Book captures Wallasey’s rich history

Feb 27 2013 by Rebecca Koncienzcy, Birkenhead News

A WALLASEY author is bringing local history to a new generation.

Wallasey – Days Gone By details Wallasey’s rich history accompanied by some of the most extraordinary photographs from its cultural past.

From the record of the smugglers and pirates in the 16th century to New Brighton’s seaside Victorian glory days and beyond the 360 page book is fascinating.

Fresh from university, Tony Buckley, 31, has already written six impressive books and his most recent has gained a considerable following on Facebook.

Tony Buckley said: “After writing my earlier book about Wallasey I wanted to delve deeper.

“For its size, Wallasey just has so much history, I am very surprised and frustrated that it doesn’t have a museum.

“But I feel that my books and others are going some way to documenting the strong heritage.”

Tony has been writing books alongside his degree in modern history at Liverpool John Moores University. Tony said: “My degree really lead me on my way to writing the book but my mentor at university, Dr Mike Benbough Jackson, really pushed me and has helped me even after I finished last May.

“Writing can have its ups and downs but I have had some great support from local author Gavin Chappell and Wallasey Memories member Paul Wirral.”

Collecting the photographs for the book took over six years and includes a large amount of personal photos from the Wallasey Memories group.

The book has stunning photographs of Wallasey Central Park in its heyday, packed out beaches in New Brighton from every decade and of train stations and buildings that no longer exist.

Now a full time author and on the committee of the Ashville football club Tony added: “My favourite pictures from the book are of the New Brighton tower and pier because I think it makes you question why they were taken down and how my generation have really missed out on that part of history.”

Wallasey – Days Gone By is published by CreateSpace Independent.