Historic Merseyside
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Merseyside from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Merseyside's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Merseyside's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ
Liverpool
Anglican Cathedral, begun 1904 and completed 1978, by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, brick with red sandstone facings, copper and reinforced concrete roofs,...
Former Bootle Borough Hospital, including mortuary chapel, nurses' home, outpatients' department, boundary walls, railings and gates
Bootle
Former borough hospital, now laboratories and offices, 1870-2 with additional wing of 1885-7, both by C.O. Ellison.
The Vines public house
Liverpool
Public house, 1907, by Walter Thomas for Robert Cain & Sons. Neo-Baroque style.
St John's Beacon (Radio City Tower)
Liverpool
Observation tower, constructed in 1965-1969, designed by James A Roberts, converted to a radio broadcasting studio in 1999.
Former Pilkingtons Headquarters complex: including the canteen block and link walkway, gatehouse, former chauffeur's house, car port, steps down to the lake, the north lake surrounds and concrete bridge
St Helens
Purpose-built former Headquarters site for Pilkingtons, 1959-63, by Edwin Maxwell Fry of Fry, Drew and Partners.
8 Brougham Terrace, (Formerly listed as Brougham Terrace)
Liverpool
House forming part of a terrace, approximately 1830, became the Liverpool Muslim Institute in 1889, converted for office use in the early C20.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Liverpool
Public house, 1898-1900, by Walter W Thomas for Robert Cain & Sons. Exuberant Free Style.
Gravestone of Blackie the war horse
Halewood
Gravestone to Blackie the war horse who served during the First World War, c1942. Sandstone.
Former St Katharine's College
Liverpool
University buildings, originally a women's teacher-training college, 1927-30, by Slater & Moberly.
10, Hockenhall Alley
Liverpool
Modest house, originally formed part of a row, late C18/early C19, brick, irregular bond, slate roof, 3 storeys, 1 bay wide.
Reflection Court, the former Pilkington's HQ offices, Grove Street & Canal Street, St Helens
St Helens
Former Pilkington Brothers Limited office building, now converted into flats and business units, 1937-41, designed by Herbert J Rowse and Kenneth...
Wavertree Botanic Garden and Park
Liverpool
A private, walled botanic garden opened in 1836, taken into the charge of the local authority in 1846 and with the early C19 layout and mid-Victorian...
No. 57, PARR STREET
Liverpool
Warehouse, built c.1799 for Thomas Parr. Internally remodelled in the late C19 or early C20, and converted to flats in the second half of the 1990s.
Landscape associated with the former Pilkingtons Headquarters complex
St Helens
Landscaped setting for the former Pilkingtons Headquarters complex, 1959-63, by Edwin Maxwell Fry of Fry, Drew & Partners with Peter Youngman as...
Stanley Park, Liverpool
Liverpool
Stanley Park, laid out in 1867-70, is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Group value: it has a strong historic, visual, and...
Former Liverpool Furnishing Company showroom
Liverpool
A bespoke furniture sales showroom later converted to bank and office premises, of 1899 by W Hesketh and Co, of red terracotta in Edwardian Baroque...
India Buildings, including the Water Street entrance to James Street underground station
Liverpool
Office building incorporating a bank, post office, shopping arcade, and access to the James Street underground station, 1924-32, by Arnold Thornely...
Martins Bank Building
Liverpool
Bank building, lying on the north side of Water Street. Built as headquarters for Martins Bank, 1927-32, by Herbert J. Rowse.
Ogden Imperial Tobacco Ltd Office Block
Liverpool
Office block of Ogden Ltd (later Ogden-Imperial Tobacco Ltd) tobacco manufacturers, 1899, probably by Henry Hartley, eclectic Queen Anne style,...
34 Alexandra Drive
Liverpool
Villa, 1860s, extended and altered in the 1880s and 1890s for Richard Robertson Lockett with an interior decorative scheme by S J Waring & Sons, later...
Former Liverpool Sheltering Home, 1 Sugnall Street and 2A Myrtle Street (Including Boundary Wall, Railings and Gate Piers)
Liverpool
Sheltering Home for Destitute Children, 1888-9, by C.O. Ellison, C19 Queen Anne style, incorporates house of c.1840.
Former Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool
Liverpool
Former Royal School for the Blind, 1849-51, by Arthur Hill Holme.
St Helens Quaker Meeting House
St Helens
Quaker Meeting House, converted from a former house of late C16 or early C17 date, with later alterations including a rear extension added in...
Church of St Andrew
Bootle
Anglican church, built in 1903-1904 to the design of the Liverpool architectural practice Willink and Thicknesse in Free Perpendicular Gothic style.
Exchange Buildings
Liverpool
Bunker housing World War II military command headquarters, now museum. World War I war memorial.
Hesketh Park
Southport
Hesketh Park, Southport, opened in 1868, is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Structures and planting: the park retains...
Sefton Park
Liverpool
A public park designed in 1867 which was the first to introduce French influence to the design of parks through the designer Edouard André, who had...
Former Abbey Cinema
Liverpool
Former cinema, 1937-1939, by Sir Alfred Ernest Shennan for the Regal Cinema Co (Liverpool) Ltd, with alterations carried out in 1979 and the early...
St James's Gardens (Formerly St James's Cemetery)
Liverpool
A cemetery developed by a private company and opened in 1829, with architectural features designed by John Foster and landscaping by John Shepherd.
Church of St Ann With Lych Gate and Churchyard Wall
Rainhill
Parish church of 1837-43 by E Welch, enlarged 1868-69 by G H Ridsdale. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Roman Catholic Church of St Cecilia, including boundary wall, railings, gate piers and gates
Liverpool
Roman Catholic church, 1929-30, by Ernest Bower Norris with mosaic work by Ludwig Oppenheimer Limited.
Peter Kavanagh's pub, including 4 & 6 Egerton Street and associated cast-iron railings
Liverpool
Public house, originally constructed in the early 1840s as three houses forming part of a residential terrace.
Woolton Baths, Quarry Street South, Liverpool
Liverpool
Woolton Baths is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Historic interest: It is relatively early in date and is a good example...
Allerton Hall
Liverpool
Mansion, the central portion and west wing built after 1736, probably for John Hardman; extended and completed to east c1810-12 for William Roscoe.
Former Picture Palace Cinema, Prescot
Prescot
Former cinema and variety theatre, 1912, remodelled from two C19 townhouses. Edwardian Neo-Baroque style.
Thornton Manor
Wirral
Country house. Former principal residence of William Lever (Viscount Leverhulme). Originally c.1840/50s.
Historic Merseyside through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Merseyside
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Liverpool
Liverpool Cathedral and environs, Liverpool, 1924
Liverpool
The Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ and surrounding area, Liverpool, 1963
Liverpool
The site of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, 1934
Liverpool
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool, 1967
Bootle
The Littlewoods Building on Irlam Road and environs, Bootle, 1947
Bootle
The Littlewoods Building on Irlam Road, the ruins of St Mary's Church and environs, Bootle, 1947
Liverpool
George's Stage and the Three Graces, Liverpool, 1920
Liverpool
The Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool, 1997
Liverpool
St John's Garden and the city centre, Liverpool, 1924
Liverpool
St Georges Hall, St Johns Gardens and Lime Street Railway Station, Liverpool, 1980
Historic England Archive images of Merseyside
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Merseyside's past.
Eric de Mare
Speke, Liverpool, Liverpool
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of the garden at Speke Hall showing a stone head on a garden wall.
John Laing Collection
Haydock, St. Helens
Date created: May 1984
A view from beside the East Lancashire Road (A580) showing the installation of the Haydock pipeline in the background
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
West Kirby, Wirral
Date created: 22 Aug 1933
Figures walking towards West Kirby Swimming Baths on South Parade
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Claughton, Birkenhead, Wirral
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING SWANS ON THE LAKE
Eric de Mare
Speke, Liverpool, Liverpool
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of Speke Hall in Liverpool showing the garden entrance front. It dates from between 1490 and 1612.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
West Kirby, Wirral
Date created: 22 Aug 1933
Players on the bowling green in Victoria Gardens, with the putting green beyond
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Claughton, Birkenhead, Wirral
Date created: 1900 - 1913
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE LAKE
Eric de Mare
Speke, Liverpool, Liverpool
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of Speke Hall in Liverpool showing part of the garden entrance front. It dates from 1490-1612.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Hoylake, Wirral
Date created: 24 Aug 1933
A view looking along the promenade running beside North Parade, showing figures on the seafront and beach
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Claughton, Birkenhead, Wirral
Date created: 1900 - 1910
GENERAL VIEW ACROSS LAKE
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Hoylake, Wirral
Date created: 24 Aug 1933
People walking past the front of the Hoylake Baths on North Parade
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Claughton, Birkenhead, Wirral
Date created: 01 Jan 1900 - 23 Sep 1905
VIEW ACROSS THE LAKE WITH SWAN
Stories about heritage in Merseyside
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Merseyside.
The History of Brick Building in England
Mentions 45-51, Seel Street
Discover 7 examples of how brick building in England has changed over the centuries.
7 Serene Cemeteries to Visit in England
Mentions St James's Gardens (Formerly St James's Cemetery)
These graveyards can offer space for quiet reflection or a peaceful walk.
Celebrating Liverpool’s Musical Heritage: The Beatles and Beyond
Mentions The Casbah Club
Explore some of the venues that have helped to make Liverpool famous for its music over the decades.
10 Accessible Historic Places to Visit
Mentions William Brown Library and Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum
Here we look at some listed places that have creatively improved their accessibility.
7 Historic Urban Parks and Gardens To Improve Your Wellbeing
Mentions Birkenhead Park
Parks and green spaces are vital for our mental and physical health.
5 of the best buildings by architect Frederick Gibberd
Mentions Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
A new study explores the sheer range of Gibberd’s work, showing that that he does indeed deserve a place in our narrative of 20th century modern...
Suffragettes: Places Where History Happened
Mentions St George's Hall
Following 50 years of campaigning by Suffragists, the Suffragettes pushed for the vote through militant action and civil disobedience.
Picturing the Blitz: Images of England at War
Mentions Lewis's Department Store
Explore images from our archive of English cities that faced destruction during the Second World War.
30 New Projects Explore England’s Rural and CoastalWorking-Class Heritage
Mentions Merseyside
Funded by Historic England's Everyday Heritage grants programme, these projects will explore untold stories and celebrate the heart of our history.
17 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2024
Mentions Wallasey Central Library,
Celebrating 17 historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2024.
Southend-on-Sea Civic Fountain Listed
Mentions Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
The Civic Fountain in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
Birkenhead’s Hidden Gem of Outsider Art "Ron’s Place" Newly Listed
Mentions 8 Silverdale Road, Oxton, Merseyside
Ron’s Place, located at 8 Silverdale Road in Birkenhead, Merseyside, has been granted Grade II listing by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
New Funding to Uncover and Celebrate Working Class Heritage
Mentions Merseyside
Historic England's Everyday Heritage Grant programme is funding 56 new projects across the nation, telling the stories of working class heritage.
16 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2023
Mentions Former Liverpool Furnishing Company showroom
Take a closer look at the historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023.
Wallasey Town Hall Upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*
Mentions Wallasey Town Hall
Wallasey Town Hall has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport following Historic England's advice
Liverpool Cricket Club Listed at Grade II
Mentions Merseyside
The Club's main pavilion has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) following advice from Historic England.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Worker's housing, Port Sunlight, Merseyside
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Children outside a half-timbered worker's housing built as part of the model village for the Tudor Company in Port Sunlight.
Worker's housing, Port Sunlight, Merseyside
Wilton Grange, Meols Drive, West Kirby, Merseyside
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The house was built circa 1905.
Wilton Grange, Meols Drive, West Kirby, Merseyside
Wavertree Garden Suburb, Liverpool, Merseyside
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
These two semi-detached houses in Fieldway were built in 1913 and designed by G. L. Sutcliffe.
Wavertree Garden Suburb, Liverpool, Merseyside
Waterloo Hotel, Clayton Square, Liverpool, Merseyside
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Exterior of the Waterloo Hotel, Liverpool
Waterloo Hotel, Clayton Square, Liverpool, Merseyside
Watch Making Workshop, Prescot, Merseyside
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This detached workshop is at the rear of houses in Grosvenor Road. It dates from the late 19th century and was used for watch making.
Watch Making Workshop, Prescot, Merseyside
Warehouse D, Albert Dock, Canning Place, Liverpool, Merseyside
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Many Victorians became rich by trading goods from all over the world.
Warehouse D, Albert Dock, Canning Place, Liverpool, Merseyside
Walton Hospital, Rice Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
West Derby was a large poor law union which surrounded the city of Liverpool.
Walton Hospital, Rice Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside
Wallasey Grammar School, Wallasey, Merseyside
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This building in Breck Road was used as Wallasey Grammar school from 1799 until 1884.
Wallasey Grammar School, Wallasey, Merseyside
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
