Sefton Park

The site of the park was once within the boundaries of the 2300 acre Royal Deer Park of Toxteth which became "disparked" in 1591. The land eventually came under the Earl of Sefton's control. As Toxteth rapidly grew, green fields and woodland of Toxteth Park became narrow streets and courts packed by tiny uninhabitable houses where air was stagnant, little or no sanitation and running water was from one tap in the middle of the court. At the same time there was demand for large aristocratic mansions in the South of Liverpool. In 1862 the Borough Council Engineer recommended a site for this development. The Public Works (Manufacturing Districts) Act 1864 permitted corporations to borrow sums…

The park also boasted a small open-air theatre – "The Concert" – near the café which featured singers, magicians and talent contests to entertain local children during the summer holidays. This was removed in the 1970s.