local history

Studying old maps, paintings and photographs and comparing them to modern views reveals constant changes to our surroundings. Nowhere is frozen in time, with the possible exception of heritage sites or protected structures - even then there are subtle changes for maintenance or safety.

Built-up areas are more or less always altering as communities adjust to innovations and new needs.This is particularly true of transport demands - it can be argued that the arrival of motors in the 1890s heralded possibly the greatest transformations. Population growth is also a dominant factor as the demands of more people need to be met. Transport improvements coupled with increased populations were major factors in the growth of suburbs in the 19th century.

Some places remain relatively and reassuringly unchanged. A tinted postcard shows Sefton Park in the early 1900s. It is instantly recognisable today although closer study reveals changes. It was among the many parks and open spaces created by the Victorians to provide free access to fresh air and naturalistic surroundings.

Before the park’s creation, the area was open countryside bisected by a stream flowing south. An 1850 map shows it flowing through a drain under Smithdown Lane (later Road) then on to Ullet Hall before meandering through what is now Sefton Park. It eventually reached the Mersey at Otterspool. The stream is still there, feeding Sefton Park lake and enhancing other man-made features such as the grotto.

Liverpool Corporation purchased 375 acres of land from the Earl of Sefton for the new park, hence the name. It was opened in 1872 by one

by Stephen Guy

of Queen Victoria’s sons, Prince Arthur. He led a mile-long procession of 77 carriages from the Town Hall for the official opening. Among the spectators were 4,000 people packed into a grandstand.

The much-loved Palm House is not an original feature, dating from 1896. The Peter Pan statue - a copy of the original in London’s Kensington Gardens - was unveiled in 1928. A nearby circular Deer Park is marked on a 1908 map.

Sefton Park was once served by a train station although it was some distance away on Smithdown Road overlooking Wavertree Playground’s gates. Opened in 1892, Sefton Park Station had four platforms and trains served Garston Dock as well as other destinations including Chester and Manchester. It closed in 1960.

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