local history Liverpool’s Botanic Garden

William Roscoe (1753 - 1831), arguably Liverpool’s greatest citizen, was a key figure in the cultural life of the port. As well as being a classicist, poet, art collector, lawyer, slave trade abolitionist, politician and businessman he was also an expert botanist. William established the first botanic garden with the help of two friends in 1802. Despite many changes, the Liverpool botanic collection survives to this day. Located in Mount Pleasant, not far from William’s birthplace, the first garden was the exclusive preserve of enthusiasts, collectors and their guests.

Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 ensured that the Royal Navy ruled the seas for a century. This had great benefits for trade as Britain’s merchant ships could operate without fear of attack.

Exotic plants from far-off countries and previously unknown specimens boosted Liverpool’s botanic collection. When first opened, the five-acre botanic garden was in pleasant open country called Mosslake Fields.

By 1807 it had more than 4,000 different kinds of plants. It was particularly rich in potentially useful specimens because William believed they could be sources of food, fibres and medicines.

As Liverpool expanded the botanic garden was encroached on all sides by new buildings. A new site was found on Edge Lane and the collection moved there in 1836. It was transferred to Liverpool Corporation in 1841 and opened to the public. The gardens are still an atmospheric green space off the busy main road but the collection is no longer there.

A 1905 tinted postcard (pictured) shows an ornate summer house, benches and a fenced pond among the attractions. The collection has

by Stephen Guy

had a chequered history after the gardens’ huge glass conservatory, dating from 1870, was destroyed by enemy action in November 1940. The collection had to be moved from Harthill Gardens in 1986 when the Militant-controlled city council controversially demolished the glasshouses.

The botanic collection is now housed at Croxteth Hall. I am among those working with the city council to set up a trust to protect this internationally-important public collection.

It is hoped Liverpool’s once world-famous orchid collection established in the early 1800s can be revived. Shipowners such as Richard Harrison of Aigburth contributed rare orchids unknown to science.

Liverpool also has a renowned historic collection of dried plants from all over the world, in the care of National Museums Liverpool.

Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, pier Head, admission free.