Up to the 19th century the area had a reputation for smuggling and wrecking, and secret underground cellars and tunnels are still rumoured to exist. It also had a strategic position at the entrance to the Mersey Estuary.
The Perch Rock battery was completed in 1829. It mounted 18 guns, mostly 32 pounders, with 3 6" guns installed in 1899. Originally cut off at high tide, coastal reclamation has since made it fully accessible.
In 1830, a Liverpool merchant, James Atherton, purchased much of the land at Rock Point, which enjoyed views out to sea and across the ![]() |
Fort Perch Rock New Brighton 1906 |
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Perch Rock c 1960s To the people of Liverpool, From the turn of the century, Photographs of New Brighton Beach The Many famous acts visited the The Fun Fair on the surrounding grounds The Tower Ballroom remains standing after the removal of the Tower Inside the beautiful Tower Ballroom Bathing PoolThe open air Bathing Pool opened in 1934 and was built to competition standards. South-facing, its walls were designed to act as a sun-trap and avoid seaborne winds. From 1949 to 1989 it was also home of the "Miss New Brighton" contest.[It closed in 1990 following storm damage and demolished a short time later. New Brighton outdoor pool Crowds gather at the pool for a Miss New Brighton Competition What remained of the pool in 1991 In 1969 children broke into the abandoned Tower Ballroom building and started a fire. This goes to show that this is not just a present day problem, but one that stems back generations. The fire left the building so badly damaged that it was demolished under orders from Wirral Borough Council During the 70s the town started to lose its magic and could not compete with the arrival of cheap travel abroad. A housing estate now occupies the former site. |
Take a nostalgic trip on the Royal Iris
This selection of images, however, is also a celebration of the contributions of the area's inhabitants to the achievements of the townships that make up this corner of Wirral; Moreton, Leasowe, Wallasey Village, Liscard, Egremont, Poulton and Seacombe. The people are shown at work and at play, in school and on the seashore, in the streets or attending special events. This book will appeal to all Wallasey residents old and young, whether they live in the area or, like the author, look back with nostalgia on it as a place where they used to live.