Wirral libraries reveal their 'seven man-made wonders'

This December, Wirral Libraries have released the list exploring their choices for the seven man-made wonders of the borough.

If you want to find out more about any of these places, you can drop into Birkenhead Reference Library.

Here is a look at the list: 

7. Bidston Windmill

Cutting a lonely figure up on the heath, Bidston Windmill is one of the Wirral’s most recognisable landmarks.

A windmill has stood on Bidston Hill since the 16th Century and the present mill was built around 1800.

Bidston Windmill (Image: Phil Brookes, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

It was a working flour mill until 1875. The sails and cap have since been restored and much of the internal machinery is still present.

It may no longer produce flour but has become an important part of the local ecosystem: over winter, the building is home to hibernating bats.

6. Leasowe Lighthouse

Built in 1763, Leasowe Lighthouse is the oldest brick lighthouse in the UK. It helped guide ships into the Port of Liverpool.

However, by 1908, shifting sand banks had made the approach unnavigable and the lighthouse was closed.

Leasowe Lighthouse (Image: Chloe Sheard, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

The final keeper was Mrs Mary Williams, who took over the position in 1894 following the death of her husband, Thomas.

She was one of only a few known female lighthouse keepers of the era. After 1908, Mary opened the lighthouse as a tearoom, which she ran until her death in 1935.

5. Lady Lever Art Gallery

The Lady Lever Art Gallery was opened in 1922 by Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter. This free public gallery was built to showcase the art collection of William Hesketh Lever and was named in honour of his late wife.

Inspired by the galleries of American tycoons, Lever wanted his art housed in a classical building.

Lady Lever Art Gallery (Image: David Blackwood, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

The Lady Lever was designed to incorporate a large interior without overwhelming the neighbouring cottages.

Most of the gallery still consists of items Lever collected himself and reflects his personal taste, from 19th Century paintings and sculptures to Wedgwood and Chinese ceramics.

4. Grand Entrance to Birkenhead Park

Opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was the first publicly funded civic park in the world. It was designed by Joseph Paxton and inspired the layout of New York’s Central Park.

The grand entrance is one of the park’s many listed landmarks. It was designed by Liverpool architect Lewis Hornblower with alterations by Paxton.

Birkenhead Park (Image: Barry Brown, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

The entrance has a large central arch for carriages, with two smaller arches to either side for pedestrians. Each side of the structure contains a lodge.

These are now offices but were originally residences. In 1882, the park superintendent—John Cowan—was listed as living there.

3. Fort Perch Rock

This imposing landmark has served its time as a music venue, museum, café and escape room. It’s also one of the best spots in New Brighton for a photo opportunity.

However, the fort was originally built as a defence against the invasion of Liverpool. It was competed in 1829.

Fort Perch Rock (Image: Paul Leicester, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

Legend has it that the first British shots of both World Wars were fired from the fort—less than an hour after war was declared.

In 1914, two warning shots were fired at a Norwegian vessel in the Mersey. In 1939, the fort fired on an unfortunate fisherman who was fined £50 for the trouble (£25 for each shell).

2. Hamilton Square

In 1801 Birkenhead was little more than a village but, with the establishment of a thriving shipyard, the population began to grow rapidly.

Shipbuilder William Laird commissioned Edinburgh architect James Gillespie Graham to design a square of Georgian terraces.

Hamilton Square (Image: Ray Yu, Wirral Globe Camera Club)

These would be the beginning of a grand new town. Work began in 1825 but, thanks to an economic depression, only the square was completed. Hamilton Square has the most Grade I listed buildings outside of London.

It was named after connections of the Laird family and includes the former home of John Laird, the first mayor of Birkenhead. Other notable structures include Hamilton Square station and the cenotaph.

1. Birkenhead Priory

The oldest standing building in Merseyside is Birkenhead Priory’s chapter house, which was built in the 12th Century.

However, the Birkenhead Priory site continued to expand up until the 19th Century. The newest addition is St Mary's Tower, which is all that remains of Birkenhead's first parish church. St Mary’s opened in 1821 but the construction of the tunnel cut the church off from its congregation.

Birkenhead Priory (Image: Julie Longshaw)

It closed in 1974 and was demolished the following year except for the tower. The remains of the medieval section of the priory are now a scheduled ancient monument—just like Stonehenge.