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#1085735 13th Apr 2025 8:34am
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bert1 Offline OP
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Also known as the Rock Ferry Athletic grounds, situated behind the Bedford Hotel, Bedford Rd, owned by Mr Luke Lee. It appears sports that took place on the grounds were Athletics, Cycle races and there's a newspaper snippet reporting the score between Rock Ferry and Blackburn Rovers res football teams. There also appears to be a dark side to the grounds which may have cost its demise, Rabbit coursing with dogs and Pigeon shooting. Looking in to more and contributions welcome.













https://www.oldmapsonline.org/en/Li...6.4189/53.372909/-3.010135&year=1898


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Re-licensing was applied for by Mr Luke Lees, owner of the Bedford Hotel and Athletic ground in August 1901, objections were made by the Birkenhead Vigilance Committee, residents of Rock Ferry and the Chief constable. The residents and Vigilance committee had no problem with proper sports being carried out on the athletic grounds but were totally opposed to the Rabbit coursing and the shooting of Pigeons, they could see no reason sports such as cycling events etc could not be carried out. The Chief Constable wanted no sports at all as it only encouraged betting and gambling.

A further objection was made as to the way in to the grounds, down an ally at the side of the Hotel and through its back yard where there was a door leading into the Hotel which encouraged drink being bought and taken onto the athletic grounds. It was suggested the grounds be closed initially for 2 years, Mr Lees objected declaring some companies had already paid £25 for the use of the ground for their annual sports events. These monies were returned and the field closed.

During the meeting Mr Lees reported he had no idea local residents were in anyway upset or objected to the Rabbit coursing and wasn't aware of any betting or gambling. Having agreed to close the ground and stopping Rabbit coursing and Pigeon shooting the license was renewed.


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Not forgetting the nearby Temperance Society.


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bert1 Offline OP
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Originally Posted by diggingdeeper
Not forgetting the nearby Temperance Society.

No doubt they had a dog in the fight, pun intended.


God help us,
Come yourself,
Don't send Jesus,
This is no place for children.


Bertieone.

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