Heswall
| Heswall | |
| Cheshire | |
|---|---|
 High tide on the Dee at Heswall | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SJ269818 |
| Location: | 53°19’41"N, 3°5’56"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 7,750 (2001) |
| Post town: | Wirral |
| Postcode: | CH60 |
| Dialling code: | 0151 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Wirral |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Wirral South |
Heswall is a village in Cheshire on the Wirral. The village is on the eastern side of the Dee Estuary, with views across the river to Flintshire. Heswall is about 20 minutes' drive from the county town, the city of Chester and about 20 minutes' drive from Liverpool. The towers of Liverpool's cathedrals can be seen on the horizon from high ground.
History
Heswall has been cited as a possible location for Dingesmere, mentioned with regard to the Battle of Brunanburh, as recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, but then so many location for Brunanburh and Dingesmere have been proposed that there is no knowing where the poet may have meant.
Heswall was recorded in the Domesday Book as Eswelle and owned by Robert de Rodelent, who also owned much of the land on the eastern side of the River Dee. In 1277, it became the property of Patrick de Haselwall, who was Sheriff of Cheshire.
In 1801, the population was recorded as 168. By the census in 1841, it had only grown to 398. Prior to 1897 it was known as Hestlewelle or Hesselwelle. Its growth was started by wealthy merchants from Liverpool who had originally chosen it as a retreat but the arrival of two railway connections allowed them to commute. One line is the Borderlands Line from Wrexham Central to Bidston which opened in 1896. This line is still active and has Heswall railway station on the eastern edge of the town. The station was formerly called Heswall Hills to distinguish it from the older, now demolished, Heswall Station . The old station was in Station Road in the Lower Village on another line from West Kirby to Hooton. This opened in 1886 but the line closed to passengers in 1956. The track of the old railway became a footpath, the 'Wirral Way'.
The Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital originally opened in Heswall as Liverpool Country Hospital for Children in 1909.[1] It stood on the opposite side of Telegraph Road from the 'Puddydale', it had a tall square clock tower and extensive grounds with views over the Dee estuary. The hospital closed in 1985[1] and the site is now occupied by a Tesco supermarket. The supermarket was extended in the early 2000s, then refurbished during 2011.
In 2001 Heswall was listed as being the 7th richest neighbourhood in the UK, with an average household income of £46 600[2]
Sport
- Football: Heswall FC
Open spaces
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There are several areas of open space. The largest is the Dales, an area of dry, sandy heathland overlooking the River Dee. It has the status of both 'Site of Special Scientific Interest]' and Local Nature Reserve. Within this SSSI lies 'the Dungeon', a small river valley cut into the hillside. A path connects the Dales to the Wirral Way and the coast. Other open areas also overlooking the Dee are the Beacons, and Poll Hill, which is the highest point on the Wirral Peninsula.
The large grass area near the centre of town is known as the 'Puddydale'. In former years, Heswall County Primary School was situated on the eastern edge of the field, but has since been demolished. The school was rebuilt on the corner of Whitfield lane and Downham Road North where it is still in use.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Heswall) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Children's Hospitals: Liverpool Infirmary for Children, E. Chambré Hardman Archive, http://www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=ConNarrative.180&chapterId=739, retrieved 23 February 2008
- ↑ Dodd, Vikram (15 January 2001). "South's rich areas get richer". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2001/jan/15/1.
Books
- Miles, Barry (1997), Many Years From Now, Vintage-Random House, ISBN 0-8050-5249-6