BIRKENHEAD is a seaport immediately opposite Liverpool, of which port it is a dependency, and is separated from that city by the river Mersey, which here divides the counties of Lancaster and Chester; it is also a municipal and county borough, a parliamentary borough, an extensive market town and the head of a union and county court district, with stations on the London and North Western and Great Western joint railways, and the Mersey railway, 192 miles from London, 15 from Chester, 33 from Crewe, 54 from Shrewsbury, 89 from Birmingham and 162 from Oxford, in the Wirral division of the county of Chester, hundred of Wirral, parish of Bidston, rural deanery of Birkenhead and archdeaconry and diocese of Chester. Few places in England have risen so rapidly, for at the beginning of the present century it contained only about 100 persons, 16 houses and the ruins of the ancient priory, but its proximity to the greater seaport of Liverpool and the establishment here of additional docks have greatly assisted in its development.

The Mersey railway, which connects the town with Liverpool by means of a tunnel under the river, consists of a double line, starting from a junction at Rock Ferry station with the London and North Western and Great Western joint railways, passing through Green Lane and the Central stations to Hamilton Square station and thence under the river, a distance of 2,100 yards, through James Street station to Bold street, which is the Liverpool terminus. The Central station, which is also the depot of the company, is provided with engine and carriage sheds, gasworks and ail the general accessories requisite for working the traffic; the rolling stock is fitted with the automatic brake and is lighted with gas. The railway is connected, at Park station, by a line from Hamilton square with the Wirral railway, which runs through the Docks to Bidston junction, from whence there are branch lines to Wallasey and New Brighton, and through Moreton, Meols and Hoylake to West Kirby, which is the terminus.

The North Western and Great Western joint railway station at Woodside was erected from the plans of Mr. Robert E. Johnson, architect and engineer, and is approached by means of a tunnel 566 yards' in length, running under the town and joining the railway near the Green lane, Tranmere; an extension from the junction at Green lane runs to the goods stations, Cathcart street, to the docks and warehouses, to the goods departments of the Great Western railway at Morpeth Dock, and to the Cheshire Lines Committee’s new goods station at Shore road.

Street tramways were first laid down in Birkenhead, 30 Aug. 1860, by Mr. George Francis Train, who had previously established them in New York, and they are now carried through some of the principal streets to the adjoining suburbs: omnibuses also ply frequently during the day.

Birkenhead with Claughton, Oxton, Tranmere, and part of Higher Bebington, were, in 1861, formed into a parliamentary borough, returning one member, and on Aug. 13, 1877, a royal charter was granted incorporating the townships of Birkenhead, Claughton, Oxton, Tranmere and part of Higher Bebington as a municipal borough, and dividing it into nine wards; the corporation consists of a mayor, 16 aldermen and 42 councillors, and has a separate court of quarter sessions and a commission of the peace. Under the “Local Government Act, 1888” (51 & 52 Vict. c. 41), it was declared a “County Borough” for certain purposes.

The streets of the town are of good width, and having been built in modern times, are laid out principally at right angles to each other; communication with Liverpool is readily obtained by means of the ferry, to and from which steamers ply every few minutes, in addition to the Mersey tunnel railway already mentioned; and many merchants and business men of Liverpool reside here and in the neighbouring district; the town is lighted with gas from works in Thomas street, and supplied with excellent water from three sets of works, the whole being the property of the corporation; these are (1) Spring Hill Waterworks, originally constructed previous to 1840, since which date various additional works have been carried out. There are two wells, sunk in the New Red Sandstone rock to a depth of 160 feet, and bore holes of various depths, the lowest being 714 feet below the surface; and there is also a covered reservoir holding 800,000 gallons. The wells yield 10,500,000 gallons per week, raised by two pumping engines, each capable of delivering 90,000 gallons per hour. (2) Flaybrick Hill Waterworks, completed in 1864. The well here, 15 by 9 feet, is sunk to a depth of 205 feet. There are also bore-holes sunk to a depth of 833 feet and 710 feet below the surface, and connected by a large heading with the well, from which the water is raised by two pumping engines, each capable of delivering 64,000 gallons per hour. The water tower contains a tank holding 104,000 gallons and a covered reservoir holding 4,562,000 gallons. (3) The Borough Road Waterworks, erected in 1861, for the supply of Tranmere, were enlarged in 1871. The reservoirs and high level tanks are about a quarter of a mile distant from the engine house, and have a capacity of 1,599,563 gallons.

Birkenhead Docks.

The Birkenhead Docks, which are partly in Birkenhead and partly in Pulton-cum-Seacombe, belong to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, who own all the docks in Liverpool, and have a total area of about 506 acres; the water area of the Birkenhead docks is 164 acres 4,190 yards, and the linear measurement of quay, 9 miles 925 yards, and these docks occupy nearly one-third of the total area of the docks under the management of the Board, and the lineal quay measurement is about three-eights of the total quayage. The first Act of Parliament for docks at Birkenhead was obtained in July, 1844. Morpeth and Egerton docks were opened in 1847. After the constitution of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board in 1857, the Birkenhead docks were transferred by purchase to the Board, which has since developed the dock estate to meet the wants of trade.

Total rates on goods and tonnage dues received by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, £1,144,837. Total tonnage of vessels, 10,777,146 tons. The number of vessels which have sailed for foreign parts and coastwise, from July, 1894, to July, 1895:-Foreign, 4,731 steam, 823 sailing, coastwise, 13,969 steam, 4,420 sailing; total number, 23,943.

The docks here are formed on the site formerly called “Wallasey Pool.” The upper or westernmost end towards Poulton Bridge, about three-quarters of a mile of which is called the “West Float,” has a water area of 52 acres, 319 yards and a lineal quayage of 2 miles and 210 yards, and is connected with the Lower or East Float by a passage 100 feet in width, over which is an iron swing bridge, uniting Birkenhead with Seacombe. Branching out of this float, on the south side, are two basins, attached to extensive manufacturing establishments, with a water area of 2 acres, 2,638 yards and a quayage of 933 lineal yards. On the same side are three large graving or dry docks, two of which are respectively 750 and one 930 feet in length, amply furnished with all the necessary appliances for the repairs of vessels. Coal hoists, worked by hydraulic power, for rapid loading are placed on the margin of the south quay, as well as a powerful crane, capable of lifting 87 tons. On the south quay of the West Float a large area has been appropriated for the petroleum trade, and extensive depots have there been erected, in which are iron tanks of a capacity of from 1,500 to 3,000 tons each, for the storage of oil in bulk, which is transferred from the ships to them by the ships’ pumps, through pipes laid across the quay.

The East Float, which has a water area of 59 acres, 3,786 yards, and a quayage of 1 mile and 1,673 yards, is connected with the system of docks at its east end by five passages, one of which is 100 feet wide. Coal tips, worked by hydraulic and hand power for the shipment of coal into flats are provided at the Vittoria Creek, on the south side of this dock, and on the same side is a small basin used by the railway companies, three large stacks of warehouses for general merchandise, and capacious closed sheds for the protection of goods; on the north side is a large block of warehouses, erected in 1869 for the corn trade, and fitted with hydraulic machinery; west of these is another block of warehouses, flanked on the quayside by sheds for general merchandise. At the south-east side of the Duke Street Bridge is a coaling jetty, 250 feet long, provided with electric light and four hydraulic cranes. A complete system of railways encompasses the float, and on the south-east is a passage leading into Egerton Dock.-This dock has a water area of 4 acres, 469 yards and a quayage of 704 lineal yards, and is appropriated to the general trade of the port. At its east end is a passage to Morpeth Dock.-This dock has a water area of 11 acres, 2,404 yards and a quayage of 1,299 lineal yards, and is similarly appropriated; at the east end of the dock is an entrance direct from the river, 85 feet wide, in the form of a lock, and used both for entrance or exit at various times of the tide; at the south-eastern angle of the dock a passage 85 feet wide leads, to the Morpeth Branch Dock, and at the north-east angle is a passage 25 feet in width leading to the Railway Companies' Basin, which has a water area of 3,144 yards and a lineal quayage of 319 yards.

Morpeth Branch Dock.-This dock, formerly occupied by the Morpeth Basin, is connected with the Morpeth Dock by means of a passage at its south-western extremity 85 feet in width; it contains a water area of 4 acres, 243 yards and a lineal quayage of 637 yards.

Wallasey Dock.-This dock is formed on the site of the Low Water Basin, and contains a water area of 12 acres, 3,813 yards and a lineal quayage of 1,261 yards.

Near the entrance leading to the East Float from this dock is an extensive building with a tower upwards of 200 feet in height, containing the steam and hydraulic machinery for opening and closing the gates, machines, bridges and sluices.

Alfied Dock.-This dock, the most northerly of those adjoining the river, serves as the principal approach for ships entering or leaving the Birkenhead docks generally. These docks are worked on an artificial system by which, during low neap tides, the water is impounded so as to give a depth of water sufficient to float vessels of the deepest draught. Any loss of water is made good from the river by a powerful set of pumps at the east end of the Wallasey Dock. Under this system, Alfred Dock serves as a lock, its sills, which are laid at the low level of 12 feet below Old Dock Sill, admitting of vessels passing to and from the river on all tides, its outer gates only being opened to the river at high water time, and afterwards it is levelled up to the Great Float. It has a water area of 10 acres 2,562 yards and a quayage of 1 mile 435 yards. Its entrances from the river are three in number, 100, 50 and 30 feet in width respectively, and the passages between it and the Great Float are of similar widths. There are nineteen pairs of dock gates connected with this dock: the passages at the west end are crossed by iron swing bridges, opened and closed by hydraulic power.

Birkenhead Foreign Animals’ Wharf, in the vicinity of the river front, south of Morpeth Dock, and north and south of Wallasey Dock, has large areas of land for the reception and slaughter of oxen, sheep and pigs, arriving from foreign countries. The lairages have a total capacity for 7,700 head of oxen and 16.000 sheep at one time. There is ample slaughtering and refrigerating accommodation, the latter being capable of dealing with 2,620 carcases daily.

Floating Landing Stages.

Birkenhead (or Woodside) Landing Stage, to the south of the entrance to the Morpeth Dock, is constructed on pontoons, rising and falling with the tide and connected with the piers by two iron bridges and a floating roadway. This stage, 800 feet in length and 80 feet wide, was fixed in its place in 1862, and has waiting rooms.

Wallasey Landing Stage.-This stage was built to take the place of that formerly in the Low Water Basin; it is moored on the river between the Morpeth and Wallasey Docks, and abreast of the goods stations of the Great Western and London and North Western Railway Companies, and is 350 feet in length by 70 feet in width.

The ecclesiastical buildings of Birkenhead are all of modern date, with the exception of an old chapel dedicated to St. James, now known as the “Abbey Chapel,” which belongs probably to the 13th century.

St. Mary’s church, in Church street, near the ruins of the Priory and built in 1821, is an edifice of red sandstone, in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave, transepts, north porch and an embattled western tower with crocketed pinnacles and a spire 130 feet in height and containing a clock and 6 bells: in the north transept is a mural monument of marble, with arms and bust, to the Rev. Andrew Knox B.A. 53 years vicar of the parish, d. 1881, and to his wife Katharine, d. 1868: the church affords 1,000 sittings: the churchyard includes the ancient burial ground of the Priory; the grave-slab of Thomas Rayneford, one of the priors of Birkenhead, c. 1356, discovered in 1818, has been placed in the wall near the door of the Old Chapter House. The register dates from the year 1718. The living is a vicarage, gross yearly value £310, net £260, with residence, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1896 by the Rev. Joshua Hughes Wynn Hughes-Games M.A. of Ridley Hall, Cambridge.

Holy Trinity parish was formed in 1841. The church, in Price street, built 1837, is an edifice of white stone, in a modern imitation of the Norman style, consisting of chancel, nave of six bays, aisles and a tower at the south-west end 88 feet in height and containing a clock and 2 bells: the east window is stained: there are 700 sittings. The register dates from the year 1837. The living is a perpetual curacy, net yearly value: £250, and held since 1891 by the Rev. Charles Brooke Gwynne M.A. of Christ’s College, Cambridge.

St. Matthew’s, in Park road east, erected in 1889 as a chapel of ease to Holy Trinity, is a structure of brick, consisting of chancel, nave, north and south porches and an eastern turret containing one bell: in 1893 the whole was renovated, an, organ chamber built, and an organ erected; there are sittings for 500 persons.

St. Anne’s parish was formed in 1850: the church, in Beckwith street, built in 1850, at a cost of £5,550, is an edifice of red sandstone, in the Geometric style, from designs by the late Mr. Wm. Cole, architect, of Birkenhead, and consists of chancel, nave, aisles, transepts and a western tower with pinnacles and spire containing one bell: a vestry was built in 1888; in 1890 a handsome reredos was erected as a memorial to Mr. Wm. Hind, and in 1892 the chancel was enlarged and a stained east window presented by Mr. Joseph Heap and family, as a memorial to his father: there are 705 sittings, 285 being free. The register of marriages dates from 1862 and of baptisms from 1850. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £300, with residence, in the gift of the Hon. Thomas Allnutt Brassey, and held since 1876 by the Rev. Andrew Knox M.A., LL.D, of Trinity College, Dublin, and surrogate. The Mission church, in Brassey street, built in 1892, affords 250 sittings.

St. James’s parish was formed in 1869: the church, in Laird street, built and endowed by Messrs. W. Potter, W. Jackson and M. and P. Laird, is an edifice of stone, in the Early English style, and consists of chancel, clerestoried nave of four bays, aisles, transepts, south porch, vestries and a tower at the north-west angle, with spire, together 130 feet in height and containing one bell: the east window is stained: the church affords 720 sittings. The register dates from the year 1865. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £200, with residence, in the gift of trustees, and held since 1893 by the Rev. George Rose Johnson R.N.

St. John's parish was formed in 1859: the church, in Huskisson street, Grange road, built in 1845, is an edifice of red sandstone, in the Early English style, and consists of chancel, nave, transepts, aisles, north porch and a tower on the north side, with spire, containing 1 bell: the font is of Talacre stone, beautifully carved: in 1892 a new vestry and choir room were added, the east window filled with stained glass and a reredos erected: the interior of the church was redecorated in 1893 at a cost of £300: the mural paintings are illustrative, of the Life of Our Lord: there are about 1,000 sittings. The register dates from the year 1859. The living is a vicarage, with that of St. Mark’s annexed, joint net yearly value £400, with residence, in the gift of the Church Patronage Society, and held since 1884 by the Rev. Gerald Campbell Dicker M.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge, and surrogate.

St. Mark’s church, Devonshire road, erected in 1891, at a cost of about £10,000, and attached to the parish of St. John, is a building of stone in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, south porch, a chapel on the south side and vestries on the north: the reredos, which includes a representation of the “Ascension,” and the lectern are of carved oak: there is also a piscina and sedilia: the font, of Mexican onyx and various marbles, together with three stained windows, was given by the children of the congregation: and there are memorial windows to Muriel Rose Williams, d. 1890, and to A. Ridley, who was lost at sea in the same year: the organ was erected in 1892, at a cost of £1,400: there are 500 sittings, of which about half are free.

St. Paul’s parish was formed by bishop’s instrument Jan. 14, 1864, as a particular district, out of St. Mary’s parish: the church, in Argyle street, erected in 1863, is a plain structure of brick from designs by Mr. Walter Scott, architect, and consists of nave, aisles and a tower at the north-west angle, with a wooden bell-cote containing one bell: the carved oak lectern was presented at Easter, 1889: there are 1,350 sittings. The register dates from the year 1864. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £230, with residence, in the gift of trustees, and held since 1882 by the Rev. Robert Mayer Linton. M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, and surrogate.

St. Peter's parish was formed out of that of Holy Trinity 4 April, 1868: the church, in Cathcart street, erected in 1867, at a cost of about £5,000, from plans by Mr. David Walker, architect, of Liverpool, and consecrated in 1868, is an edifice of brick in the Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, morning chapel and a tower with pinnacles, 130 feet high and containing one bell: the chancel arch is supported on four marble columns: in the south aisle are three memorial windows to the Rev. John Hand, for 5 years curate of the parish, d. 1889, and to two children of the present vicar, 1862—4: there is also a marble tablet to David Macdowell, who died at sea in 1873: the church was enlarged and important additions made in 1883, at a cost of £4,300, towards which sum Wilham Laird esq. of Birkenhead, contributed £2,000, and vestries were added in 1891: the church affords, 894 sittings. The register dates from the year 1868. The living is a vicarage, gross yearly value £446, net £345, in the gift of the Bishop of Chester, and held since 1868 by the Rev. Charles Fenton B.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, late scholar of St. Aidans, and surrogate.

St. Winifred’s Welsh church, Westbourne road, was erected in 1890 at a cost, including site, of £2,000: it is a building of brick, in the Decorated style, consisting of nave, chancel, south-west aisle and porch and a turret containing one bell, and will seat 250 persons. The register dates from the year 1891. The living, previously a chaplaincy, is now an incumbency with an annual endowment of £27 10s. in the gift of the Bishop of Chester, and held since 1896 by the Rev. Robert Edwards, of University College, Durham, chaplain here 1891—6.

St. Columba’s mission church, in Brook street and in St. Peter’si parish, erected in 1891 at a cost of £250, is a structure of brick and affords 150 sittings.

St. Nathaniel’s mission church, in Cleveland street and also in St. Peter’s parish, erected in 1885 at a cost, including site, of £600, enlarged in 1892, is an iron building with 400 sittings.

The Catholic church, in Grange road, erected about 1837 and dedicated to St. Werburgh, is a rectangular building of freestone, in the Classic style, and will seat about 600 persons: there is a burial ground attached.

The Catholic church, Price street, dedicated to Our Lady, and erected in 1867, at a cost of £8,000, is a large and handsome edifice of stone, from designs by the late Edward Welby Pugin, architect, and consists of clerestoried nave, aisles and a turret containing one bell: there are sittings for 800: adjoining is a presbytery, schools and a teacher’s residence, built from the designs of the same architect.

St. Lawrence’s Catholic church, in Beckwith street, rebuilt on the old site in 1889 at a cost of about £7,000, is an edifice of stone, in the Gothic style, from designs by Mr. Edward Kirby, architect, consisting of clerestoried nave of five bays and aisles; the church has recently (1896) been decorated from designs of Mr. E. Kerby, and will seat 1,000 persons.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church of England, in Conway street, erected in 1839, is a building of stone in the Gothic style, with an embattled nave and two pinnacles over the doorway: there are sittings for 800; a small portion of the ground attached was formerly used as a burying ground.

The Presbyterian church, in Grange road west, erected in 1847, is a building of stone in the Gothic style, consisting of nave with a turret over the entrance, and has 650 sittings. The Welsh Presbyterian church, in Parkfield avenue, built in 1861, is a plain structure of brick with stone facings, and seating 1,200 persons.

The Baptist chapel, Grange road, erected in 1858, at a cost of about £6,000, is a large building of stone in the Doric style; it has in front four fluted Doric pillars, surmounted by a facade of Stourton stone: it has 650 sittings. In connection with this chapel is a mission room in Cathcart street for 350 persons.

Ebenezer Baptist chapel, in Jackson street, erected in 1868, is a building of stone in the Gothic style, with an elegant spire, and will seat 600 persons.

The Congregational church, which occupies a commanding position at the junction of the Woodchurch and Oxton roads, is an edifice of Stourton stone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles and an eastern tower, 109 feet high, with crocketed pinnacles 24 feet in height: an ornamental panelled wainscotting extends round the interior, which affords 550 sittings.

The Primitive Methodist chapel, Grange road, erected in 1870 at a cost of £3,750, is an edifice of brick with stone dressings, with sittings for 780 persons. The Primitive Methodist chapel, in Holt road, Tranmere, erected in 1879 at a cost of £3,400, is of brick with stone dressings, in the Italian style, and will seat 600 persons. There are also mission chapels in Beckwith street and New Ferry.

The Unitarian church, in Grange road west, erected in 1851, is a building of stone in the Gothic style, consisting of nave, transept and a tower at the south-east comer, with spire: there are 250 sittings.

The Welsh Independent chapel, in Vittoria street, erected in 1883 at a cost of about £580, is built of brick, and will seat 350 persons.

The Friends' meeting house, in Park road south, of red brick and stucco, was erected in 1892, at a cost of £2,000, and affords 200 sittings.

There are several other places of worship.

St. Aidans Church of England Theological College, Forest road, Claughton, erected in 1856, on a site of about 7 acres, purchased for £9,325 from the Birkenhead Commissioners, is a large and handsome structure of brick, standing on a raised terrace, in the Tudor style, from designs by Mr. Wyatt, of London, and the late Mr. Henry Cole, of Birkenhead, architects, and includes a chapel, erected in 1882 at a cost of £3,500, from the designs of Mr. David Walker, architect, of Liverpool: this is of brick and stone in the Decorated style, and consists of chancel, nave and a small western tower containing one bell: the stained east window is a memorial to Richard Bryars J.P. d. 1884; and there are 250 sittings: the chapel is open to the public and there are full week day and Sunday services during term time. The object of this college is to train candidates for holy orders in the Church of England in parochial duties, as well as to afford sound theological instruction; the college is available for 60 students; in 1896 the number in residence was about 35; the constitution of the college was remodelled in 1891; the view from the building presents a beautiful panorama of sea and landscape, including Birkenhead park, the Wallasey peninsula, and the entrances to the port of Liverpool.

The Cemetery, at Flaybrick Hill, between Tollemache and Boundary roads, was laid out in 1864, under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Kemp, the well-known landscape gardener and contains over 26 acres; the consecrated portion of 17a. or. 16p. together with 3a. 2r. 0p. consecrated in 1891, now extends over 20a. 2r. 25p. set apart for the Established and Catholic churches; the rest is unconsecrated, a portion being reserved to meet other requirements of the township, and the remainder is left to meet the further extension of the cemetery when necessary: the chapels are in the Early Decorated style, from designs by the late Messrs. Lucy and Littler, architects, of Liverpool; the total cost was upwards of £42,000. The cemetery is the property of the corporation, acting as a burial board for the townships of Birkenhead and. Claughton-cum-Grange only, and is managed by the cemetery committee. George Lance, the distinguished painter of “fruit” subjects, was interred here June 25, 1864.

The Town Hall, in Hamilton street, and facing the square of that name, was erected in 1836—7 at a cost of £43,000, and is a structure of stone and grey granite, in the Classic style, from designs by Messrs. C. O. Ellison and Son, architects, of Liverpool; the main front presents a bold pedimented entrance, carried on ten detached columns 30 feet high, rising from a spacious platform 12 feet above the street level, and approached on both sides' by a flight of steps, guarded by balustrading of grey granite, with massive red granite Tails, which is continued across the whole of the frontage; over the doorway is a projecting balcony: the clock tower, 200 feet high, is of ashlar below, and upon this stands an open colonnade, surmounted on each of its four faces by an entablature, with pediments over the centre of each bay; the clock stage above is panelled and relieved by pilasters, and has four clock dials, each 8 ½ feet in diameter, and the whole is finished with a dome; the grand staircase is lined with marbles of various colours and has three stained windows, that in the centre displays an heroic figure, representing “Commerce,” the others exhibit figures and medallions representing “Peace” and “Plenty;” the principal floor contains large council chamber, with massive coloured and moulded architraves in scagliola, and a richly coloured ceiling light, mayor’s parlour, and a public hall, seating from 600 to 700 persons, with a balcony; on the other floors are the various offices, the rooms in each department being en suite; in the basement of the tower is a large fireproof muniment room.

The municipal insignia comprise a mayor’s chain and badge and a corporate seal. The chain and badge, presented to the corporation in 1878, by Macgregor Laird esq. were manufactured in Liverpool, and the design though simple is good; the chain consists of 17 ornamental links united by small chains, and the pendent badge displays the arms and crest of the borough, enclosed in an enriched frame or border. The borough seal is simply an embossing stamp bearing the same arms. On the incorporation of the town in 1877, a quartered shield of arms was adopted comprising the annus of the Priory, with others, but this not being approved by the Royal College of Arms, was discarded and a grant of arms was made to the borough by the College in 1878; these arms are also quarterly, both the tinctures and charges being considerably modified from the first arrangement; the motto chosen is:-“Ubi Fides ibi Lux et Robur.”

In front of the Town Hall is a bronze statue of John Laird esq. first M.P. for the borough (d. 29 Oct. 1874), modelled by Mr. A. Bruce Joy, of London, and erected in 1877.

The Sessions Court, in Chester street, erected in 1886—7, at a cost of upwards of £40,000, and opened in April, 1887, is a building of stone in the Classic style, from designs by Messrs. T. D. Barry and Son, of Liverpool. The borough court of Quarter Sessions is held here, and there is also a court and offices for the Wirral Petty Sessions; here also are the police head quarters, and at the back is a bridewell.

The County Court House, in Pilgrim street, erected in 1860, is a plain building of stone, comprising court rooms and the usual offices.

The Market Hall, opened in July, 1845, is 430 feet long by 131 wide, forming a covered space of upwards of an acre and a quarter, and cost, inclusive of the site, about £33,000: it is a quadrangular structure of stone, brick and iron, the roof being divided into three bays, supported on two arcades, connected by arched cast iron girders; there are nine entrances.

The open space called the “Hay Market,” opposite the bottom of Hamilton street and the top of Conway street, was laid out in 1868 at a cost of about £8,000, but this market has since been chiefly transferred to Market square.

The Birkenhead Free Public Library was established under the “Public Libraries’ Act, 1855” (18 and 19 Vict, c. 70); the present building, in Hamilton street, erected in 1864, is a large structure of brick with stone dressings, from designs by the late Mr. James Fisher, architect; the principal reading room seats 200 readers and affords space for over 100 newspaper readers; there are also students’, ladies’ and other rooms for valuable books: the lending department of the library contains 37,320 vols. and the issues, of books for home reading during 1894—5 were 161,340, the borrowers numbering close on 6,000: the reference department contains 14,502 vols. which may be consulted in the building only, and the last year’s issues numbered 93,104, besides the leading newspapers: the periodicals and magazines comprehend almost every publication of note: special features of the library are its extensive collection of Cheshire books (probably the best existing); its Shakespearean collection of over 600 volumes, in addition to which there is a valuable topographical section: the juvenile library contains over 3,000 vols. of children’s books, and circulates over 50,000 yearly: the library hours are from 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. but on Saturday to 6 p.m. only. In August, 1894, two branches were opened, viz.: the North Library, in Price street, and the South Library, in Grove road; these are both of grey brick, with red stone dressings, from designs by Mr. T. T. Rees A.R.I.B.A.; each library has close upon 6,000 vols. for issue for home reading, and includes newsrooms; the approximate annual issue of books in the north library is 45,000 vols. and in the south 60,000 vols. Chief librarian, William May.

The Laird School of Science and Art, in Park road north, built in 1871 by the late John Laird esq. M.P. is a plain edifice of brick and freestone, the facade being ornamented with sculptures representing mechanics, shipbuilding, painting, sculpture, navigation and architecture, and at the entrance are two caryatides in York stone, symbolical of painting and sculpture; the interior includes a library, and is arranged so as to provide room for about 200 students at one time.

The Young Men’s Christian Association building, in Grange road, erected in 1890 at a cost of £10,000, is a fine structure of terra cotta, in the Renaissance style, and contains a large public hall holding 900 people, a gymnasium, with lavatories, hot and cold baths, also a reading room, reference library and class rooms.

The Post Office, in Conway street, erected in 1866, is a stone building, wholly occupied for post office business.

The Queen’s' Hall, in Claughton road, erected in the year 1859 by the Philharmonic Society and private subscription, at a cost of £5,000, is an edifice of brick and stone, in the Italian style, from designs by the late James Fisher esq. Birkenhead: the hall will hold about 900 persons: beneath are the housekeeper’s apartments, committee room and a lecture room holding about 400 persons.

The Theatre Royal, in Argyle street, erected in 1864, is a structure of brick and stone, and will hold 2,500 persons.

The Theatre Metropole, in Grange road, is a substantial edifice of brick, with a well arranged and furnished interior, and will hold upwards of 2,500 people.

The St. John’s Working Lads’ Club was founded by the Rev. O. L, T. Crossley M.A.: it consists of library, with 570 volumes, reading, games, conversation and technical rooms; joinery, Bible, educational, shorthand and drawing classes; improvement union and debating society: there is also connected with it swimming, boating, cricket, football, gymnasium, harriers and quoits and croquet clubs; also a savings’ bank.

Birkenhead is famed for the extensive iron ship building works of Messrs. Laird Brothers, established in 1824 and extending along the banks of the Mersey for a considerable distance, with an area of over 20 acres: there are five graving docks, and the total number of vessels built up to the end of 1894 was 612, with an aggregate tonnage, of about 407,000 tons: the notorious Confederate cruiser, “Alabama,” sunk in an encounter with the U.S. corvette “Kearsage,” near Cherbourg, 19 June, 1864, was built at these works in 1862. H.M. first-class battleship “Royal Oak” and many other important vessels have also been constructed here. The Canada and Birkenhead shipbuilding works and those of Clover, Clayton and Co. are also situated here.

There are mineral works at the north end of tie borough for smelting ore, several breweries, paint manufactories, and some trade in timber. The coal trade is carried on more extensively. In the vicinity are extensive stone quarries, the produce of which is remarkable for its durability.

The Borough Hospital, supported by voluntary contributions, is a building of stone in the Italian style, in Park road north, built in 1863 at a cost of £5,000 by the late John Laird esq.: there are 4 wards of 14 and 2 small ones of 2 beds, 1 female and 3 males, and the hospital will hold 60 in-patients.

The Wirral Children’s Hospital, at the corner of Woodchurch road and Mount grove, erected in 1882 at a cost of £11,000, is a structure of brick, opened by the Duke of Westminster K.G. 21 June, 1883; it is pleasantly situated, and well and completely furnished and has 40 beds. The hospital is supported by voluntary contributions.

The Birkenhead Lying-in. Hospital, in Grange Mount, is a structure of brick, with stone facings, containing 20 beds; it is intended for the reception of respectable married women and is supported by voluntary contributions.

The Church of England Rescue Home for Girls, at 5 and 7 Euston grove, established in 1887, is supported by voluntary contributions; it will hold 17 girls, the annual average being about 100.

The Girls’ Friendly Lodge, 47 Woodchurch road, established 1878 for training girls for domestic service, is supported by voluntary subscriptions, and is available for 2 girls.

The Home for Aged Poor, in Parkfield avenue, conducted by the Little Sisters of the Poor, as a home for the aged and deserving poor of both sexes irrespective of creed, was erected in 1891 at a cost of £7,000; and is a structure of brick with dressings of stone and terra cotta, containing infirmary, day rooms and dormitories with a small chapel, On the south side is a verandah for the use of the infirm who are unable to descend to the floor below. Adjoining is the Old Home, erected, in 1875 on a site bought from the Rev. Father Brundritt; and now used for men only. The present number of inmates is 100.

The Park, locally in Claughton and opened April 8th, 1847, at a cost of £115,277, has a total area of about 190 acres, including 99 acres of pleasure grounds, 14 acres of drives and Toads and 77 acres of building land; there are two lakes with rustic bridges, containing together about 8 acres of water; the principal entrance to the park is at Conway street, through a fine arch of 18 feet span and 43 feet in height, in the Ionic style, in imitation of the entrance to the temple of Jupiter on the Ilissus at Athens: there are several lodges with wrought iron gates, and near the chief entrance is a fountain erected to John Somerville Jackson esq. J.P. of Birkenhead, who died June 8th, 1860: the grounds were laid out by the late Sir Joseph Paxton kt. the celebrated landscape gardener and designer of the Exhibition building of 1851, in Hyde park, London.

The Priory, the ruins of which are close to St. Mary's church, was founded by J. de Masci, or Massey, Lord of Dunham, in 1150, for monks of the Benedictine order and dedicated to St. Mary and St. James, and in 1282 a charter was granted to this house conferring the right of ferrying passengers across the Mersey to Liverpool the priors sat with the barons of the County Palatine: at the Dissolution the rental amounted to £102 16s. 10d. yearly: during the Civil War the priory was garrisoned for the king, but was taken by the Parliament in 1644: the remains of the refectory, prior’s house, crypt, chapter house and church are in a tolerable state of preservation.

Population, and rateable value of the borough.—

+Including 528 in Birkenhead Workhouse and 210 in the Workhouse schools,

+Including 93 of water.

The population of the municipal wards in 1891 was:-Argyle, 15,589; Bebington, 2,951; Claughton, 3,510; Cleveland, 17,345; Clifton, 15,091; Egerton, 9,987; Grange, 25,353; Mersey, 5,602; and Oxton, 4,429.

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION OF THE BOROUGH OF BIRKENHEAD

Electors (the whole borough), 1895, 14,277. Pop. 1891, 99,857.

The places in the petty sessional division are:-Arrow, Higher Bebington (part of), Lower Bebington, Bidston, Burton, Bromborough, Brimstage, Barnston, Childer Thornton, Caldy, Clatterbridge, Claughton, Eastham, Egremont, Frankby, Grange, Gayton, Greasby, Hooton, Heswell-cum-Oldfield, Hoose, Hoylake, Irby, Ledsham, Liscard, Landican, Moreton, Great & Little Meolse, Magazines, Netherpool, Ness, New Brighton, Newton-cum-Larton, New Ferry, Noctorum, Great Neston, Little Neston, Overpool, Parkgate, Poulton-cum-Seacombe, Puddington, Pensby, Prenton, Raby, Saughall Massie, Seacombe, Spital, Storeton, Great Sutton, Little Sutton, Thingwall, Thornton Hough, Thurstaston, Upton, Wallasey, West Kirby, Willaston & Woodchurch Petty Sessions are held at the County Hall, Abbey st. B. daily, at 10 a.m. but Thursday only for returnable summonses at 10.30 a.m.; at Wallasey daily, but Wednesday only for returnable summonses at 10 a.m.; at the Court House, Neston, the last Friday in each month at 11 a.m.; occasional courts are also held at New Brighton, New Ferry & Hoylake.

BOROUGH POLICE, including Detective Department

Chief Office & Bridewell, Sessions court, Brandon street.

Offices with Bridewells: —

North end, Watson street, John Glass, inspector; Meadow lane, Tranmere, Alfred Asbury, inspector; Claughton village, Claughton, William Gunning, inspector.

The force consists of a chief constable, 1 superintendent, 21 inspectors & 124 constables; Major J. B. Barker, chief constable; James Clarke, superintendent.

Birkenhead Fire Station, Borough road, built in 1895, for officers and men and stabling for four horses. The station contains two new vertical Greenwich, steam fire engines, one manual, horse-hose-carriage and fire escapes &c. These are all fitted with the necessary accessories for working same, by Messrs. Merryweather & Son, London; electric appliances by Messrs. W. A. Shaw.

BIRKENHEAD UNION

The board meets at Hampton house, Oliver street, fortnightly on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

The union comprises the following townships:-Bidston-cum-Ford, Birkenhead, Claughton-cum-Grange, Liscard, Noctorum, Oxton, Poulton-cum-Seacombe, Tranmere & Wallasey. The area is 9,055 acres; rateable value in 1896, £691,019; the population in 1891 was 130,591.

The Workhouse, Church road, Higher Tranmere, erected in 1860, is a structure of brick with stone dressings, & will hold 559 inmates.

Union Schools, A. Wright, master & schoolmaster; Mrs. Wright, matron; Frank Eglin, assistant schoolmaster.

WIRRAL UNION

The union comprises the following townships:-Arrow, Barnston, Caldy, Frankby, Grange, including Newton-cum-Larton, Greasby, Hoylake-cum-West Kirby, Irby, Landican, Moreton, Pensby, Prenton, Saughall Massie, Thingwall, Thurstaston, Upton, Woodchurch; Bebington Higher & Lower, Burton, Bromborough, Brimstage, Childer Thornton, Eastham, Gayton, Hooton, Heswall-cum-Oldfield, Ledsham, Netherpool, Ness, Neston-cum-Parkgate, Overpool, Poulton-cum-Spital, Puddington, Raby, Storeton, Sutton Great & Little, Thornton, Hough, Whitby, Willaston. The area is 45,136 acres; the rateable value in 1895, £238,413; the population in 1891 was 38,614.

The board meets at Clatterbridge workhouse, Spital, every alternate, Wednesday at 10.30 a.m.

VOLUNTEERS

1st Cheshire Engineers, Royal Engineers (6 companies); head quarters, 108 Church street; drill hall, Priory st.; 1st Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment; head quarters, Park road south; Lieut.-Col. & Col. J. M. Cunningham.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of Services

St. Mary's, (Parish), V. Church street, Rev. Joshua Hughes Wynn Hughes-Games M.A.; patrons, Simeon’s trustees; net value, £260; population, 5,032; 10.45 a.m. & 3.15 6 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

All Saints', Oxton, Shrewsbury road, Henry Edmund Nixon B.A. curate-in-charge; 8 & 11 a.m. 12 noon & 3.30 & 7 p.m.; daily, 10 a.m.; Wed. Fri. & sat. 8 p.m.

Christ Church, V. Claughton, Christ Church road, Canon William Henry Fairfax Robson Th.A.K.C.L.; Arthur Hy. Sharpley, curate; patrons, trustees; value, £840; population, 5,746; 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Wed. 7.45 p.m.; Fri. 11.30 a.m.

Christ Church Chapel of Ease, Claughton, Borough Road Schools, Edmund Freeman M.A.; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Holy Trinity, P.C. Price street, Charles Brooke Gwynne M.A.; Charles Dodge, Sidney Ernest Hickox M.A. & Arthur Miles Moss, curates; value, £250; population, 18,267; 8 & 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed.& Fri. 10.45 a.m.; daily, 8 a.m. & 7.30 p.m.

St. Aidan’s College Chapel, Claughton, Forest road. Rev. Edwin Elmer Harding M.A.; 8 & 11 a.m. during term time.

St. Anne’s, V. Beckwith street, Andrew Knox M.A., LL.D.; patron, Hon. Thomas Allnutt Brassey; net value, £300; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m. & holy days, 12 noon.

St. Catherine, V. Tranmere, Church road, Higher Tranmere, Howard S. Chesshire M.A.; J. J. Hampson B.A. curate; patron, Rector of Bebington; value, £310; population, 10,631; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3.30 & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

St. James’, V. Laird street, George Rose Johnson R.N.; patrons, trustees; value, £200; population, 2,447; 8 & 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. John’s, V. (joint with St. Mark’s), Huskisson street, Gerald Campbell Dicker M.A.; F. H. Harding B.A. & Joseph Samuel Thompson M.A. curates; patrons, Church Patronage Society; value, £400; population, 11,259; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3.30 & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 7.30 p.m.

St. Luke’s, V. Lower Tranmere, Old Chester road, Alfred John Tomlin B.A.; W. Tweedie B.A. curate; patron, Vicar of St. Catherine’s, Tranmere; value, £271; population, 4,096; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; first Sun. 3.30 p.m.

St. Mark’s, V. (joint with St. John’s), Devonshire road, Gerald Campbell Dicker M.A.; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3.30 & 7 p.m.; daily, 8 a.m. & 5.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.; Fri. 12 a.m.

St. Matthew’s, Chapel of Ease, Park road east, Charles Dodge, curate-in-charge; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3 & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, V. Argyle street, Robert Mayer Linton M.A.; patrons, trustees; value, £230; population, 6,310; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, Rock Ferry, V. Old Chester road, Charles Kaya Watson M.A.; patrons, trustees; value, £120; population 13,000; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 8 a.m. & 7.30 p.m.

St. Peter’s, V. Cathcart street, Charles Fenton B.A. E. Thomas & E. A. Heberden, curates; patron, Bishop of Chester; net value, £345; population, 8,397; 8 & 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; every week day, Wed. excepted, at 7 p.m.; weds. & saints’ days, 7.30 p.m.

St. Peter’s, V. Rock Ferry, St. Peter’s rd. Rock Ferry, Wm. Lang Paige Cox M.A.;Benj. Brandreth Slater B.A. Curate; patron, Bishop of Chester; net value, £440; population, 2,278; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 5 p.m.; Fri. 10.30 a.m.

St. Saviour’s, V. Oxton, Bidston road, Percival Carteret Robin M.A.; Henry Edmund Nixon B.A. Arthur Gill Cox M.A. & George Wainwright Fidlin, curates; patron, Rector of Woodchurch; value, £190; population, 3,866; 8, 11 & 12 a.m. 3.30 & 7 p.m.; daily, 10 a.m.

St. Winifred (Welsh church), Westbourne road, Robert Edwards, vicar; patron, Bishop of Chester; value, £27 10s.; 8 & 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. &; all saints’ days, 7.30 p.m.

Catholic Churches

Our Lady & St. Edward’s, Price street & Cavendish street, John Barry, Henry Mottram & Patrick Cleary; 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 7.30, 8 & 8.30 a.m.;Thur. 7.30 p.m.

St. Anne’s, Highfield road, Rock Ferry, Patrick Newman (superior); Joseph Arnoux, J. O’Reilly & Edward Hunt; mass, 8, 9.30 & 11 a.m.; baptisms 2, Sunday school 3.30 & evening devotion & benediction 6.30 p.m.; daily, 8 a.m.; Wed. & Fri. 7.30 p.m.

St. Laurence, Beckwith street, Rev. Gerald Keegan, Very Rev. Canon Cholmondeley, Rev. William Reade, Rev. James Arkwright, priests; 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 7.30 & 8 a.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.; first Fri. in the month, 7.30 p.m.

St. Werburgh, Grange road, Very Rev. Eugene Buquet (provost); James McGrath & Joseph Chambers; 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.; 3 & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 7.30 & g a.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Presbyterian

Alton road, Rev. William Watson; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Grange road west, Rev. William Hutton; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Hamilton Memorial, Laird street, Rev. James Fraser M.A., 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Parkfield avenue (Welsh), Rev. Thomas Gray; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s, Conway street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, Church road, Higher Tranmere, Rev. T. W. Macpherson M.A.; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.45 p.m.

Willmer road, Higher Tranmere.

Baptist

Cathcart street, Rev. E. Peake; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Clifton road, Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.45 p.m.

Ebenezer, Jackson street, Rev. Robert Frame; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Grange road, Rev. Sidney William Bowiser B.A.; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.45 p.m.

The Woodlands, Higher Tranmere (Welsh), Rev. Joseph Davies; 10.30 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.; Mon. & Thur.7.30 p.m.

Catholic Apostolic.

Park road south; 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m.; Tues. & sat. 5 p.m.

Congregational

Clifton road, Tranmere (Welsh), Rev. H. Parry Thomas; 10.30 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.

Oxton road, Rev. Matthew Stanley; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Randle street, Tranmere, Rev. Joshua Pedlar; 11 a.m., & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.Stolen from Fore-bears

Prenton, Prenton road west, Higher Tranmere, Rev. Walter Stanley Lamb; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Methodist New Connexion

Birkenhead, No. 2 Circuit.

Mount Tabor, 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Poulton, 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Irby, 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

New Ferry, 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Primitive Methodist.

Birkenhead, No. 1 Circuit.

Grange road; 10.45 a.m., & 6.30 p.m.

Beckwith street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

The Holt, Tranmere.

Society of Friends

Claughton, Park rd. south; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Claughton, Slatey road.

Unitarian

Grange road west; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

United Methodist Free Church

Claughton road, Rev. William Downing; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Welsh Calvinistic Methodist.

Vittoria street; 10.30 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

New Chester road, Rock Ferry, Rev. O. J. Owen M.A.; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Mon. & Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Rock Ferry, St. Paul’s road; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Wesleyan.

Birkenhead Circuit.

Brunswick, Price street; 10.45 a.m.& 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Conway street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Freehold, Old Chester road, Lower Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Heswall (Centenary).

Hind street, Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Laird street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Palm grove, Lorne road; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Wesley, Church road, Higher Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Rock Ferry Circuit.

Trinity, New Chester road. Rock Ferry; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

New Chester road, Tranmere; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Mount Zion (Welsh) Circuit.

Claughton road; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Salvation Army.

Officers’ Quarters, 4 Paterson street; Barracks, Oliver st.; Citadel, 124 a, Price street; 7 & 11 a.m. & 3 & 7 p.m.; daily, 8 a.m.; New Chester road, Rock Ferry; 7 & 11 a.m. & 3 & 7 p.m.; daily, 8 p.m.

Other Denominations

Church of Christ, Alvanley place, Eli Brearley, pastor; 11 a.m.

Undenominational Evangelical, 23 Walker street, Higher Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Mission Rooms

Church of England.

Good Shepherd, 14 Elizabeth street.

St. Andrew’s, Victoria street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

St. Anne’s, Brassey street; 7.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

St. Bede’s, Upton road, Claughton, John Findlay Buckler B.A.; 8 & 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

St. Columba, Brook street, Rev. C. Fenton B.A.; 7.30 p.m.; Thur. 8.15 p.m.

St. Mary’s, 197 Chester street; 7 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Matthew’s Church House, 125 Conway street.

St. Matthew’s Institute, Craven street; 11 a.m. & 7.55 p.m.

St. Nathaniel’s, Cleveland street, Rev. Enoch Thomas; 10.30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, St. Paul’s road, Rev. W. Linklater M.A.; 11.15 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, The Woodlands, Higher Tranmere; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Peter’s, 25 Pitt street, Bock Ferry; 8.15 a.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Peter’s Hall, New Chester road, Rock Ferry; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Presbyterian

Beckwith street; 11.15 a.m. 3 & 6.30 p.m.; Wed.7.30 p.m.

Borough road, Rev. Donald M. Cameron; 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.45 p.m.

Brassey street, Alexander Stewart; 10.30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Munster street; 7 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, Stuart st. Higher Tranmere; 11 a.m.,& 6.30 p.m.

Vittoria Hall, Vittoria street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 6.30 p.m.

Other Denominations

Atherton Hall, Exmouth street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Blucher, Earl st. Rock Ferry; 3 & 7 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m. Brassey street (Welsh), John Reece, supt.; 6 p.m. 5 Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Brougham, Bentinck st.; 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Christians’ Meeting house, Wesley st.; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Holt Hill terrace; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Christian Meeting Rooms, 236 b, Old Chester road, Lower Tranmere.

Conway street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. 5 Tues. Thur. & sat. 7.30 p.m.

Ebenezer street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 8 p.m.

Higher Tranmere, Mill street (Wesleyan); 11 a.m., & 6 p.m.

Lowe street (Wesleyan); 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Lower Tranmere, 224 & 226 Old Chester road; 6.30 p.m. Marion street; 2.45 p.m.

Market street (Welsh Calvinistic Methodist), Rev. Thomas Gray; 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Tues. 6.30 p.m.

New Chester road, New Ferry (Primitive Methodist); 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Poor Children’s, Hemingford street, Charles Thompson, missionary; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 7 p.m.

Railway Mission, Stanley road, Miss F. B. Ellison, supt.

Randle street, Tranmere.

Tranmere Temperance Mission Hall, The Holt, Higher Tranmere, Edward Allen, sec.

Welsh Wesleyan, 33 Arthur street; 2.30 & 6 p.m.; Thur. 8 p.m.

COLLEGE & SCHOOLS.

St. Aidan’s College.

Forest road, Claughton.

Visitor, The Bishop of Chester.

Trustees, C. J. Bushell, J. P. Hargreaves, A. T. Squarey, E. W. Bird & T. W. Tetley esqrs.

Principal, Rev. E. Elmer Hardings M.A. Corpus Christi college, Cambridge.

Vice-Principal, Rev. C. W. Sherard M.A. Keble College, Oxford.

Chaplain, Rev. J. H. Beibitz M.A. Hertford Coll. Oxford.

Lecturer, Rev. T. W. Crafer M.A. Christ Coll. Cambridge.

Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, Rev. C. E. Dandridge M.A. Corpus Christi college, Cambridge.

Municipal School of Art.

(The Laird School of Science & Art.)

Park road north.

Managed by the Science & Art Committee of the Town Council under the “Technical Instruction Act.’’

Head Master, John Bentley Secretary, Arthur H. Crosby.

Art classes are also conducted at the Holt School of Science & Art, Tranmere.

Birkenhead School.

Shrewsbury road, Oxton.

Comprises a large block of buildings, consisting of a schoolroom with adjoining class rooms, library & chapel, headmaster’s boarding house with dining hall, private studies for the elder boys & an isolated sick ward: the grounds, which are six a acres, in extent, include a good playground, cricket field, two fives courts, carpenter’s shop & a gymnasium.

School Board.

Formed 10 May, 1893, & consists of 15 members. Offices, Town hall, Hamilton square.

The board meets on the 2nd Mon. in each month at 4.30 p.m.

Board Schools.

Laird street, built in 1870, for 257; number on rolls, 305; average attendance, 270.

Woodlands (The), built in 1895, for 620 mixed & 350 infants; average attendance, 1,036.

National Schools.

Claughton Higher Grade, Borough road (boys, girls & infants), erected in 1883, for 980 children; average attendance, 400 boys, 400 girls & 140 infants 1 James P. May, headmaster & 7 male assistants; Miss Godwin, girls’ mistress, with 7 female assistants & Miss Charlotte Dumbell, infants’ mistress & one assistant; the girls’ school is used as a chapel-of-ease to Christ’s church, Claughton.

Holy Trinity, Brook street, built in 1837, for 254 boys, 185 girls & 96 infants; average attendance, 258 boys, 186 girls & 96 infants.

New Ferry, School lane, New Ferry, erected in 1858, for 240 boys, 180 girls & 160 infants; average attendance, 190 boys, 160 girls & 140 infants.

St. Anne’s, St. Anne street, built in 1853, enlarged in 1868 & again in 1885, for 320 boys, 290 girls & 200 infants; average attendance, 296 boys, 253 girls & 213 infants.

St. Bede’s Infant, Scot’s place, Upton road, Claugliton, for 120 children; average attendance, 69.

St. Catherine’s, The Holt, Higher Tranmere, built lor 270 boys, 270 girls & 285 infants; average attendance, 275 boys, 240 girls & 235 infants.

St. James’, Laird street, built for 500 children; average attendance, boys & girls 250 & infants 120.

St. John’s, Oliver street, erected in 1877, for 450 boys & 350 infants; average attendance, 420 boys & 280 infants.

St. John’s Girls’ (seniors & juniors), Oliver street, formerly used as the parish church; it will hold 400 children; average attendance, 200 seniors & 200 juniors.

St. Luke’s, Lower Tranmere, Old Chester road, built in 1883, for 392 boys, 250 girls & 245 infants; average attendance, 360 boys, 241 girls & 197 infants.

St. Mary’s, Priory street, built in 1831, & enlarged in 1884, for 876; average attendance, 566.

St. Matthew’s (infants), Bentinck street, for 131 children; average attendance, 131.

St. Paul’s, Lower Tranmere, Star street, St. Paul’s road, built in 1861, for 271 boys, 271 girls & 169 infants; average attendance, 242 boys, 199 girls & 153 infants.

St. Paul’s (boys, girls & infants), Borough road, erected about 1873, for 615 children; average attendance, 183 boys, 180 girls & 213 infants.

St. Peter’s, Trinity street, built for 296 boys, 308 girls, 273 juniors & 276 infants; average attendance, 263 boys, 311 girls, 273 juniors & 276 infants.

St. Saviour’s, Oxton (mixed & infants), Storeton road, built in 1852 at a cost of £1,505, on a site given by the Earl of Shrewsbury, for 270 boys & girls & 90 infants; average attendance, 246 boys & girls & 80 infants.

Catholic Schools.

Our Lady & St. Edward’s, Cavendish street, built in 1860, for 672 children; average attendance, 490.

Park street, built in 1867, for 315 boys, 545 girls & 240 infants; average attendance, 275 boys, 275 girls & 236 infants.

St. Anne’s, Rock Ferry, Highfield road, for 261 mixed children & 94 infants; average attendance, 237 mixed children & 76 infants; the school is conducted by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception under the care of the Oblate Fathers.

St. Werburgh’s (boys & mixed) Juniors’, Grange road, will hold 410 children; average attendance, 173 boys & 132 juniors.

St. Werburgh’s (girls & infants), Austin street, erected in 1840, for 580 children; average attendance, 170 girls & 136 infants.

Other Schools.

Primitive Methodist, Higher Tranmere, (mixed & infants), Holt road, built in 1861, at a cost of £800, for 244 boys & girls & no infants; average attendance, 220 boys & girls & 75 infants.

St. Andrew’s Higher Grade Presbyterian, Conway street, built for 400 children; average attendance, 392.

Tranmere Higher Grade Presbyterian (boys & girls), Holt road, Higher Tranmere, built in 1868, at a cost of about £1,600, enlarged 1895 at a cost of £600, for 464; average attendance, boys 200 & girls 180.

School Ships.

These ships are moored in the Mersey, opposite New Ferry, within the Cheshire boundary.

“Conway,” cadet school ship for the training of officers for the mercantile marine; for 200.

Indefatigable,” training ship for the sons & orphans of sailors, supported by voluntary contributions; for 250 boys.

“Akbar,” Juvenile Reformatory training ship; for 200; captain, Edward Hicks R.N.

" Olarence,” Catholic (Certified) Reformatory training strip; for 200 boys.

Industrial School.

Albert Memorial, Corporation road, built in 1865, for 100 boys & 30 girls; average attendance, 94 boys & 28 girls.

FERRY BOATS

From Landing stage, Liverpool.

These times are varied considerably in the summer months.

Tranmere.-8.15 a.m. & half hourly till 8.15 p.m.; Sunday, 10.15 a.m. & half hourly till 8.15 p.m.; subject to alteration; no service in winter; to Liverpool-8 a.m. & half hourly till 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. & half hourly till 8 p.m.

Woodside (fare 1d.)-Week days from 5 a.m. every 15 minutes to 8 a.m.; from 8 a.m. every 10 minutes to 8 p.m.; from 8 p.m. every 15 minutes to midnight; night boats (fare 6d.), 12.30, 1, 2, 3 & 4 a.m. Sundays (fare 1d.), from 8 a.m. every 20 minutes to 5 p.m.; from 5 p.m. every 15 minutes to 11.30 p.m.; night boats same as week days. On Saturdays during June, July, August, and September and on Easter Monday, Whit Monday & August Bank Holiday, the sailings will be at 8 a.m. & every 7 ½ minutes until 8 p.m. Goods boats, 6.45, 7.15, 7.45 & 8 a.m. & half hourly to 9.30 a.m.; every 20 minutes to 1,30 p.m. & half hourly to 7 p.m.

From Woodside.-Week days, from 5 a.m. every 15 minutes to 8 a.m.; from 8 a.m. every 10 minutes to 8 p.m.; from 8 p.m. every 15 minutes to 11.45 p.m. then 12.10 a.m.; night boats, 12.10 a.m. (12.40, 1.30, 2.30, 3.30 a.m. fare 6d.), & 4.30 a.m. Sundays, 8.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every 20 minutes; 5 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. every 15 minutes; night boats same as week days. On Saturdays during June, July, August & September & on Easter Monday, Whit-Monday & August Bank Holiday the sailings will be 8.5 a.m. & every 7 ½ minutes until 7.50 p.m. Goods boats, 6.30, 7, 7.30, 7.45 & 8 a.m.; every 20 minutes to 1.30 p.m. & half hourly till 6.30 p.m.; Saturdays after 3 p.m. 3.15 & every half hour till 6.45 p.m.

New Ferry pier to Liverpool-8, 8.45 & 9.30 a.m. & hourly till 7.30 p.m. Sundays-1.30 p.m. & hourly till 7.30 p.m.

To New Ferry pier from Liverpool-8.20, 9.5 & 10 a.m. & hourly till 8 p.m. Sundays-2 p.m. & hourly till 8 p.m.