I ARRIVED in New Brighton, on a chilly, damp Saturday, with a thick mist hanging over the river wondering if I’d been mad to come on a history walking tour in November. Thankfully, it was worth wrapping up for.

The tour began at The Mess, Fort Perch Rock, a cosy, welcoming café, where we were met by warm drinks and our friendly, knowledgeable host, Tony Franks-Buckley a local historian.

Tony, who was born and raised in Wallasey, has been guiding history tours for 14 years and is the author of nine books. He is also the National Vice- Chairman of the Italy Star Association and laid their remembrance wreath at New Brighton Wallasey Remembrance Service.

(Image: Jessica Edington) Once outside, Tony regaled us with tales of the Wirral wreckers, detailing how Wallasey was once the haunt of pirates and smugglers illicitly transporting their ill-gotten goods through a tunnel system carved in the sandstone. The Perch Rock battery was built on the area used by wreckers to lure the ships aground.

Built to protect the Port of Liverpool, the idea of a fort at New Brighton was initially conceived in 1803 by wealthy Liverpool merchants during the Napoleonic wars. According to our guide, the fort wasn’t completed until after the wars were over as the money, “went down south first, as usual!”

Together, we headed out on a leisurely amble around New Brighton. The air was crisp, and the chill was palpable, but surprisingly this didn’t detract from the experience. Our guide entertained us, as expected, with tales of the town’s past. I hadn’t expected such an entertaining commentary about the present-day goings on in New Brighton: One example being Tony’s commentary on the murals dotted around the town and the stories behind them.

(Image: Jessica Edington) Each landmark we visited revealed stories of the people who once lived there from the “Canary girls,” the forgotten heroines of WWII who produced munitions, to the throngs of holidaymakers who enjoyed New Brighton in its Victorian heyday and during the post-war period. Tony told stories of the Blitz, the arrival of the US Army, spies in Wallasey, local rationing and tea dances at the Tower Ballroom, whilst happily responding to questions.

Outside the Floral Pavilion Theatre we stood by the statue commemorating the founding of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. We were treated to the story of how two brilliant women, organised the training of the first four British guide dogs from a humble lock-up garage before being housed in “The Cliff.”  

At every point during the tour, Tony was happy to answer questions and share his excellent local knowledge. He’s clearly a well-know figure around New Brighton as he introduced us to everyone who passed by and they were all happy to stay and have a chat.

Tony lives and breathes the history of his community and clearly loves his work.

He said: “The best thing about working on the tours is meeting new people and hearing their stories and memories.

“Growing up in New Brighton and still living here means there are not many people I don’t know from the area, so it’s always great walking round and seeing familiar faces and saying hello. Every road we walk down there will be someone to speak to and interact with the tour. The locals are proud of our history. 

“Walking to work, I pass many historic buildings of old New Brighton, but you can’t beat arriving to work in the historic Fort Perch Rock. It’s New Brighton’s most iconic building. The Darroch Family who own the building gave me hours of fun in my childhood with special events that have occurred over the years. It’s an honour to help keep its history alive.

(Image: Jessica Edington) “Now that we have The Mess Café inside, the business owner Dane Brookes has become a great friend to me and my uncle John Dennett who is a D-Day veteran and has put on special events for him.

The Blue Plaque for the D-Day 80the anniversary earlier this year was unveiled by uncle John before we went back to Normandy. I am lucky and privileged to be around all these people.

“The New WWII Escape Room will be opening shortly to join the award-winning room that is already housed within the Fort. We are all looking forward to uncle John cutting the Ribbon.”

The tour was informative but informal. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours. Costing £12.99 this tour was great value and would make an original Christmas gift or a memorable, shared family experience. With many people now preferring presence to presents, a history tour may be just the thing. 

History is clearly part of the here and now for Tony and it seems he truly has found his vocation.

If you’d like to experience one of the many history tours on offer, from infamous Victorian crimes to the ghosts of Christmas past you can browse and book online: Wallasey Days Gone By History Tours