally called Delaney’s Wholesale Baker and Confectioners. Westminster Bakery. 1 Medlock Streer. Kirkdale.
        They had a shop at 357 Stanley Road Bootle. Also Corner House. St Johns Road. Waterloo.
        The letter was written November 1952.

        Reply

      • Maureen La Castra

        says:

        My Mum worked in Delaney’s about 1953.

        Reply

        • Ann Dinsdale

          says:

          My Mum worked in Delaney’s too. She lived in Westminster Road until she married. She also worked at Armstrong’s bakery. Her maiden name was Ainsworth.

          Reply

          • Maureen La Castra

            says:

            Thanks for reply. Mum who is now 100 worked in the shop. Did your mum work in the bakery.

    • Lynn lucas

      says:

      I do actually remember the name Merrick. I thought you may have been talking about Cassidy’s. I was from Kirkdale but all my family are deceased now so Ive nobody to ask, who would remember. I do remember there being 3 sweetshops and one cakeshop on our section of Westminster Road. The one at the bottom end, opposite the Police Station (Bridewell I think it was called), I am sure that was run by two ladies. They used to sell lolly ices made in those tart tins, for 2 old pence and small ones for a penny. If that is the shop it was brilliant. I still have memories of those days. The confectioners at the other end was Cassidys and the one in the middle, I dont remember the name but it did sell stationery and cards, etc. Hope this helps

      Reply

  • clare

    says:

    Hiya. I currently live on delamore street. I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about the history of the street. Ive just always wondered what was here before these hpuse were built arpund a hundred years ago. Would also.be interested in what sort of people lived on these houses. All these houses also seem to be haunted too. Wpuld lile to know whos haunting us haha. Thank you for reading this and i hope to hear from ypu soon. Clare…

    Reply

    • Hi Clare,

      Thanks for your query: Delamore Street is quite easy to find the date for, because on the 1890 map of Kirkdale nearby roads like Roxburgh Street and Carisbrooke Road, as well as parts of Delamore itself, are laid out but not yet fully built on. So I’d say the whole area was being built up around the end of the 19th century. The Liverpool Record Office may be able to help you narrow down the date more if you’d like, but 1885-1890 seems very likely. Before they were built, the land was covered in the Walton Nurseries (a business growing young plants and trees), which lay just outside the village of Walton-on-the-hill.

      The kind of people who were moving into these houses when they were new would have been the lower end of the middle class – the clerks and office workers who caught the tram into town every day and worked in the offices around the Pier Head, Castle Street and Dale Street. Other residents might have been small business owners such as grocers or bakers. The numbers of these people would have been increasing rapidly as Liverpool became increasingly business-oriented and wealthy in the 19th century, and as the population grew. Walton and Anfield were two other area where these people might have lived.

      The range of people who might be haunting you is potentially quite a wide one!

      Regards,
      Martin

      PS: There’s more about the changing population types of north Liverpool in my book Liverpool: a landscape history.

      Reply

    • Anthony Hillier

      says:

      Hi Clare,
      My parents the Hilliers lived at 39 Goodall Street, next to the Pub that was then, its a Shop now i think, but we had some friends at 13 Delamore Street, Joan and Fred Hall. Fred passed on and i think Joan went into a care home. regards Anthony Hillier

      Reply

  • brenda lloyd

    says:

    I lived in Spellow Lane in about 1948 – 1954.There was a small school nextdoor to us. We lived at no 36. I have tried to get a photo of the large houses, they have been demolished and there is just a green space now. I have seen houses all around Oxten Street, County Road etc but none of Spellow Lane. Can anyone help.

    Reply

    • Helen

      says:

      It is a long while since your post Brenda, I am looking for similar – but 62a Spellow Lane, My Dad and family lived there 1948 to 1970’s when demolished, but we have no photo, directly opposite the Goodison Park entrance next to the Church. You may even have known each other, Damian and sister Christine? I wonder if you have tried the records office?

      Reply

  • brenda lloyd

    says:

    Does anyone remember the ice cream parlour called aindows. I thought it was on the corner of barlows Lane walton. but I have been told it was burtons.

    A few doors away my grandmother had a shop that sold drinks hot chocolate sasparella etc. I think young people met up there. Does anyone remember this.

    Reply

    • Pat Kirby(was wynne)

      says:

      Regarding AINDOWS,this was on Walton Road,just before the corner ,Burtons was next to it. We would go window shopping and then go in there. I remember a smaller shop ,coming back towards town,,this could be the shop you are thinking about.

      Reply

    • Elizabeth Rogers-Ross

      says:

      I was born in No.45 Chirkdale Street in 1936 and I can remember clearly the ice cream parlour. Before WW2 broke out it was called “Fusco’s” the surname of it’s Italian owner. When Mussolini and Hitler joined forces poor Mr. Fusco’s “parlour”was trashed by an angry mob.
      I remember seeing a placard in the broken plate glass window. It said theat he was a naturalized British subject and he had two sons fighting in the British army. Shortly after this attack on his business Mr. Fusco’s family changed their name to Aindow which, I understand, was his wife’s maiden name.
      It was a great day for local children when he was able to make his delicious ice cream again after the Victory in Europe. My older sister and I stood in long queue of children clutching basins and fruit dishes for our “victory” ice cream. It was heavenly!
      Can anyone tell me when and why 45 Chirkdale Street and the houses on each side were pulled down sometime in the 1980s? I would be most grateful.
      With kind regards from Elizabeth.

      Reply

      • Hi Elizabeth,

        Thanks for your info on the ice cream parlour. There was a lot of trouble before both World Wars for German, Italian and other ‘enemy’-owned shops. Such a shame.

        The houses on Chirkdale Street were probably knocked down in advance of a housing development that got no further (money was rather an issue in the 80s on Merseyside!), or perhaps they were deemed uninhabitable, though that’s always a contested issue.

        Martin

        Reply

      • Tony white

        says:

        Hello Elizabeth my family the whites lived at 26 chirkdale st until 1977 and moved to Westminster close on the estate off Westminster road. I still don’t know why! And the area is now just landscaped grass. It was a great street with great people.

        Reply

      • Gillian Stevenson

        says:

        Hi Elizabeth, I just saw your post while researching about Kirkdale. My dad Alan Stevenson was born in Chirkdale street in 1936 too. His cousins lived in Ruskin St. He has many happy memories of life there, he remembers the street party at the end of the war. You were probably there too!

        Reply

      • Anita

        says:

        My grandmother worked at the ice cream parlour as a young woman. I may be remembering her story incorrectly, but I think she said it was bombed whilst she was employed there – she wasn’t on the premises at the time. Her name was Bernadette Flanagan born 1922

        Reply

    • Pat Allerton

      says:

      Long time ago your post I know, but just came across it now. My mum knew the Aindows family who sold ice cream . She used to go there with her mum & dad on a Saturday night when they went shopping for the Sunday joint (‘cos it was sold cheap at the end of the day) and veg etc. She remembered a shop that she said was like the American ‘soda fountain’, where you would get sarsaparilla , dandelion & burdock etc then get ice cream from the ‘ice cream parlour ‘. As she was one of 8 kids they had to take turns for these visits so it was a big treat . When she grew up and married Aindows were still living along off Southport Road in Radnor Drive

      Reply

  • Hi, I am researching the Vernon family history, and am trying to find any information regarding someone who my uncle, Robert Vernon worked for. It is a Mr Revell, Team owner, Foley Street. Robert Vernon was killed in action 1916/1917, just wondering if anyone might have some knowledge of what the team was, and who Mr Revell was?

    Reply

  • john burke

    says:

    trying to find any old boys st johns 1956 i lived in tillard st my old school mates would be 73 yrs of age now it would be interesting to hear from you out there

    john burke

    Reply

    • G Whitcombe

      says:

      Hi John I went to St Johns school around your time,that is when I was in attendance.We lived in Sellar St, opposite the baths.I remember Tillard St well.Ballards on one corner, Roaches on the other,Mr taylor,Daybell,Burke,the huts in Latham St.

      George Whitcombe

      Reply

  • shaz

    says:

    can anyone tell me what stanley hospital, kirkdale, was re-named when it reopened in 1966?

    Reply

    • Al Lemna

      says:

      It is now a sheltered accomidation called Fountains Court.

      Reply

  • Mark

    says:

    Hi

    does anyone have any photographs of brunswick square in the 50s, 60s, 70s? My dad grew up there. He used to tie wire to the doors and climb the trees in the square and pull the wire to knock on the doors ha. I managed to find a couple of photographs of brunswick square and his ford taunus was on one of the photographs outside his house. He got very excited when he saw a fence he had built as a kid for a neighbour too! If anybody could forward me any photographs that would be great. Thanks.

    Reply

    • john lloyd

      says:

      Ha! i remember doing the same with front doors but we also placed fireworks thru letter boxes wich was utterly stupid but we were around 9/10 years old, also remember a rough set up called the stanley flatsand near by was the Melrose pub.

      Reply

  • John Dowdall

    says:

    I lived inBraemar street 1951 to 1963, it was two up two down terrace house outside
    toilet and one cold water tap in the kitchen,I remember it being very cold in the
    winter,we slept 4/5 in in bed with coats over us to keep warm, the house was very
    damp and full of cockroaches,I remember we were very poor but we never went
    hungry thanks to mam (mother).
    On the corner of our street was a shop called Maggie Kelly’s run by two old ladies
    And we use to get food on tick (credit),in the middle of our street was a sweet shop
    called Koogies,
    On Saturdays we went to the pictures either the prinnie (Princess) which was 9p to
    get in or the Commadore on Stanley road which cost a shilling,the prinnie nearly
    always won.
    Anyone got any old photos

    Reply

    • Bernie M Evans

      says:

      Just noticed this week the Princess is being demolished . I lived opposite in a small section of Selwyn St from 1954 to 1978 when I got married . Remember working very young for a shop called Cleanso on Wessy rd opp the Bridwell. Us Catholics went upstairs to Westminster arf school and the C of E where downstairs , opposite the Kirkdsle homes. Mr Toner ran the Birkenhead Ales shop opposite Kirkdsle Station , Louis (lady) had the sweet shop , mrs Frediani was In 13, Mavis and Brian 15, Evans in 19 (us) Phylis and Billy Khan 21 , 23 ? , 25 my Ban and Gag The Greens , Mr and Mrs Coffee 27 . Peter McGintus mum had a shop down Marsh Street .

      Reply

      • THOMAS LYNN

        says:

        My Dad owned Cleanso . but i cant recall your name Bernie. how old are you now.
        yours Tommy Lynn

        Reply

    • joe rourke

      says:

      hello. john.
      i remember you very well i went to school with you . st pius i lived in othello st my name is joe rourke i was born in marsh st opposite rifkins all the best . phone me 0151 727 1756

      Reply

    • joe rourke

      says:

      hello. john
      very long time no see its just to remind you that we all left st alexanders 60. years ago next tuesday but actually the day we left was on a thursday.
      how are you keeping ok i hope im not to bad aches and pains but still you have to plod on.
      all the best. joe rourke

      Reply

  • terry turner

    says:

    I lived in miranda rd kirkdale i remember the dowdalls.i went to school with peter tigh he lved just pass coogies shop and my relations the scullys lived on the landing just above the tighs ..my mother had a small shop on the corner of pelops street in the 50 ..60..there were ten of us but we were well looked after ..i dont know how she coped..regards ..terry

    Reply

    • John Dowdall

      says:

      Hi Terry
      Great to read your comments and memories, if you have any photos or more info you can email me at.
      jeanjohn29@hotmail.co.uk
      Regards
      John

      Reply

  • Jeff illingworth

    says:

    This is a long shot.
    Does anyone recall a Thomas Illingworth From Tawd Street/ Barlow lane, Kirkdale,
    He used to be a cow keeper and used to deliver milk in the area.
    This would have been i think 1920s/30s
    would love to know anything as he was my Grandfather

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Jeff

      This is a long shot – I have just returned to this site after a long absence.

      I think I have found your Gt. Grandfather – Thomas Illingworth b. 5 July 1890
      Married to Edith b. 1 January 1892
      children Edith A. b. 26 August 1916, later marries ? Meades 27 September 1963
      James 10 November 1917

      They are living in 1939 at 76 Candia Street and still carrying on as Dairymen.

      Hope this is a help

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

      • David Peate

        says:

        I remember the Illingworths at Tawd Street. My brother, Edward Peate, worked for the firm in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a good friend of Jeff Illingworth. They went on holiday together to Butilins. Others in the family were Dorothy, a beautiful woman who doled out milk at midday in a shop in Netherfield Road North opposite Seville Street, and Ollins(?) who emigrated to New Zealand. I think that there was a Mary who was for ever turning a handle to make cheese. I helped out on a Saturday morning in the late 1940s. They delivered milk all over Walton, Kirkdale and Everton by horse and cart. One of the deliverymen was named Billy. While the cows where lodged in Tawd Street, the horses were stabled elsewhere. It was great fun walking the horses round to their stables. Fodder for the animals was supplemented by collecting grass mowings from Anfield Cemetery and leaves of cabbages and the like from the market in Great Homer Street. There was always a tub of cubes which ere given to the cattle at the entrance to the shippins. Some of the cows were fractious occasionally and would try and press together and squash the milker. Ollins was a terror with the milking stool and often gave the offending cow a reminder with it.

        Reply

        • Maureen La Castra

          says:

          I removed tawdry street well. I think it’s a taxi place now. I was born on Doon street and our landlady’s office to take the rent was there. Stephens grocery on the corner of Westminster rd. . Ohh and remember the other corner shop / Leven street where we got penny dips off Mr. Rose?
          Thanks for evoking the happy memories.

          Reply

  • Margaret

    says:

    The cottages that you mention on Westminster Rd appear to have been replaced by a pub today, or am I looking in the wrong place? I hope I’m incorrect as it would be such a shame if they had been knocked down.

    Reply

  • Jen

    says:

    I wonder if New Mil may be behind the Old St Lawrence School, perhaps where the playground is as it has a strange hill which would be an ideal position for a windmill.

    Reply

  • Cathy Harris

    says:

    Am trying to track down information re the Palantine public house at 251 Walton Rd Kirkdale. My maternal grandparents were publicans there until 1926/7 when John Hawthorne Campion my mat grandfather died. Does anyone have any information?

    Reply

  • Hilary Rees

    says:

    Research into my family history shows my Great Grandfather Samuel Conley as being transferred from Kirkdale Industrial School in or about 1897 – this information has come from the Liverpool Records Office. But I am unable to find out what happened to and who his parents were. I may have a birth certificate for the right Samuel Conley which does show parents named, but need confirmation. Any help anyone can give would be grateful.

    Reply

  • mark philpott

    says:

    Hi, I was born in Newby Street in 1964. My parents and grandparents lived here on opposite sides of the road but I cant remember what numbers.
    Recently I took my partner to see tthe house I ws born in, and its completely different now.
    Long shot but does anyone have any pictures of newby street in the 60’s or any information about the road?
    Thanks,
    Mark
    Also, my dad and grandad are and were called R.A Philpott… could they b related to the Philpott RA 1988 ‘Historic Towns of the Merseyside Area: a survey of urban settlement to c1800′ Liverpool Museum Occasional Paper, No 3, 60 pp.

    Reply

    • Hi Mark,

      Thanks for your comment. RA. Philpott is Dr. Rob Philpott, the Head of Field Archaeology at Liverpool Museum, and still works there down at the Albert Dock! There may be a family connection, but I don’t know of Dr. Philpott’s place of birth! 🙂 I used a couple of his books as sources for this site as well as my own book, Liverpool: a landscape history.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Rob Philpott

      says:

      No, no relation at all I’m afraid!

      Reply

    • David Towers

      says:

      I lived at 37 Salop Street, Newby Street backed on to our back entry, my brother John had a best mate named Dougie Lynch. Dougie’s house back door came out on to our back entry. I remember as kids we would play in the old stables at the bottom of Newby Street. Great days.

      Reply

      • Joanne

        says:

        Hi David, do u remember the birch family at nr 43? Thanks jo

        Reply

  • Linda

    says:

    My grandparents lived in Barry St, just off Walton Road at the Astoria end. In the next street, Fountains Road, lived my great aunty and uncle. I’ve got happy memories of paying in those streets, now demolished. Does anyone know of any pictures of these streets ? I’ve only seen one from the 1953 coronation taken at the top of Barry St.
    Linda

    Reply

    • Phil D

      says:

      Hi Linda,
      I have included a few pictures of Barry Street in a web site which have recently completed, all about Teulon Street

      http://www.teulonstreet.com

      Phil D

      Reply

    • John

      says:

      Reply to : Linda says
      April 27, 2014 at 5:07 pm
      Linda my fathers parents (Jones) lived at 39 Barry Street as did aunt /uncle (Masterson) at 59. We have also been trying to track down photos of Barry Street. Is the coronation photo in the public domain would appreciate any information.

      Reply

  • Patrick Flanagan

    says:

    We are trying to find the baptismal record of Albert Flanagan. He was born in 1899 or 1900 and the family lived at 127 Rosalind St at that time. Parishes have all been mixed and joined together since 1900.
    Can you tell me how I find which parish included Rosalind St in 1899/1900

    Thank you

    Patrick

    Reply

    • Hi Patrick,

      Rosalind Street was in Kirkdale parish from 1844 onwards, with St. Mary’s as the parish church. Hope this is the information you’re after.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Patrick

      You might have already found your baptism record for Albert?

      but just in case I have found one:parents John – mother Margaret Greenup?

      Albert Ernest b. 1899 baptism record for St. James – this Church has not been transcribed by Ancestry – but you could try William Brown Street Library – call ahead first – just to check that they hold the records.
      This couple had a least another son called Gilbert who was b. 1900 baptized in the same church.

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

  • Bill Foster

    says:

    I was born in Brasenose Road ‘up on the landing’, and have been trying to find a photo of it, without success. We moved, in about 1954, to Snowdrop Street, number 25. Later we moved onto Stanley Road, opposite the Gordon Institute. My Dad worked for a time at the BAT in Brasenose Road, next to or close to Brooke Bond Tea. Very interesting to read your site.

    Bill

    Reply

    • Hi Bill,

      Thanks for your comments – so glad you like the site! If I find a photo like the one your looking for, then I’ll let you know.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Bill Fawcett

      says:

      If you go on ‘The Bootle Times Past &Present’ site,there are photographs of Braesnose Road on there.

      Reply

      • Bill Fostet

        says:

        Hi Bill….just seen your comment…unfortunately the photos are some 200 yards away from the landings.

        Reply

  • Patricia McGuire

    says:

    I found some old census records from 1891 that show my great great aunt living at 4c Trent Street in the Kirkdale area of Liverpool. The street no longer exists and I’d love to find an old photo of Trent Street and more info about the street and area where she lived. I also found a reference to St. Aiden which may have been the local parish at the time but I’m not sure.

    Reply

    • Hi Patricia,

      Trent Street has indeed disappeared, and was one of the very small streets in Victorian Kirkdale. It was in the parish of Liverpool St. Martin in the Fields (if I’ve lined up my maps properly – it’s near the border with Kirkdale St. Marys!), but St Aiden was certainly one of the local churches, possibly just inside St. Mary’s parish. Glad you’re enjoying the site.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Ste Allen

    says:

    where exactly are these cottages near or on back westminster road??, I would also like to know whats was that building used for which is on the courner of rumney road and westminster road facing towards goodhall street.

    Reply

    • Hi Ste,

      There are a couple of cottages on the north side of Back Westminster Road, numbered 4 and 6. These are the ones I’ve referred to in my earlier comments.

      The building on the corner of Rumney Road isn’t marked as anything special on the maps, and I think it would just have been a very large house. The inhabitants of this area, when the house was built, were very wealthy, and this part of Kirkdale was much sought after. If you look at the map of 1894 (below) then it makes more sense when seen amongst other houses. It’s larger than the neighbours, but developers often added bigger houses on the end of rows in order to make a little more money. It would probably be occupied by someone slightly higher up the clerical scale, or the owner of a more successful fleet of ships.

      Rumney Road, 1894, Scale 1:2500

      (Click for a larger version)

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

      • David Chaffin-Power

        says:

        Just noted a reference to the large house on Westminster/Rumney Road which was a Doctors surgery when I was living in Hogarth Rd. This was in the late 40’s into I think the 70’s. I stand to be corrected….

        Reply

  • Fay James

    says:

    Hi Martin

    I am trying to find out any information about Commercial Road in the late 1800s. My great grandfather Walter Jenkins (son of William and Margaret) was born in 1877 and records show he was from 260 Commercial Road. I would be very interested to hear any information you have of Commercial Road and the area etc from that time. I have tried looking it up but it has obviously changed very much since then!
    Many thanks.

    Fay

    Reply

  • Jodi Baines

    says:

    I live in a house in Dumbarton St, off Carisbrooke Rd.
    In our cellar is the original Cast Iron Aga, and copper washing point.
    I have researched the census for earlier family etc. and found that one of the previous tenant’s sadly passed away in the First World War. He was in his early twenties.
    Also our house seems to have luckily had long term occupiers, we didn’t even have house deeds for the house because the previous owners had lived there for that long, I can only trace the history back to two previous families, from the year it was built 1879.
    Any more info or photo’s would be much appreciated.

    Reply

  • Ann D

    says:

    My grandmother lived at 126 Westminster Road in the back of what had been a shop until she was rehoused to Huyton in the early 1960s. I remember visiting when I was little. There was a really old fashioned sweet shop on Westminster Road I think it was kept by two old ladies. My mum used to go shopping on Walton Road and always bought our Christmas turkey in Costigans. My mum worked for Delaneys before she was married.

    Reply

    • Pauline

      says:

      just read your mail the shop you refer to with the two old ladies was coins ( not too sure of the spelling) very Victorian type of shop I was brought up in kirks tall street my father uncle and grandfather were the local,hairdressers on Westminster road

      Reply

      • Thanks Pauline! It’s amazing what information we can pull together when everyone pitches in!

        Martin

        Reply

      • Brian Nolan

        says:

        Would the name of the barbers be Hamsons or Hampsons or Hansons? Both my dad and I had our hairs cut there throughout the 1950s. I also had an after school job, age 13, working for Bert Robertson the butcher on Westminster Road near Medlock Street. I needed a schoolboy work certificate issued by the Department of Education in Sir Thomas Street. (No child labour issues back then !!) I lived in Orwell Road but moved to Kirkby in 1960.

        Reply

      • Vinny Marsden

        says:

        Hi Pauline. The shop was Coynes. I remember you ! You were a receptionist in The Doctor’s. I
        I lived in St. Hilda Street and my name is Vincent (Vinny) Marsden. I found this site and have enjoyed reading
        all about the old neighbourhood.

        Reply

      • Colin Dixon

        says:

        Hi Pauline
        Just to say, I remember you too.
        This was the late 1970s early 1980s..
        I was aged from 9-11 at the time…
        We lived at the top of Freeland Street above Duffys the Juelers next to Clitheroes..
        My doctor was Dr Hilman
        If I remember correctly, you had light straight hair and always smiled at me when my parents took me there.
        My mother Irene was a regular patient and you talked with her a lot as far as I can remember..

        Reply

  • Claire Dixon

    says:

    Hi Ann D

    The Sweet Shop that you mention on your post do you have any more information about it. My great grandmother Catherine Merrick owned a confectioners shop on Westminster Road. Do you know the name of the shop you mentioned or the number on the road?
    I believe the shop was number 70 Westminster Road.
    I would appreciate an information.

    Thank you

    Claire.

    Reply

    • Lynn lucas

      says:

      Was the shop called Cassidy’s. It was next to a pub called the Halfway House on the corner of Whitefield Lane.

      Reply

      • ray hind

        says:

        At some time in the 1950/60’s it may have been known as Nelly Hoy’s

        Reply

        • lynn lucas

          says:

          Yes, Nelly Hoys became Cassidys later on. I remember this because my grandmother always still called the shop Nelly Hoys when I was growing up

          Reply

  • Lynn lucas

    says:

    Is there anybody who went to the old St John’s RC SCHOOL on Sessions Road, Liverpool in the late 50s, early 60s.

    Reply

    • Martin Carr

      says:

      Yes I did then went on to the senior boys in latham street, I left school in1963 and went to work as a carpenter.

      Reply

      • David Towers

        says:

        Hi Martin, I went to St Johns Lathom Street huts and left school the same year as you 1963. We might have been in the same class ? I remember a teacher we called Framie ! he had a habit of inflicting pain by pulling the hair alongside your ear. Mr Murphy, Mr Burke, Jack Daybell, Mr Taylor the headmaster who gave me 6 of the best for sagging school for one day. Some of the lads I knew Billy Miller, who lived in the buildings in Owen Road, Peter Fagan, Tony Feeney, Brian Murphy. Jack Daybell was a member of Sefton union rugby club in Leyfield Road West Derby, Jack sadly passed away last year. And if you manage to avoid the cane, there was always the chance of running up against Father Hopkins. Happy days.

        Reply

      • Ann

        says:

        My mother grew up in Latham Street, and her family lived there in the 30s-50s at least. They were the Carmodys and Marshalls. Your name sounds familiar so am wondering if you knew them.

        Reply

    • Maureen

      says:

      Hi Lynn, I went to St Johns from the late fifties to the late sixties – great May prosessions !

      Reply

    • Maureen La Castra

      says:

      Oh yep yep. They were our doctors too – At age 5 they sent me to hospital and I hated them but older and wiser realized they saved me from a bad case of Bronchial Pneumonia. It was in the days of things not being explained to kids!!!

      Reply

    • I went to St. John’s school in the 1960s my name then was Whitcombe my married name doran. I lived firstly in seller st then easby red my Christian name Elizabeth

      Reply

  • Claire Dixon

    says:

    Hi Lynn,

    No the shop was definatly on Westminster Road number 70, I have seen the address on the 1911 Census, but thank you for your post back.

    I wonder if anyone has any old pictures of Westminster Road from around 1910 – 1939, any at all just so I could see what it was like as Westminster Road now has new houses there.

    I would really appreciate it.

    Thanks

    Claire.

    Reply

    • LYNN LUCAS

      says:

      Nelly HOys (Cassidy’s) was on Westminster Road, but Whitefield Lane was just around the corner. I lived right by it. My Grandma always referred to it as Nelly Hoys as that was its former name.

      Reply

  • Paula Thompson

    says:

    Hi
    I am looking for a pub my Grandparents had on commercial road,
    I was told it was on the dock road and it changed its name to the commercial arms?
    My mother says they had a soup kitchen which served to people queuing up many children in bare feet.
    My grandparents surname was Coburn.

    Reply

  • David Chaffin-Power (Power as was)

    says:

    I would like to thank Elizabeth Rogers Ross for the information about Fusco’s ice cream parlour and the reason for his change of name. It was a source of confusion for me for a long time. However it didn’t detract from my appreciation of their delicious ice cream which has never been bettered to this day – thanks Elizabeth for reminding me.
    Thanks also to you Martin and your correspondents for all the memories of old Kirkdale, too many to mention but what pictures they conjure up.
    I could go on but I want to get back to reading them again – power (forgive the pun) to your elbow.

    Reply

  • David Chaffin-Power (Power as was)

    says:

    Martin,
    I think the house on the corner of Rumney Rd was a doctor’s surgery – certainly in the 1940’s & 50’s when I grew up in Hogarth Rd. I believe it was owned by a Dr Godfrey and had it’s own dispensing facilities. Another doctor was named Pottinger anyone remember them??
    Again, great work Martin……

    Reply

    • LYNN LUCAS

      says:

      Yes I remember those doctors. They were not mine but I do remember them.

      Reply

      • Lorraine Wickstead

        says:

        Was the Doctor Dr Sam Hillman his wife Dr June Hillman also work with him

        Reply

        • lynn lucas

          says:

          No, Dr Hillman had his own practice in the middle of Westminister Road, much further down from Dr Godfrey. Dr Hillman was my aunties doctor.

          Reply

        • Mrs Patricia Allerton

          says:

          Hi Dr Hillman and his wife Dr June were our family’s doctors when I was a child , I much preferred Dr June , she was my doctor when I had my babies too.
          They were friends with my Aunty and Uncle .

          Reply

    • Cathy Daly

      says:

      OMG!!!!!! I remember Dr Godfrey & Dr Pottinger also Dr Hogan as a child. I lived in Owen House left in1968

      Reply

      • Maureen La Castra

        says:

        Oh yep yep. They were our doctors too – At age 5 they sent me to hospital and I hated them but older and wiser realized they saved me from a bad case of Bronchial Pneumonia. It was in the days of things not being explained to kids!!!

        Reply

        • Jane Reid

          says:

          Dr Charles Godfrey was my grandfather. I never met him as he sadly died when my mother was 13, but grew up hearing many stories about the house & dispensary. I didn’t know it’s exact location though – thank you

          Reply

  • Joan Crawford

    says:

    I was born in Howley Street in Kikdale and we left there when I was 5 – some 42 years ago now!

    Reply

    • Ken Crawford

      says:

      Dear Joan

      I read your message with interest, wondering whether we are related. I too am a Crawford who lived in Kirkdale. My father, Francis Crawford. lived at 19 Rickman Street before he was married in1934, although I think he had at some point lived in Howley Street, which seems no longer to exist (I delivered papers there in the late 40s! – 8 & 18 – ?).

      I lived in Stanley Rd from birth (1936) until 1950. My mother owned a newsagents/tobacconists, first at No 188, until this was damaged in the May blitz of 1941, and then at No 164, about 4 doors from Lambeth Road. The blitz did a lot of damage to this area with the numerous bombed sites in Harcourt St, Crealock St and Lambeth Rd acting as football and cricket pitches for us kids. Even the building next door to us (166) was totally derelict through bomb damage.

      On the corner of Stanley Rd and Lambeth Rd was a bakery (Arthur’s). As a 5/6 year-old I often went into the basement where the bread was baked (what would Health & Safety make of this?). A very pleasant young lady called Sally worked there. The other shop I frequented was a paint/wallpaper shop half way between Lambeth Rd and Easby Rd run by a Mr Burrows. Opposite 164 was greengrocers – can’t remember the name, but the manageress was Cissie. Next door to this was a gents outfitters owned by a man called Len Heaton. A few doors away was another newsagents/tobacconists called McCabe’s, with Sally’s chip shop next door to that.

      Next to Lambeth Rd was Reading Street, a notoriously tough street, running from Stanley Rd to Commercial Rd. My mother used to say policemen went down it only in pairs – I was forbidden to go down it at all.

      I remember well Fuscoe’s and Aindow’s, the two ice-cream shops mentioned by another contributor. Getting ice-cream for the fist time after the War was very exciting.

      Reply

      • Hi Ken,

        I know you were addressing this comment to Joan but just wanted to say thanks for sharing all these memories! If this site is to become a great resource for those researching their own and their family’s pasts, these recollections are just what we need!

        Martin

        Reply

      • Joan Crawford

        says:

        Hi Ken. Sorry no Crawford is my married name. I was born in December 1966 and we left when I was 5 when everyone was rehomed in other estates. What a memory you have though!

        Reply

  • John lloyd

    says:

    Hi i grew up No 9 suffield road 1950-1962 i remember joe dodds horse and cart yard next to the “rec” as we called it, remember taking baths at the bath house,went to westminster road school then on to Lamberth road,both my parents were profoundly deaf mum worked at Burtons and dad travelled to S,port daily to work,dad won the vernons 62 and we all left for S/port.

    Reply

  • Joe Neary

    says:

    Hi all.
    I lived in Reading Street till it demolished,moving to Kirkby.I have a large collection of Kirkdale photos and the surrounding area on my flickr site here.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/

    Reply

    • Hi Joe,

      Those photos are amazing! So much beauty and colour in everything from graveyards and the Pier Head to construction sites and docks. Thanks for sharing them!

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Ann Hirsch

      says:

      My father, James McKew lived at 39b Reading Street according to the 1911 census. He went to sea at around 14 years of age like his father before him. Eventually, he wound up in New York City where he met and married my mother in 1937 and where my sisters and I were born. Thanks to Ancestry I have found out a little more about his past which he didn’t talk about much. He was a wonderful man. I look forward to seeing the pictures on the website you provided. Thanks.

      Reply

  • Bob Foster

    says:

    Hi. I’m trying to put together enough information about my father in law, Pat’s father Joseph Killeen to make a useful trip up to the area for my FinL see where his father was born. His Grandfather, James Killeen was Irish but married a local girl, Jane Nuttall. I can see from the birth certificate that they were living in Howley Street Kirkdale when Joseph was born in 1898. I can’t find Howley street on a current map but I see that in Oct 2014 Joan Crawford says she was born there in about 47 years ago. Has it been demolished or renamed? and if so where would I look for it now?

    James was killed in a tram accident around 1900 and Joseph was taken back to grow up in rural west Ireland whilst his mum stayed in Liverpool and he lost contact with her. Is it likely that he would have been buried in Anfield Cemetery?

    Regards

    Bob

    Reply

    • Hi Bob,

      Your question has led me to some really interesting research! Howley Street has been renamed to Newman Street, but all the streets around it have kept their names. You can see it with its original name on the Plan of Liverpool (North Sheet) of 1890.

      As for reason for the name change, I’m not sure. However, all the roads in that area are named after bishops, and at least some of them founded Oxford colleges. That fits in with the theme of naming roads in Bootle and Kirkdale after the colleges themselves (Merton, Exeter, Keble). It looks from his Wikipedia article that Hooley was a little controversial, being an Anglican archbishop with Catholic (though not Roman) leanings. Perhaps there is something in that, especially knowing north Liverpool’s history of the two religions. I might follow this research up and post it on the Liverpool Landscapes blog.

      It is by all means possible that James was buried in Anfield Cemetery, which had already been open for 40 years.

      I hope this is of help to you, and best of luck on your visit to Liverpool!

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Bob
      I’m not sure whether you’ve found out anything more about your ancestor (Patrick) James Killeen but he was buried in Ford Cemetery on the 15 July 1900 and is in a public grave.
      There was a Coroner’s Report which you might find at William Brown street Library.

      Reply

  • John Viggars

    says:

    Howley Street ran at right angles to Fountains Road. Newman Street is shown in the same position but I cannot work out if the houses there replaced Howley St or just renamed.
    Grid C5 on this map.
    http://historic-liverpool.co.uk/old-maps-of-liverpool/plan-of-liverpool-north-sheet-1890
    Mary Jane Nuttall (b 1875 St Helens?) married Patrick James Killeen (or Killon) Qtr 3 1898 at St John Kirkdale. Michael Joseph Killeen born Q4 1898 baptised St Johns seems to be registered as Joseph Michael Q1 1900. There is a James Killeen buried at Ford Cemetery Died July 1900 age 35 Plot 2889.
    Mary Jane (Killeen) married Alfred W Gidman 25/12/1902 at St Saviour Everton. There seem to be possibly 3 or 4 children from the marriage?

    Reply

    • Thanks for helping with the family history, John, and your information on these streets!

      Regarding the houses, looking on Street View the houses on Howley Street look the same age as the ones in the surrounding roads, so I’d guess the road was renamed. Someone on Twitter has seen that the road changes its name to Newman on the other side of Fountains Road on the 1928 map, and must have had the full length change its name sometime between then and now.

      Martin

      Reply

  • John Viggars

    says:

    ps Michael Joseph & his mother appear on the 1901 Irish census together in Carrownedan, Mayo but (Mary) Jane is with her new husband and 4 (?) children on the 1911 census living at 27 Vienna St Everton

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi John

      I am new to this site – so please forgive this late reply.

      I have found some things out which you may or may not have.

      I have the marriage cert. of Alfred Gidman & widow Mary Jane Nuttall aka Killeen, as you mentioned in the 1911 they had 4 children, sadly Edward died, but there was Alfred, Ernest & Doris – however I have the 1939 pre war census & there is Elizabeth born 4 July 1917 she later marries someone with the surname of HOWARD on the 31 August 1948.

      Alfred Gidman is now a widower living at the same address with another family member but who was still alive in 1991 when the records were last checked, so their details are redacted due to the privacy laws.

      Alfred was born on the 1 January 1875 & his occupation in 1939 was a “jobber in the building trade”

      More importantly I have found a photograph of Alfred (Edward) Gidman aged 17 b. 1903 which I would willingly forward to you – I have also just found his baptism record.
      In 1912 George Gidman is born followed by Martha in 1915.

      Hopefully you still check in to this great site & look forward to hearing from you

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

      • diogenes

        says:

        Hi Jane, saw your comments and have tried to give more info to John. I would love to have the photo you mention of Alfred Gidman.
        Alfred Gidman b1875 had the same grandfather as myself (Edward Gidman b1809), so we are distantly related.
        best wishes

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Diogenes

          Sorry for the late response – at 2 major home disasters which kept me well & truly busy!!

          Within the next few days I will go back over my notes & pull up what ever I can find.

          If there is anything or anyone else you would like me to search for – please don’t hesitate to ask & I will try my best for you.

          Hope to hear from you

          Kind regards
          Jane

          Reply

    • diogenes

      says:

      Hi John, only recently found this lovely site, but have some more info on the Gidman/Killeen. Alfred’s grandfather was also mine, so we would be distant cousins. I belive the following is accurate; Alfred b1903 went to the ASA and died in 1989. George b1912 also went to the USA.
      all the best to you

      Reply

  • Heather Butler

    says:

    Hi there, am undertaking some genealogical research for someone whose grandmother, Marie Edwards lived in Wolsey Street for a time and also worked for an ‘American family’ in Fishguard Street, probably some time in the mid to late 1920’s. Any thoughts, thanks.

    Reply

  • ray hind

    says:

    I left liverpool / kirkdale in 1971, reading some of the comment and replies it’s as if I am reliving my child hood and roots, being back lots of memories

    Reply

  • David Peate

    says:

    What a surprise to see a mention of Illingworths of Tawd Street. I remember the cows in the shipping and the horses stabled in Westminster Road. The feed was obtained from the grass cuttings in Anfield cemetery and from the discarded leaves of cabbages, etc., in the Haymarket in Great Homer Street. My brother, Edward, used to work there in the 1940s/1950s and, whilst a schoolboy, I used to help there from time to time.

    Reply

  • Phil Lewis

    says:

    I have just stumbled on this site, it has brought many childhood memories back and I recognise one or two names.My parents Mabel and Tom ran the shop at the corner of Wykeham st and Orwell rd in the 1960/70’s. I was born in Briar st, the youngest of four children and attended St John’s. As a kid I loved to listen to the old tales from my grandmother, my parents and older siblings. My dad drank in the Orwell pub in the days when Tom Cross was the manager, apparently he refused to serve women in the bar and one small lounge was called the ‘Blocker’ parlour, (Blocker referring to the bowler hats that the gentlemen wore,perhaps that’s where the saying ‘knock your block off’ came from?)so Im assuming local businessmen of the time must have frequented it.Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, it was a rough and ready area,with a few bad apples, but in the main, most people were highly respectable, with a great sense of family and community values. Irreplaceable memories of a happy childhood.

    Reply

    • Thanks, Phil, great to hear those memories! I always love to hear about characters like that landlord. It seems people really enjoyed growing up in the 50s and 60s, even if they knew that life was a little tougher back then. I think it made character!

      Martin

      Reply

      • Phil Lewis

        says:

        Hi Martin,
        Thanks for your reply. I agree entirely that tougher times created stronger more colourful characters.My grandmother was an incredible person, a walking history book no less. She was born in 1877 and lived to be 100 years old.Her husband, my grandfather, was gassed and died in the First World War, leaving her to bring up nine children alone,and that was in the days before social security! Her amazing stories were always told in a matter of fact manner. I would sit enthralled when she recalled emigrating to America as a little girl with her Irish mother and Danish seafarer father where she actually saw Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Her father couldn’t settle there and so they returned to Liverpool. She lived most of her life at 1a Lambeth Rd opposite Tillotsons factory. Everybody in the neighbourhood knew her as Ma Lewis. A truly remarkable woman.

        Reply

        • What a story! I always admire the courage to move overseas in hope of a better life, but what a fighting family to decide to come back again! They all must have had many stories.

          Reply

        • Terry turner

          says:

          Hi Phil I was a mate of your brother Tommy we both worked in tillitsons he married Elsie and I married Evelyn her mate ..I used to go to your nans on the corner of Lambeth rd with Tommy ..and to your house in briar St ..I remember taking my guitar and your dad singing bing Crosby songs . This was in the late 1950 early 60 s ..I think you had an older brother Edward and a sister .. You were the youngest ..happy days all the best terry

          Reply

          • Phil Lewis

            says:

            Hello Terry,
            Forgive me for not replying sooner, but I haven’t been on this marvelous site for a while and have only just seen your reply. Thanks so much for your memories, you were right in every detail! Our Tom will be thrilled I’m sure when I tell him.He relishes old stories especially Kirkdale related ones! Sadly he had a stroke several years ago and is now in a nursing home off Walton Vale.His memory is perfect and he understands everything said to him, but unfortunately his speech is badly impaired. I visit him most days to take him for a pint as he is wheelchair bound and I will definitely pass on your good wishes. You could even visit him yourself if you so wished, just let me know and I’ll arrange it.
            Best wishes, Phil.

        • Terry turner

          says:

          Hi Phil I have not been on the site for a while , sorry to hear about Tommy we used to have a good laugh every time we got together he was the life and soul of the party when we worked in tillotsons he was always smartly dressed the girls loved him great personality , the last time I saw Tommy was in the pub on the corner of commercial rd about 15 years or more I think he was driving a cab .. I am retired now 10 years living in scarisbrick ormskirk for 22 years , before moving here I was a boxing. Coach with huyton boxing club for 26 years , I love the quiet life now I still play the guitar and I am learning the ukelele , I will make arrangements to see Tommy but I am limited as my wife has altzeimers so she can’t be left on her own , I would like to say Phil you come from a nice respectable family like myself my mother had thirteen children ten survived she had four shops in the Kirkdale Walton area my farther was on the Russian convoys during the war like you I had great parents , anyway Phil I could go on forever but I will close now but I will keep in touch give my best to Tommy and the family Terry

          Reply

        • Cathy Daly

          says:

          What a lovely story. I loved that corner shop as a child it’s lovely reading all these comments lovely memories

          Reply

    • Richard Kearns

      says:

      My grandmother Beryl Cross grew up in the Orwell pub, I think the landlord you mention is her dad, my great-grandfather. I would love to hear any more stories anybody has about this pub or about Tom Cross.

      Reply

      • Ann Dinsdale

        says:

        My aunt Alice (Lal) Parks worked as a barmaid in the Orwell in 60s. She was my mum’s sister their maiden name was Ainsworth. Their mother, my nana lived in Westminster Road before she was rehoused in Hutton in the early 60s.

        Reply

  • Tony Rafferty

    says:

    I have just found this site by accident and it is brilliant. I was born in Fonthill House, Owen Rd. The area was known as the buildings and between each block there was an area known as the Horse Shoe were we used to play tweny a side footy. Fantastic, the ages would vary from 6 to 18 year olds but we all got stuck in, great days. i also went to st Johns in fountains Rd and then on to English Martyrs untill me dad moved us all over the water to ellesmere port. This has brought back great memories of friends gone by, Mike walker, Jay Salter, Sonny & Charlie Marshall and Dave Keaton. Great times great memorie.

    Reply

    • Hi Tony,

      Glad you like the site! I too remember massive footy games in the park, but I don’t think we hit 20 a side! Great to hear about your memories.

      Martin

      Reply

    • LYNN LUCAS

      says:

      Hi, I remember some of those names from my infants class at St John’s before boys were separated from girls. My teacher was Miss Brunning.Does anyone else remember St Johns infants

      Reply

    • LYNN LUCAS

      says:

      Hi, I remember some of those names from my infants class at St John’s before boys were separated from girls. My teacher was Miss Brunning.

      Reply

  • May Gore nee Moran

    says:

    Only just came across this site February 2016. It brought back so many memories of my youth in Kirkdale. I have recognised several names already. I grew up in Suffield Road, Kirkdale, and attended St. John’s and Everton Valley. Since 1961 I have lived in New Zealand. I remember both Mary Fusco and Theresa Aindow at the Valley. To a John Harding, North Dingle, was it your sister, Dorothy, who also went there? You mentioned Paul Raymond – his older brother George has been a life-long friend who sadly passed away in 2015. John Lloyd at No. 9 Suffield, I remember your parents and when you were born! In the early 50’s I met a very old man who lived in the Kirkdale Homes – he was a survivor of the Titanic disaster! We all played out on The Top and in the Rec ! Of course, our generation remembers the War, my Dad served in the Royal Engineers and was in the D Day landings. So many friends’ Dads never returned, quite a few torpedoed in the Atlantic by the U Boats. The happy VE Day party in our street when it was all over. Thanks for sharing all the memories folks.

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Mary,

      Thanks for sharing your memories here too. I hope it’s helped you reconnect with a few old faces. It’s amazing what the city went through socially in the war.

      Martin

      Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    I was born in Rockley Street in 1948, this was my grandparents home. My parents moved away when I was about 5.
    I have lost trace of my relatives I had an uncle Ernie Mac who was my grandmothers brother

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Bill

      I just came across this website today, & I have left a message to anyone who would like assistance in researching their roots.

      I have just found John & Amelia Graham living at no: 52 Rockley Street, John worked as Dock Gate Man for MD&HB, b.21 May 1892 & Amelia b.16 April 1898.
      There are at least 3 other people living in this household – but due to the 100 yr privacy act their details have been redacted.
      Are these people your grandparents?

      I’m unsure as to how I can send you the actual image (possibly the web host can advise)

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

      • Martin

        says:

        Hi Jane,

        Thanks so much for helping some of my website’s visitors to find their ancestors! I’ve told Bill that I can pass on his email address to you if he gives me permission. Also, I can pass on your email address to him if you’d like. I’ll email it to him rather than publish it on this site.

        Martin

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Martin

          What a great site – please feel free to give my email to Bill – hopefully I can help him trace his roots.

          And the offer goes for anyone one else – just bear in mind the 100 year privacy act regarding census records, as for Merchant Navy records they stop at 1915.

          I’m not calling myself a professional researcher as I do not charge for what I do – I just like passing it on

          Look forward to hearing from Bill

          Kindest regards
          Jane

          Reply

          • diogenes

            says:

            Hi Jane, I saw that you were offering help on family history and wondered if you could help me.
            My 3x greatgrandfather was Peter Guy b1779 in Prescot, parents John & Anne. He ended up in Liverpool and died 1853. I have been unable to find the birth of his father John, but from his death about 1820 it would have been about 1750. I believe he came to Liverpool from Prescot, but cannot find how he might be connected to Guys already living there. Hope you can help.
            Best wishes

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Hi Jane
    Thank you so much, these were my grandparents. It would be great to get the image. I had no dates of birth etc but can now start a proper search. Amelia was known as Minnie and Was from Ireland. Thanks again

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Bill,

      It’s really great to see you’re getting help with your ancestors! Jane has mentioned wanting to send an image to you, so if you give me permission I can pass on your email address to her. I won’t publish it on this website (for your privacy and security) – I’ll email her directly.

      Martin

      Reply

      • Bill Graham

        says:

        Hi Martin,

        thanks, this is a great page and is helping me understand my past.
        It would be great if you could pass my details onto Jane so she can send me the image

        Regards Bill

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Bill

          Still waiting to hear from you –

          Kind regards
          Jane

          Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Martin,
    That would be good thank you

    Regards Bill

    Reply

  • John Douglas

    says:

    Hi Heard an interesting claim on Radio Merseyside a couple of days ago. Apparently Newby Street in Walton is the only street/road in the City to have its house numbers the other way around to the norm, ie from the town hall. Any info?

    Reply

  • Ken Fargher

    says:

    I have a grandfather who was born in Lemon Street, Kirkdale. In the late 1880s. Does anyone have any interesting photos or information?

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Ken

      If you can give me a little bit more info on your Grandfather re: full name, any details re: parents & I’ll go digging for you

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

      • Ken

        says:

        Wow Jane. Thank you.

        The Entry of Birth is 7th April 1878. Born at 58 Lemon Street, Kirkdale. Father was Thomas Fargher, mother was Sarah Ann Fargher nee Ryley.

        Boy, William Fargher

        He had a son, Thomas WILLIAM Fargher, born in Johannesburg by a second wife( first died of consumption and we know little if nothing about her). 14 Nov 1922.

        I see little is left of Lemon Street and I believe due to WW2. Would love to know if anyone has photos of the street and around the time of 1878.

        Thank you

        Reply

        • Jane

          says:

          Hi Ken

          When I commence my search, I go back as far as I can to the beginning – so I’ve started with Thomas’s parents:- Thomas & Eleanor who originated from the Isle of Man

          Thomas Farghar was baptized 12 February 1809 :- parents Clucas Fargher & Isabella Mylchreest

          They married 6 June 1807

          they were b. abt 1785 they had at least 3 other children.
          They were farmers & in 1841 Thomas is also a Farmer.

          On 18 July 1839 Thomas married Susannah Christian she is the mother to John Fargher.

          Susannah obviously died & Thomas married Eleanor? this event possibly happened in Liverpool as there are least 8 children born starting with Thomas in 1842, then Eleanor in 1843, William Clucas in 1844, Robert in 1845 & Elizabeth in 1846, Jane in 1851, Charles in 1853, George in 1855

          I have the marriage cert. of Thomas to Sarah Ann Ryley, but I have his enlistment in to the Boiler maker’s Union in 1876

          I have just found a “later” Thomas traveling on the Carmania 4 May 1912, occupation SMITH leaving Liverpool bound for New York.

          I also have found William’s brother Richard b. in 1876 living with wife Lilian & son Richard living at 273 Lower Breck Road.

          I could look for more but if you can tell me as to what you have already then I can concentrate looking in other areas.

          If you have non of the aforementioned, then have Martin pass on my direct email & I’ll gladly forward the images to you.

          Look forward to hearing from you
          Kind regards
          Jane

          Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Hi Jane, I would love a copy of your document and have asked Martin to forward you my email address.
    Regards Bill

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Bill

      I’m like that song “I’m still waiting” hopefully you’ll get your images soon – if there’s anything else I can help with – please don’t hesitate

      Look forward to hearing from you & would just like to add – Martin “You’re a great host for doing what you do!!!

      Regards
      Jane

      Reply

      • Martin

        says:

        Hi Jane,

        Thank you for your kind comment! I love doing this website, and am so glad you’re able to add your own knowledge in here too!

        Martin

        Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Thanks Jane. I agree, Martin is doing a great job.

    Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Hi Martin, site goes from strength to strength. Please pass my email to Jane. Regards Bill

    Reply

  • Jane H

    says:

    Hi – I just found this site as my cousin is visiting from the USA and we are trying to piece together a very fragmented family history. We Share the same Great Gradparents, John Pearse and anna Wharitty pearse who moved to Kirkdale in the late 1800’s and who had 10 or more children. My cousins grandma was Agnes Pearse who married a John Gray, and then when he died in 1915 an Edward Pugh, and my Grandfather was John (Jack) Pearse who married a Margaret ann hughes. they lived in Fonthill Road and the whole pearse family was in some way connected with the Merchant Navy. The Pearse children were Richard, Francis, Patrick, Agnes, Sissy, Honor, Dominic, John, Joseph, Margaret and possibly others.

    Does anyone know any of these names?

    Thanks, and will just go through and have a good read!!

    Jane

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Jane

      I’m also Jane & I have possibly found all your Pearse boys, with photographs & birth records for their time spent with the Merchant Navy.

      I would love to forward the images to you – but I think we have to go through our web host, the incredible Martin.

      So without further ado – Martin – you have my permission to forward my email to Jane.

      Look forward to hearing from you

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Jane

      In no particular order

      I’ve just discovered that John – 1880, Francis – 1882, Agnes 1885, Joseph – 1887 & **Margaret – 1889**, Dominic – 1891, Richard – 1878 were baptized at St. Alphonsus RC Church

      In St. Augustine’s RC Church the following children were baptized:- Ann Maria – 1873,who married Richard Tuer in 1915 & then later emigrated to the United States and received her citizenship in 1941.

      Honora – 1876, Patrick – 1875 was baptized in St. Augustine’s RC Church

      ** There was another Margaret b. & Baptized at St. John’s RC Church in 1895

      The only one that is missing (yet) is Sissy however I have all the baptism images of the aforementioned.
      And the marriage of Ann Maria

      Please let me know if you would like them?

      Kind regards
      Jane

      Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    It seems like everyone’s gone quiet?

    Is Liverpool basking in glorious sunshine – we’ve had high 70’s already & no snow – thank the Lord!!

    Hope to hear from Bill soon

    Kind regards
    Jane

    Reply

    • Bill Graham

      says:

      Hi Jane, I still have not recieved a reply. I have asked Martin to give you my email. Could you please see if he has heard from me. Can you let me know if you get this mail dated 14/04/16.
      Regards Bill

      Reply

      • Jane

        says:

        Hi Bill

        I check the site nearly every day – so I think Martin’s on Crosby beach basking in 80 degree’s of sunshine – only joking!

        Hope all’s well Martin & I’m sure whatever the delay – we’ll get there in the end.

        If there’s anything else Bill I can help you with – just let me know

        Kind regards to all
        Jane

        Reply

        • Martin

          says:

          Hi Jane,

          I sent you an email this morning – has it arrived? Perhaps it got into your spam folder? Sorry, must be dodgy wifi with all these Gormley statues around here! 😉

          Martin

          Reply

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi Martin

            Thanks Martin – it must be the 8000 miles between us – never gave it a thought to check that.
            There you are stuck in the middle with all the other junk!! which I never knew I had.

            Hopefully Jane H will get in touch as I have the photo’s of all of her Pearse siblings, it seems all but a few of the family emigrated to the States.
            And also found out that the missing Sissy was the nick name for Ann Maria.

            Glad to know all’s well in the pool

            Kind regards
            Jane

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Thanks to this website and additional help from Martin and Jane I am now able to start researching my family history.
    Imagine the shock of finding out that I am either a Graham or a
    Hollerhead or in fact a Graham – Hollerhead. Jane very quickly established the spelling of my grandmothers maiden name as McGrae. I know I had an uncle Ernie and he was known as Ernie Mack, I wonder what his relationship to my grandmother was as he was born a couple of years before my father.
    Once again a big hanks to Jane for the rsearch she did for me and to Martin for a great site.

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Thanks Bill,

      Great to hear this tale of your family history research, and so glad this site linked you up with Jane. I hope others find the site as useful as you have.

      Martin

      Reply

  • Joseph Hollerhead

    says:

    What a website all, thank you so much for this. Bill, I am currently searching my family tree and I am a Hollerhead. We have lived in and around the Kirkdale/Walton areas since the 1950’s.

    I would love to connect with you.

    Cheers,

    Joe

    Reply

  • Bill Graham

    says:

    Hi Joe, I would love to get in touch. My family lived in the same areas until the early sixties. There is some confusion over the surname which I am trying to sort at out at present, but unfortunately all the close family are deceased.
    I will ask MARTIN to pass on my email to you.

    Reply

  • Ann

    says:

    Can anyone help or give me any information/photos about Aldams Grove (off Westminister road, Kirkdale) I lived there from the early 70’s until all the houses were demolished in the 80’s I’ve been on loads of sites and groups trying to find something. Everywhere around the grove is mentioned (nixons factory) but that’s all.

    Reply

  • AnnmarieH

    says:

    Hi Martin, can you or anybody give me any information or photos of Aldams Grove (off Westminister Road) I lived there as a child from the late 60’s until the houses were demolished in the 80’s. I’ve found info about surrounding area (nixons factory) etc but that’s all Thanks

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Annemarie,

      Like you, I can’t find anything on the street itself. Is it just general information you need, or would you like to know something specific?

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Jacqui

    says:

    Hello
    According to the 1851 census I have just received, my 3 x great grandparents Gordon and Ann GRANT and their family and servants lived at 7 Blackfield Terrace, Kirkdale. Can you tell me if there would be any existing records, photos or information around this. Gordon J J Grant was a tobacco broker.

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Jacqui

      My name is Jane & I read your post – I took the liberty of checking out your ancestor and have found his marriage certificate and death details as reported in a coroners report – if you already have this information please accept my apologies for the intrusion, if you don’t please feel free to contact me.

      Reply

  • Joan griffiths

    says:

    Can anyone remember the name of the bakery in Westminster road my mother (Agnes whitehead) worked there from 1931-1942

    Reply

    • lynn lucas

      says:

      Roxburgh’s Bakery

      Reply

  • D Owens

    says:

    Hi Martin. Great site.
    I was born on Barlow Lane in 1965 and lived there until 1976 when we were cleared and the houses later demolished.
    We lived in no.30 and I remember Wally Dean’s glaziers shop at one end, and Burtons at the other. Been trying to remember the name of the little chippy on the same side as my old school St Lawrence?
    The shop facing Lulu’s pub was owned by Reggie and Margaret (Powell?)
    Does anybody have information on photographs showing “our” side of the street, what was the even numbers? All pictures seem to show the pub side,the houses still remain, but cannot find any of our old Victorian ones with the steps up to the doors.
    Colourful was a good word for the area in those days! I remember a huge commotion one Saturday night as someone broke Burtons window and rode off on a motorcycle attempting to keep the fully suited and booted window dummy on the back as a very unsteady pillion passenger!
    Dave.

    Reply

    • Nicola

      says:

      Hi Martin,

      Just found this site. Wally Dean is my 1st cousin 2 x removed. My Grandfather Hugh Harris lived with the Deans before moving to Kent. I have a photo of Wally Dean’s Deebro Oils van. The shop was 67 Barlow Street. My Mum remembers them having a shop that sold chocolate!

      Reply

  • Colin Beet

    says:

    At the end of Spellow Lane, near the ‘Royal Oak’ public house there is a busy road junction (Walton Road, Barlow Lane, Carisbrooke Road, County Road and Spellow Lane). In 1940 there was an underground public toilet in the middle of this junction which was being used as a shelter from the bombing. On the evening of 21st December 1940 the toilets, which were packed at the time, received a direct hit killing most of the occupants. Only five bodies could be identified. Others were removed to the mortuary and later buried in a communal grave. There are accounts which suggest that the bomb crater was filled in before all the bodies could be recovered.

    It is thought that some years later a memorial plaque was placed on the pavement outside Burtons at the junction of Walton Road and Barlow Lane. This has still to be confirmed.

    Any comment or additional information about this incident would be greatly appreciated

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Colin,

      I’ve seen someone else on another forum asking about the same issue, and a fellow contributor pointed out that the bodies were always recovered, and any destroyed buildings were made safe. This would be for general safety reasons, but it would also make recovery of the bodies easier. Apparently stories like this one, of bodies left behind, were common in those days! The shelter is marked on the 1949-54 map, so no doubt the story of the direct hit is all too true.

      Martin

      Reply

    • lynn lucas

      says:

      My parents, aunts and uncles are all dead, but I remember my aunt and my dad talling me that my grandfather was blown up around that period and in that area. He died in my aunties arms, she was only a young girl at the time, so your post was very special to my. My aunt talked about this all of her life, she loved her father very much, so although they are gone, I was told it happened and her father is buried I think in Ford Cemetery. I was brought up around that area as well and know exactly where you mean.

      Reply

  • Becky Hobson

    says:

    Hi, fantastic site. Was hoping somebody could help me ? I have just got my great great grandmothers marriage cert from 1895 and it says both her and husband were living at 26 Sandon Road at time of marriage ? They were married at St Marys Kirkdale. Does anybody know where this road was ? Her parents were travellers. Would love to know more. Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Becky,

      Sandon Road was on the spot now occupied by Genista Close north west of Walton Hall Park. You can still see Gladstone Road, and Sandon Road was two roads north, as you can see on this map of north Liverpool. You can see Sandon Road in the far bottom right, and Gladstone Road is two roads further right, off the map. Note that on that map, north is to the left.

      Regards,
      Martin

      Reply

      • Becky Hobson

        says:

        Thankyou !!!!!! I reallly appreciate your help ! Thanks again, Becky 🙂

        Reply

  • Bernie M Evans

    says:

    Westminster Road had a shop on the block opposite the Bridewell and the bend in the road which bottled and corked Cleanso products , about 55 years ago me and my brother on a Saturday would bottle up and then sell off the back of a wagon and all over Kirkdale
    Aunt Sally , Bleach and Pine , 3 for half a crown .
    We would buy them for 2/- ( two shillings ) and would make a tanner (6d) on each transaction . Not bad for 8 and 9 year olds them days. Can’t remember who owned the shop , anybody know?
    Cheers

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    You you be so kind as to contact Andy Craig for me – replied to his post.
    We’re related and I’d love to share the Mussell family history with him

    You can pass on my email

    Kind regards
    Jane

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi jane,

      Yes, I will do!

      Martin

      Reply

      • Jane

        says:

        Hi Martin
        Its been quite a while & I wondered if you had any joy contacting Andy Craig.

        I’m in frequent contact with Joe & Lily (Mussell) Saunderson and have helped them fill in all the gaps regarding their family tree.
        Seasons Greeting & A Happy New Year
        Kind regards
        Jane

        Reply

        • Martin

          says:

          Hi Jane,

          I emailed Craig on 15th February but never got a reply. I passed on your email address to him but I’m guessing he never got in touch?

          Martin

          Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    Just another snippet – met someone here in my tiny little town – called Peter Reid.

    He studied at Liverpool University as a teacher, he also assisted at the Rydal Club – off Scotland Road, during the early 60’s.

    Peter was also friends with the owners of Bibby’s and apparently they were kind enough to lend Peter and his colleagues Bibby’s work vans – these would be used to ferry groups of kids from the Rydal Club to the Lake District or Wales etc.

    Amazingly Peter was a keen photographer and he captured scores of photo’s of the kids having a wonderful time.

    Not only that but nearly all of them have their names attached to their photo!

    If any of your followers remember such a time or were a member of the Rydal Club and would like a copy of any of these photo’s please contact me and I’ll be more than happy to pass on the happy memories.

    Kind regards
    Jane

    Reply

    • John McMillan

      says:

      Jane just read you letter about the rydal I when I frst went there they had just started pulling out the seating in the big hall upstairs I am very interested in the photos you mentioned is the any chance getting copies, had a great time the camping on E.R.Bibby’s farm up passed Glasson dock, my younger brother was knocked down while we were there and finished up in lancaster royal infirmory, lucky not to lose his foot,, went to guinea gap baths on a wednesday night

      Reply

      • Jane

        says:

        Hi John
        Its been a while since I’ve been on the site – but I will find the images and get back to you.
        Once again apologies for the delay

        Kind regards Jane

        Reply

  • bob

    says:

    what is the full history of Eldon grove , when was it built and what was it’s purpose is the building haunted

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Bob,

      Eldon Grove was built in 1912 as workers houses, by Liverpool Corporation. It was a relatively grand looking building for the poorer people of the time, and was placed close to the docks where the residents would have worked.

      It was later used as student flats, I understand, but has been derelict for a long time now.

      I’ve not heard any stories of the place being haunted, but it’s definitely the kind of building which attracts those kinds of rumours!

      There’s more history on that building, plus photos of inside taken recently, on the My Urban Liverpool website: http://urbanliverpool.blogspot.co.uk/p/eldon-grove-tenements.html
      Martin

      Reply

  • J Welsby

    says:

    Can anyone help?

    My mother had a dear friend whose nickname was Rusty, because of her rusty coloured hair. Rusty worked at Hobbies for many years during WW11 & later she ran a B&B somewhere around the Break Road area through the 1970s-1980s. Among her guests where the many stars and entertainers who appeared at The Empire & other Liverpool theatres.

    I would love to know more about Rusty, who was a lovely character. I believe she was a widow with no children. Her full name would be helpful but the only thing I can remember is that her nickname was also a short version of her first name, which was something like… Ruzena or Ruzenah, Ruzenka, Ruzenkah.

    Reply

  • hi martin I was born in wood house Walton one of 6 boys .we all when to ST JOHNS boys school KIRKDALE ,when you left the junior school you went to Laytham street by the dock you could see the BT clock if you look out the window , we made a move film our teacher was Mr frame it was about class war can u find it ? since then IVE open 26 shops RYAN&SON

    Reply

  • Colin Beet

    says:

    Can anyone help? I am trying to establish exactly when the spire of St Lawrence’s Church in Barlow Lane was damaged during WW2. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  • Billy Rotherham

    says:

    I went to St. John’s infants, junior and senior school from 1951 till 1959. I then passed the 13+ and went to Cardinal Allen Grammar School. I grew up in 1 Barlow St. and were rehoused in 1962 in a Council house in Stoneycroft. I well remember Mr. Fraine and his habit of lifting lads by the hair above their ears. The other teachers were great including Mr. Murphy who used to take more senior classes to Avocado Vale in Arklow where he originated from. I have lots of stories from that period if anyone would like help with any research.

    Reply

  • Billy R.

    says:

    It should have read Avoca Vale. When I was 15 I worked in a geengrocers near to Hampson’s barbers on a Friday night & a Saturday. It was owned by Peter Rees and his brother worked for Jeff’s butchers next door. I have to say Peter was probably the nicest person I have ever met. I believe he ran Peter’s Packaging for a long time after that.

    Reply

  • Shaun Joynson

    says:

    Hi there,

    I am wondering if you can help me regarding S A Joynson’s shop on Westminster Road. S A stood for Sarah Alice – my great grandmother, who I believe set up the shop after her husband Edward died young. Also, I would like to know about Medlock Street, where my father was born in 1923. I note that it is now a waste ground, but would be interested to see if I could find a street plan.

    Reply

    • Martin

      says:

      Hi Shaun,

      Another reader asked about Medlock Street back in 2012, and I replied with a bit of information there, so click that link to find out more. There is a street plan of Medlock Street on this site (look to the east of Kirkdale Gaol), from a little earlier than when your father was born, but no doubt it looked roughly the same.

      Best wishes,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Trish

    says:

    Reposting this message.

    My family have links with Kirkdale….my mother was born in Pluto Street and many of her family lived here during the early 1900s.

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Shaun Joynson

    Please forgive the intrusion but I took a look at your family history on you gt. grandmother’s side

    Sarah Alice McKie b. 2 August 1870 – she married Edward Joynson in 1896 in St. Mary’s, Kirkdale.

    Her parents were Alexander Charles Maudsley (Mozley) McKie b. 1829 & Elizabeth Hule – they married in St. Nicholas’s C of E 23 March 1856

    Sarah had a brother John Alexander Fletcher McKie b. 21 August 1868 – d. 21 February 1872 & is buried in Anfield Cemetery Consecrated section 10, plot 970.

    If you wish to know more & I haven’t offended you – please let me know & I will gladly forward whatever I find out.
    If you already have this information – please accept my apologies.

    Kind regards
    Jane

    Reply

  • Shaun Joynson

    says:

    Dear Jane,

    You most certainly have NOT offended me. In fact, I am very grateful for this information. I recently visited Kirkdale and Walton, but as it was on the last day of my trip, I was not able to stay long.

    My sister and I are hoping to visit over the summer holidays (we both work in education) and any clues such as this are most useful.

    Again, my thanks.

    Shaun

    Reply

  • Shaun Joynson

    says:

    Martin,

    This is brilliant stuff, thank you so much for it.

    In another posting you mentioned about how this area was a bit better off than most. That adds up. My grandfather was a shipping clerk and my father was for a time, an apprentice accountant. Later he worked as a boilerman in the David Lewis Northern Hospital prior to joining the Royal Marines in 1942.

    What would also be interesting to know is what schools he would have gone to.

    Many thanks for this again.

    Kindest Regards

    Shaun

    Reply

  • Shaun Joynson

    says:

    No, it was not me, though I have posted a reply.

    Reply

  • The name of the shop on Westminister Rpad called Cleanso, was owned by Mr Thomas Lynn, ge was my Uncle.

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Shaun
    How far have you got with your research – if you would like me to do some more digging – I would be happy to help you out

    Kind regards Jane

    Reply

  • Ann Marie Hall

    says:

    Can anyone remember Byron/Byrom House tenaments. Does anyone know where Byrom Hse was located exactly, I know that part of it was bombed WWII.
    My mum lived in 9B and was called Marie/Maria Cleary, born 22/3/1933. She had a sister Frances older than her and who died of TB aged 18. Mum worked at BAT for a short time in her 20’s. Her siblings were older – Frances, Kitty/Kate (married Paddy McArdle and lived in walton), John (died in Burma), Jimmy, Lizzie (married Billy Frost & lived in Immason St, Walton), & Gerard (had a son Christopher?).

    Reply

  • Billy Rotherham

    says:

    Ann Marie. I don’t know if it’s any help to you but as early teenagers ( I don’t think the term was used in those days ) A gang of us used to hang around together. We mostly went to St.John’s senior school. The boys and girls were separated in different buildings. The boys went to the dreaded Latham St. Huts. The purpose of my entry here is to say that a Patricia McArdle was one of gang along with Cathy McClusky. They had both previously lived in the ‘ buildings but they had both moved to new build houses of n Walton Lane opposite Anfield Cemetery. Billy Rotherham born 1946.

    Reply

    • ray hind

      says:

      Who tried to lift the devils head at the Stone masons / memoral headstone, on the conerof Bullens Road, on a cold winter’s night?

      Reply

  • Pat Allerton

    says:

    To John Lloyd re 9 Suffield Road , Kirkdale
    Hi John , my husband grew up in 29 Suffield Rd , his family probably knew yours. He was born in 1948. Left when he joined the Royal Navy. He would have known some of the same people as you.

    Reply

  • Kevin Mussell

    says:

    My name is Kevin Mussell was born in Crelock street kirdale 1961 went to St Johns then the English Martyrs, loads a memories flooding back from a very tough but happy neighbourhood any one remember me get in touch.

    Reply

  • I was born on the top landing 26 sellar st my name is elizabeth Whitcombe nickname lily wick I went to St. John’s school does anyone have any photos of the landings in sellar st

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Kevin

    Regarding your surname – I have a direct line to a Mussell family in my family tree & have made connections with other Mussell connections via this forum – would you be interested to see if we have a connection?

    I now live in BC Canada – but have been researching my ancestry for over 20 years

    Martin has my direct email – & would be happy for him to pass it on to you

    Kind regards
    Jane

    Reply

  • Kevin Musselle

    says:

    Yes no problem would be really interested to here more.

    Kevin

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Kevin

    Looking forward to hearing from you – please Martin can you forward my email to Kevin or shall I just add it to the comments box?

    Kindest regards & Happy New Year

    Jane

    Reply

  • My name is Elizabeth Doran ( Whitcomb ) Please Please Anyone have photos of the landings in SELLAR ST KIRKDALE I also went to St. John’s I left in 1967 my best and life long friend is jean boyland

    Reply

  • To Lynn Lukas the doctors in westminster rd was Dr Simon and Dr Edwards the receptionist was Mrs Clarke the surgery was facing the Garrick picture house

    Reply

  • Lynn

    says:

    My doctor was Dr Simon. Such a great doctor. Don’t remember the zgartivk though. It was a little way from where we lived the top of zLeven Street by zjRumney Road.

    Reply

  • To ken knight My grandmother lived nexst door to you in North Dingle 115 North Dingle they were the Smith,s my mother was the oldest of my granmothers I also remember the Crow family

    Reply

  • To Tommy Hughes we lived next door to you in Sellar st kirkdale You have brother Joseph and a sister Donna I remember your mum Frances and your dad joey Your first cousins are my first cousins They are the Ellis,s Gina was my mum,s sister (maggie)

    Reply

  • Alan Beattey

    says:

    I am a 75 year old native of the state of Ohio in the USA, and I have some family letters dated in 1935 and 1936 from a Rachel Looney Eastwood with a return address of 115 North Dingle Kirkwood Liverpool. Rachel had a daughter Helen. It appears that around 1937 they moved to Cherry Lane in Walton Liverpool. I know the writer was related to my mother, but I have not been able to determine how. Would anyone have any information on the Looney/Eastwood family?

    Reply

    • jane

      says:

      Hello Alan
      Re: March 14, 2020 at 6:53 pm
      Alan Beattey

      I’m trying to do a little digging on your behalf
      So far I have come up with the fact that Rachel Luney/Looney married Wallace Stanley Eastwood in Belfast in the first Q. of 1909
      It appears that Wallace S. Eastwood was born in Halifax England 30 August 1880. He must have served an apprenticeship as a Carpenter & my suspicion is that he worked in Belfast for the White Star Line – who built the Titanic among others.

      Therefore I believe that Rachel was born in Ireland on the 7 June 1884 & moved with Wallace to Liverpool after 1911 & before the 1930’s

      In 1891 the census has the Eastwood family as follows:-
      First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
      James Dyson Eastwood Head Married Male 49 1842 Mechanic Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Etty Dyson Eastwood Wife Married Female 42 1849 Draper Todmorden, Yorkshire, England
      Amy Eastwood Daughter Single Female 24 1867 Shop Assistant Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Eliza Anne Eastwood Daughter Single Female 22 1869 Shop Assistant Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Edith Eastwood Daughter Single Female 16 1875 Dressmaker Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Wallace Stanley Eastwood Son – Male 10 1881 Scholar Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Beatrice Eastwood Daughter – Female 7 1884 Scholar Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Gladys Eastwood Daughter – Female 2 1889 – Elland, Yorkshire, England

      In 1901 The Eastwood family are as follows:-

      First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
      James D Eastwood Head Married Male 59 1842 Mechanic Woollen Machinery Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Betty Eastwood – Married Female 54 1847 – Todmorden, Lancashire, England
      Edith Eastwood – Single Female 25 1876 Dress Maker Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Gertrude Eastwood – Single Female 22 1879 Retail Confectioner Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Wallace S Eastwood – Single Male 20 1881 Cabinet Maker Elland, Yorkshire, England
      Gladys Eastwood – Single Female 12 1889 – Elland, Yorkshire, England

      In 1911 Wallace S. Eastwood is living at 26 Mayflower St. Pottinger Co. Down, Ireland with his wife Rachel in the home of her parents.
      His Occupation: Cabinet Maker

      Father: Thomas Looney b. 1839 Belfast
      Mother : Rachel Ede b. 1845 Surrey England
      Daughter : Rachel b. 1884 Belfast
      The Census states that Thomas & wife Rachel had 6 children – but 3 had died this means that Rachel had 2 siblings who have either married or left the family home.

      I have found the 1901 Irish Census & the 2 siblings are not at the address of 58 in Park Avenue (Victoria, Down)

      I have just found the marriage of Thomas & Rachel “Ede” in the Parish of Portsea Hampshire in 1865
      It appears that Thomas is working as a Wheeler on a road gang for his father Thomas on Southsea Castle

      Rachel’s father is John Ede – Occupation: Farmer
      I have found Rachel Looney’s birth cert. & one of her sibling’s John Fletcher Looney b. 1880
      I also found the birth cert. of Wallace S. Eastwood & Rachel Lonney’s first child b. 1910

      I will keep digging for you & see if I can figure the connection

      Kindest regards
      Jane
      PS If you wish to connect with me privately – then you can make a request through Martin

      Reply

  • BRIAN CLARKE

    says:

    Hi just looking through some of the postings and my enquiry relate to the Clarke Family of which my research takes me back to 45 Lambeth Road where my great grandfather John Henry Clarke 1865 – 1958 lived with his wife Annie Eardley . they had 12 children in total of which 1 was my Grandfather Henry Albert Clarke 1890 – 1960, although records show him as Henry Arthur Clarke.
    The various census records indicate Henry as still being at that address in 1911 and that they were all involved in the Flour Mill industry and quite likely Henry joined up for the 1st WWar and at the end stayed on in Somerset where his last Posting was.
    Any information photos of the area would be appreciated.
    We know that Annie Eardley came from Bangor in North Wales and John Clarke was son of John Clarke and Hannah Peplow and was 1 of 21 children .
    The Peplow line is quite well listed but have stumbled with John Clarke 1809 – 1872

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Brian

      Would you like any help sources images relating to baptisms, marriage & burials.
      I would gladly assist you if you need help

      Kind regards Jane

      Reply

      • Brian Clarke

        says:

        Thank you Jane that is kind of you. I guess that I have via Genes reunited have tabulated the Clarkes in general my Grandfather back to Kirkdale and his family and that I can see the houses where they lived via google earth so it is interesting to see the Kirkdale of that time and the place of work which was in the flour Mill.
        I will look through the info I have and what I am stuck with and get back to you.

        Reply

        • John McMillan

          says:

          Hi Brian, my grad dad married the widow of a David Thomas Clarke DOB 1867 , he married Kath Cain in St. Peter’s C of E Church, liverpool, they lived in Holly Street off St Anne , liverpool

          Reply

          • BRIAN CLARKE

            says:

            Hi John, cannot place a David Thomas with date of 1867. My great grandfather John Henry Clarke Born 1865 and after him there was only 2 sisters. Do you know the Fathers name of David?

          • John McMillan

            says:

            Hi Brian as far as I know father name james , I’m the family tree , I’ve got Campbell’s, Doyle’s, Cain’s and there’s tons of them , good luck with your search john

          • Jane

            says:

            Hi John
            Forgive the intrusion – but I checked out your David Thomas Clark – I actually believe he was born in 1862 – I have found a baptism record for him. His father was James (Bricklayer/Plasterer) & mother Ann The address given was Myrtle St.

            I found his first marriage in 1889 to Elizabeth Hooley they both resided in Marlow St.

            He was aged 28 at that time so making his birth date closer to the baptism record I found and not the second marriage were its feasible that he knocked off a few years due to the fact that Catherine is only 20.

            In 1897 he was a widower & married Catherine Cain
            I think he died in 1913 in the Liverpool workhouse & is buried in Rice Lane Cemetery.
            If you don’t have the certificates I will gladly forward them to you

            Kind regards
            Jane

  • Karen Smith

    says:

    Hi, I’m looking for any old photos of The Melrose Pub on the corner of Melrose road and Fonthill road , my great grandparents ran it for years , they were living there on the 1911 census, then my great grandmother and her 2 sons Alex & Leslie ran it after my great grandfather died, they were still there on the 1939 register. Their names where Francis & Ann Cross and their sons Alexander ( my grandad) & Leslie Cross. Any info or pics would be great if anyone has any x

    Reply

    • Brian Melrose

      says:

      I’m glad you posted Karen. I’m trying to solve the history of my last name. My ancestors had a different last name and were coming from Russia in that very same year (1911) to America. I heard that lots of ships docked in Liverpool on the way to New York City (Ellis Island). If they docked in Liverpool, then perhaps my great grandfather saw the pub or went to the pub for a meal or drink, saw the name Melrose and associated it with English and made a mental note of it. It’s a bit of a stretch but it’s one of just a few possibilities of how I got my last name. Another interesting fact is that the next passenger on the manifest below my ancestors was staying with a relative on Melrose Street in Boston. So, those are my top two guesses as to how I have the last name Melrose. I would love to see photos of the pub, just in case it holds some significance and especially if its from around 1911. Thanks!!

      Reply

  • ShaunJ

    says:

    Hi there,

    Its worth also posting on the I’m from Kirkdale Facebook Group and the Old Photos of Liverpool and Liverpool in Black and White, also on FB.

    They turned up the photo of my Great Grandmother’s shop on Westminster Road.

    Reply

  • John McMillan

    says:

    had a trip with the rydal to the rydal school in Colwyn Bay north wales , when we went camping to bibby’s farm we traveled on the back of an open wagon , think of thre outcry now from H&S

    Reply

  • Kate Nolan

    says:

    I would just like to say a huge thank you to Jane Bryn who has been amazing in her determination to help people discover their family history. I posted a comment on here looking for information on my Grandad’s family from Scotland Road area of Kirkdale, the Nolan’s. Jane has found out so much information for me and helped bring family together who had never met. And she hasn’t even finished yet! Anybody who needs any help with family research then I can wholeheartedly vouch for Jane and what she does. She’s amazing. Thanks again Jane! X

    Reply

  • Hilary Smith

    says:

    Hi

    I am researching the Locker family history. They lived in the Kirkdale area – has anyone come across any Lockers?

    Thanks
    Hilary

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    Would you please reach out to Alan Beatty – whom I carried out some research without him knowing – due to the fact that he resides in the States & may not have checked in to your site since he posted the request.

    Kindest Regards
    Jane
    Canada

    Reply

    • Hi Jane,

      I’ve sent Alan an email and a link to your comment. Thanks so much for providing that information. Hopefully he’ll be very interested!

      Martin

      Reply

  • Joanne H

    says:

    I was wondering if anyone could help, my great grandfather worked as a letterhead printer, I was told it was Lloyds Printers on Leeds st in Liverpool. I was hoping someone could shine some information on it. My great grandfather was called Francis M White. It would have been around the late 1930’s. Thank you Joanne

    Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Joanne H

      My name is Jane – I assist people to further the journey into finding their ancestors – if you can furnish me with a few more details I will start a search for you.

      Kind regards Jane

      Reply

    • Jane

      says:

      Hi Joanne

      I have already made a start & I hope that my finding a correct – Francis Melton b. 7 March 1882 the son of Isaac & Ellen Melton, formally Quinlan – Godmother on Baptism cert. Ellen White?

      It is possible that Francis’s parents died & he was taken in by family.
      In 1891 he is living with Joseph White & family ( described as adopted son)
      And on his marriage cert. he states that Joseph was his father – (but this is not correct)

      I have found a photo of him also

      Let me know if you would like me to keep going?

      Look forward to hearing from you

      Kind regards Jane

      Reply

  • Joanne Hitchmough

    says:

    Hi Jane,
    Sorry for the l have only just saw your message, I would love if you could keep going. What you have found so far seems correct.
    I know my great grandfather knew Jack White from the band Jack White and his Collegians they cycled over to Ireland to find Francis’s mum.

    Reply

  • Claire O’Brien

    says:

    Does anyone have any pictures of “Cassidy’s” the sweet shop that was on Westminster Road, Kirkdale? This is my grandparents shop and would love to see what it looked like. Thank you.

    Reply

  • Ann

    says:

    Sorry no pictures of Cassidy’s but I remember going in there as a very small child. My grandmother lived on Westminster Road in a house that was the back of an empty shop and we used to visit there before she was moved to Button in the early 60s. I seem to remember two old ladies running Cassidy’s.

    Reply

    • Ann

      says:

      Sorry Hutton! not Button. Technology!

      Reply

  • Julie Jones

    says:

    Hi everyone

    I am researching the Teijen family in Kirkdale, with the head of the family, Hermann, who was a German immigrant. The family later changed their surname to Teachen. Hermann married Christina and they had several children, including Alfred, who had a shop in Lemon Street, although I believe this would not exist anymore as the street was heavily bombed out during WW2.

    Any information on the Teijen / Teachen family would be very gratefully received, especially whereabouts in Germany Hermann came from and why he came to Liverpool.

    I have found some relatives and ancestors on Ancestry, but would love to hear from anyone who may have more info.

    Thank you so much
    Jules

    Reply

  • Julie Jones

    says:

    Apologies, correct spelling should be TIETJEN.

    Hermann was born around 1859 and his son Alfred was born in 1910. I am particularly interested in Hermann’s other son, George, who was born around 1903.

    Reply

    • Chris

      says:

      A relative of my wife married Alfred Teachen, b 8 april 1909. He married Emily Burgess, Sept 1937, Liverpool; three children.

      Reply

  • Alison

    says:

    I am researching William Brown 1 Nith St Kirkdale. Hi believed he lived with his parents Albert and Sara. They all were living there for 1939 census.I would be grateful of any information or photos would be such a bonus.

    Reply

  • Brian Clarke

    says:

    Trying to piece together family history relating to a clarke family who in the 1901 census occupied a house in Lambeth Road. Quite a long shot but does this family in its location crop up on anyones family tree?

    Reply

  • Andy B

    says:

    Hi,

    I am trying to research my “outlaws” Joyce and Stan Hough.
    I was told by an old friend of theirs that they used to live in Kirkdale in the early 1960s near (I think) a ball bearing factory?

    Has anyone any idea where that was?

    Many thanks for your help!

    Reply

  • Hi Andy,
    I’ve found a reference to a National Shell Factory, which no doubt could have turned its hand to ball bearings and other more specific parts of munitions. It was apparently converted from a tramway workshop in 1916, under the Liverpool Munitions Management Committee. I got this information here, which also has a couple of abbreviated references to the things they produced: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/National_Shell_Factories (there are six factories referred to in Liverpool, so do a search on that page for ‘lambeth road’).
    You can see the Tramway Carriage Works on this map from the National Library of Scotland: (reproduced courtesey of NLS) https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=17&lat=53.43036&lon=-2.98120&layers=168&right=ESRIWorld

    Best wishes,
    Martin

    Reply

    • Joe

      says:

      Hi Martin,
      I found this website while trying to research a person / property and I’m hoping yourself, or someone here can help.
      There is a workshop on Back Westminster, registered address is 1A Back Westminster Road. Kirkdale, Liverpool, L44PG. According to the land registry this property is registered to a Mr Francis John Stapleton, but no one in the workshops along Back Westminster Road knows this name.
      Mr Stapleton is registered as living in 1A but there’s been no one seen coming or going from this workshop for years.
      I believe this workshop was home to Colin Enright and his business, Enright Ladders.
      I’ve also heard this workshop was used by a Burt Illingworth for some time, but I’m not sure what years the shop was used by the people I’ve mentioned.
      Just trying to find out what has / is happening with this property and the people that own it, as it currently seems abandoned.
      Thanks in advance for any help.
      Regards, Joe.

      Reply

  • Emilie Moore St Pierre

    says:

    Hi Martin,
    We were wondering if you could help solve this. My cousin and I are doing research on an ancestor (uncle) who died in 1904 age of 18 months. The street address was 63 Candia St. We were wondering if there was a hospital or Infirmary there? When we checked the street from google it show Candia Towers. Our grandparents lived on Netherfield Rd, N for many years. We know that street was bombed in WWII.
    All members of our families have passed.
    We would appreciate any information you have.
    Thank you
    Regards Emilie

    Reply

    • Hi Emilie,
      As far as I can tell there was not a hospital or something like that near Candia Street. I would guess that your uncle was born at home, hence why this address was on the birth certificate. Candia Street was lined with terrace houses at the time, and number 63 would have been one of those.
      Best wishes,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Gill Harris

    says:

    Hi Martin

    I am researching my dads family tree and have little information as I never met any of them. My father was David Harris born 1912, his mother was Sarah Lucy (maiden name Carr). I know he had five brothers and three of them went into the Seamans Orphanage in Newsham Park including my dad. Their dad George died in 1917. Sarah Lucy lived in 42 Kirkdale Vale according to the 1921 census. I believe her father, Edward Carr, was a policeman at Westminster Road station around the 1900’s and possibly a couple of her brothers.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you

    Gill

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Gill

    My name is Jane, I sure Martin will attest to my character, I am a researcher who from time to time will assist people research their family trees.
    I do this as a hobby and do not ask for any kind of reimbursement for my time, only a tap on the back if I find something that brings a sense of fulfillment & the odd answer or two.
    If you would like me to search on your behalf – just let me know

    Kindest regards Jane

    Reply

    • Gill Harris

      says:

      Hi Jane

      I would love it if you could help.

      Thank you so much for the offer.

      Best wishes

      Gill

      Reply

    • Chris Jackson

      says:

      Jane, I would love any assistance that can be given. My Mother grew up on Pluto street in the mid 1940’s. She grew up in N03 Pluto street, but we have an interest in what happened to thePettigrew family who resided in N022. Robert M Pettigrew in particular, commonly known locally as Bobby Pettigrew. He was born 1907 and I believe he passed away in 1983. We are desperate for a photo or something of him. It would help us open previously completely unknown part of our family history and potentially open up new and exciting connections.

      Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Gill
    So nice to hear from you – do you have an Ancestry tree?
    If not I can set one up for you at no cost – I will invite you to “your tree” which you can visit & add to it.

    If you scroll back to 2020 – check out the post from Kate Nolan – I did the same & connected her with close family that she wasn’t aware of on the other side of the world.

    If you can – tell me as to what you have & how far you’ve got then that saves time – just one other thing I should mention, I do not live in the UK, but close to Vancouver, Canada so there is an 8 hour time difference.
    I own & operate 3 businesses so I do this as a downtime relax chill out therapy!
    I have just found Lucy, (Cleaner) David (occupation: Barman) & sibling Florence (Pools Clerk u/e) in the pre war 1939 census – do you have this?
    I have found lots of other things but as mentioned I need to know how far you have got?

    Look forward to hearing from you

    Kindest regards Jane

    Reply

    • Brian.clarke

      says:

      Hi Jane, your posting came up and Kirkdale is an area I have always drawn a blank with. I had relatives John Clarke and Annie Clarke nee Eardley, who lived at 3 Lambeth Street Kirkdale and it seems a lot of the family were involved with Milling.
      Family list were Henry Albert 1890, Ethel 1892, Fredrick 1893, Thomas 1896, Victoria 1898, Winifred 1899, Gertrude 1901, John 1902 Alfred 1904, Elsie 1907, Dora 1908, and Frank 1910,
      The Clarkes seem to have come from Shropshire and I have other branches going further back but not seem to know much about these.
      Did the various Mills in the Kirkdale area have names associated with them? as I have another list associating various family members with certain named mills but a lot may be in various locations going back into Shropshire?
      anything you can through any light on would be appreciated.

      regards
      Brian Clarke.

      Reply

      • Jane

        says:

        Hi Brian
        Thank you for reaching out to me – I will try & do some digging & also reach out to my cousin back in the UK.
        I also have family in my own tree that were either millers who came from the Cheshire area – my grandfather worked for Scotts – Bakers & apparently they lived above the shop in Byrom Street.
        Kindest regards Jane

        Reply

        • BRIAN CLARKE

          says:

          Hi Jane, Currently in Shropshire researching and tidied up this end which leaves the move of the clarkes to Kirkdale, which I have the family at 3 Lambeth Road and John H Clarke age 35 head of family foreman flour Miller married to Annie Clarke age 29 then Henry A Clarke age 10, Ethel age 9, Fredrick age 8, Thomas age 5, Victoria age 3, Winfrey age 2 and Gertrude age 9 maths. All per 1901 census, and wondered if you managed to review.
          noticed a few pictures of Lambeth Road on various sites, which gave me a feel of the area but like to move forward
          We do know that Henry was in the Royal Engineers and towards the end of the 1st WW he was stationed at Portbury in Somerset where they were constructing a shipyard.
          Henry my Grandfather settled then in Easton in Gordano, Somerset raising a family including my Father Eric.
          anything you can find out will be appreciated.
          kind regards
          Brian.

          Reply

    • Gill Harris

      says:

      Hi Jane

      Thank you so much for looking for me.

      Yes, I have an ancestry tree on ancestry.com called Harris family tree. I have found a lot of information but cannot seem to find any information about any living relatives. My dad was 58 when I was born so most of my first cousins on the Harris side have passed. Can’t find much information about their children either.

      Anything you can find is much appreciated.

      best wishes

      Gill

      Reply

    • Gill Harris

      says:

      Hi Jane

      Sorry, meant to say I don’t have any information from the 1939 census so anything you can find from that would be great.

      Thanks

      Gill

      Reply

      • Jane

        says:

        Hi Gill
        It’s my morning – your evening
        Do you mind if I gander through your tree? Is it public?
        If not you could invite me – please ask Martin to pass on my email to you if you want to communicate directly {if you feel comfortable with that?}

        Kind regards Jane

        Reply

        • Gill Harris

          says:

          Hi Jane

          Yes my tree is public, feel free to have a look.

          I will ask Martin for your email.

          Thank you

          Gill

          Reply

  • Gill Harris

    says:

    Hi Martin

    Could you email me Jane’s email address please.

    Thank you

    Gill

    Reply

  • Jane

    says:

    Hi Martin

    I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year 2023 – let’s hope for all our sake’s that things will improve for everyone.
    I’m not sure if you sent Gill my email or not – it might have slipped through the net – so please feel free to forward it to her.
    Work here on the Sunshine Coast BC, Canada has not slowed down & we have been fairly isolated from all the “wokeness” that seems to have besieged some of our fellow men.
    So please when ever I can get the opportunity to help a fellow researcher on their journey I am more than happy to do so.

    Best wishes
    Jane

    Reply

    • Hi Jane,

      Wow, yes, that seems to have passed me by! I’ve passed on your details to Gill. Thanks again for doing this work so enthusiatically – it’s very much appreciated by those you help.

      Best wishes,
      Martin

      Reply

  • Dorothy Gradden

    says:

    I am currently researching my family tree and believe that Isaac Jones may be my grandfather. I believe that he had a butchers shop in Kirkdale. I was wondering if anyone has any information or pictures regarding his shop.

    There is also a family story that we are related to the Jospeh Jones brewery and again I wondered if anyone knows of any links between Isaac and the Brewery family

    Reply

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