Toxteth Heritage Trail launched today

THE fascinating history of Toxteth is being celebrated with the launch of a new heritage trail.

The trail plots a route through Liverpool 8 showing its architectural treasures and highlighting how the area has developed over the centuries.

It will be launched on Tuesday 24 July at 2pm by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, in a ceremony attended by local community representatives and historians.

The trail shows some of the area’s outstanding architecture, including the ancient chapel, the Florence Institute, Toxteth Town Hall, St James in the City Church and the “Welsh Cathedral” - the Welsh Presbyterian Church. It also takes in the Grade II listed Princes Park.

Those taking part will also be following in the footsteps of some fascinating individuals including the man who helped to save 40,000 people from Nazi persecution, the preacher who brought a circus to his services and the gardener who inspired the design of parks throughout the country.

“Even those people who have lived in this area all their lives will almost certainly find things they do not know about their own neighbourhood if they follow the trail, “ said Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods. “Toxteth has a rich and varied history which is sometimes overlooked and one that many people outside the area will find a revelation.

“There are numerous buildings of outstanding architectural interest and many fascinating tales about people who lived and worked in Toxteth.

“We are building on that heritage to ensure that not only are we celebrating Liverpool 8’s past but that it has a bright future as well. This trail is part of the Love L8 project which is highlighting what this area has to offer.”

The trail is marked by banners and display boards at each of its five distinct areas and there are blue footprints on the pavements marking it out. Brochures describing the trail are available from many of the venues along the route. 

Pedestrians and cyclists can tackle the full three and a half mile trail in full or in the five stages, each of which has its own special character.

It starts at St James’ Church at the junction of Upper Parliament Street and St James Place. The first leg of the trail goes from Upper Parliament Street (the old entrance to the deer park) up Park Road. The other parts of the trail are Park Road South from Beresford Road to Ullet Road; Princes Park ( from Ullet Road to Lodge Lane) ; Lodge Lane (from Bentley Road to Smithdown Road) and Smithdown Road to Ullet Road.

Primary sponsors for the trail are St James in the City and funding has been provided by the City Council, Plus Dane and Tesco.

• To pick up a handful of the maps and brochures for historical group or tourism purposes, please contact the Park Road offices of Plus Dane on (0151) 330 3519.