Wirral Council developing management plan to safeguard future of Birkenhead Priory

Jan 6 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Wirral Council developing management plan to safeguard future of Birkenhead Priory

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

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

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.

Len Ellison, chairman of Wirral History and Heritage Association, 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 research is aiming to determine what other uses could be made of the Priory site.

Consultants employed by the council are asking local groups for their views.

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.

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, adding: “There is a management plan for the Priory being prepared.”