The earliest mention of Birkenhead, on the Wirral Peninsula, was in the
twelfth century when monks built a priory there and established a ferry
crossing to Liverpool. In later centuries the town became famous for its
shipbuilding industry, most notably with the Cammell Laird shipyard, and
as a centre for trade with the docks. The town prospered during the
Industrial Revolution and was the location for Britain's first street
tramway. Joseph Paxton designed the Grade I listed Birkenhead Park, the
first publicly funded one in the world, which served as the inspiration
for many others including the famous Central Park in New York. Join
local author Ian Collard in Birkenhead History Tour as he guides readers
on a fascinating walk through the town and its history. Along the route
readers will be able to see how Birkenhead has changed during the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries. With the help of a handy location
map, this pocket-sized guide explores some of the streets, buildings and
landmarks, and discovers the well-known and hidden aspects of
Birkenhead's social and industrial heritage.
