New plan to rescue Wirral's Birkenhead Priory

Dec 28 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

PLANS to rescue one of Merseyside’s most important historical sites are being developed by Wirral Council.

Birkenhead Priory is the oldest standing building in the area and was identified by English Heritage in its buildings and monuments at risk list.

Len Ellison, chairman of Wirral History and Heritage Association, said their organisation had been working on identifying historic buildings at risk and had been consulted by the local authority over the plans.

Earlier this year English Heritage issued a report which identified Birkenhead Priory as one of those at greatest risk.

According to English Heritage, although there are few remains of the original Priory still surviving, they represent a core area of the former monastery and retain important information about its development.

The site is historically important because of the 13th century visits by Edward I to launch his campaigns in Wales, showing the political importance of the Priory at the time.

The same report also highlighted potential dangers to Hamilton Square – the only Grade I listed square in England outside London – as well as the Esplanade at Rock Park.

Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton was listed, along with the Court House in Bromborough and the church at Overchurch, Upton.

Mr Ellison said: “Probably the most important building which is at risk is Birkenhead Priory.

“The council are in the process of developing a management plan for the site.”

The Priory is partly owned by Wirral Council and the Church of England, which owns the Chapter House in which services are still held.

Mr Ellison said the current research is aiming to look for what other uses could be made of the Priory site, which has plaques in memory of HMS Conway and those who died on the Thetis, and overlooks the dock where the Alabama was made during the American Civil War.