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 research is aiming to determine 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. It also overlooks the dock where the Alabama was made during the American Civil War.

Consultants employed by the council are asking local groups for their views on how the Priory could be used.

Cllr Jerry Williams, Wirral Council’s “heritage champion”, said he remained optimistic about the future of all the sites in the borough deemed at risk by English Heritage.

He said: “The heritage position in Wirral is very positive and we have a wonderful partnership with the local history groups.”

However, he said Hamilton Square “is one we have to watch” because of its historical importance.

A spokeswoman for Wirral Council said there was no question of the site being transferred out of local authority hands, but confirmed they were looking at the Priory’s future.

She said: “There is a management plan for the Priory being prepared.”