Town History
This page last updated Sunday, 17-Feb-2008 21:13:12 GMT
The beginning
1150 A.D.
The decision of Hamon de Mascy, a Norman baron, to found a Benedictine Priory on the banks of the River Mersey in 1150 was the starting point for what has become a large town.The site chosen, on a birch covered headland, may be the derivation of the name Birkenhead i.e. BIRCHENHEAD, alternatively its position at the mouth of the River Birket may have given rise to it's name. The monks, who were the first recorded inhabitants of Birkenhead, became responsible, apart from their other duties , for ferrying travellers across the Mersey, gaining their right in perpetuity by virtue of a charter granted by EdwardIII in 1330. It was not until the nineteenth century that the area experienced any great change in population, but , when it did come the growth was dramatic, and came about partly because of the introduction of steam-operated ferries. Being more reliable, they led to an improved ferry service, which gave merchants and businessmen living and working in Liverpool an opportunity to make their homes in Birkenhead.
Thus it began it's expansion as a dormitory area, but soon it was developing it's own industries, and becoming a thriving community.
IN 1877, a charter of incorporation was granted, giving Birkenhead borough status, and since then the growth has continued, sometimes faltering as the economic climate hardened but Birkenhead has survived.
Nowadays its modern precinct, complete with new market hall, is responsible for a flourishing shopping centre. Despite recent recessions it's industries are many and varied. Birkenhead has come a long way since the monks arrived in 1150.
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