From Picture of Liverpool Strangers Guide, written in 1834
Boats are constantly sailing between George's parade and these ferries.
Woodside ferry was established so far back as the year 1282, at which time it
was valued at forty shillings per annum.
An extensive square is now being built here, the houses of which are to be
spacious, and of an elegant style of architecture, and the area will occupy a
space of eight acres. It is to be named Hamilton Square.
This is also a very ancient ferry, and is situate at a short distance to the
south of Woodside, and is now becoming populous, many new edifices having
been erected since 1818, at which period there were only fifty inhabitants.
The Church is a handsome structure, of the Gothic style of architecture, with
a neat spire, which adds much to the picuresque beauty of this village.
Adjoining this edifice stands the remains of the Old Priory, which was
founded by Haman MASSIE, third baron of Dunham, in the year 1190.
The monks of this foundation enjoyed the privilege of carrying passengers
from Birke nhead to Liverpool. The charges were a farthing for a person on
foot, and twopence for a horseman.
Some interesting ruins still remain here, but since the erection of the new
church, and of several contiguous buildings, they have been in the great
degree concealed from the public gaze, and much of that solemn and venerable
stillness that once surrounded them has been removed; yet something is left
to excite the curiosity.
A few years ago a gravestone was found beneath the ruins, and has been placed
in the wall of the old chapel. (it is written in Latin)
The following may be considered a translation:
" Here lies Thomas RAYNEFORD, formerly the good vicar of this Priory, who
died on the fifth of May, in the year of Our Lord 1473, to whose soul may God
be merciful"
In a portion of adjacent ruins there are several fine groined arches. These, and the various remains of windows, pillars, &c with the extent of ground marked out by the fragments of walls, clearly show that this was once an edifice of some distinction.
TRANMERE
This is next to the ferry to the south of Birkenhead, and is also becoming more inhabited than it was formerly. Adjoining it is Holt-hill, the summit of which commands an extensive prospect of the neighbouring villages and the river. Liverpool is likewise clearly distinguished, with it's long line of docks, crowded with shipping: and further in the background are seen the villages of Everton and Edge Hil, the former being situate to the north of the latter. Tranmere, properly so called, stands on the side of a hill, and is remarkable for several old houses, and the remains of an ancient cross. Below, and bordering on the river, are situate the Rock House and New Ferry, to both of which places large and commodious sail boats ply regularly from the opposite piers.
Seacombe and Egremont
From the Prince's Parade steam or sail boats are constantly plying to the opposite ferries of Seacombe and Egremont, at which places there are good inns, where may be had refreshments of the best quality. From this part of the coast the river and a great portion of Liverpool (the docks of which are generally crowded with shipping) are percieved to great advantage
BIDSTON
The light house, situate on Bidston's Hill, is well deserving of a stranger's
notice, as it's elevation commands one of the most extensive views of the
neighbourhood. Should the weather prove favourable, this is a most
interesting marine prospect: for vessels may be perceived , even without the
aid of a telescope, at a great distance.
From the top of the light house, which is of easy ascent, may be seen much of
the hundred of Wirral, and many of the high mountains of Wales.
HOYLAKE
Hoylake is situate on the sea coast, at the northern extremity of the
peninsula of Wirral and has a good inn.
The distance from Liverpool by water being about twelve miles, affords a
pleasant sail, in the course of which are passed the Magazines, the new fort,
the new Light-house at the Rock Perch, and Leasowe Castle which has now been
converter to an Inn. Near Hoylake is the small and barren island of Hilbree
which is said to be within the parish of St Oswald's in Chester, though it is
a distant twenty miles from the city