Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History St Hillarys : The Tudor tower Wallasey

There have been churches dedicated to St Hilary on this site since at least 902 and it`s possible that the earliest church dates back to the Fifth century. The tower, (the oldest building in Wallasey), was built as part of the fourth St Hilary`s church in 1530.

The tower became part of the fifth church built in 1757-1760. It remained the only church in Wallasey until the Nineteenth century and on the North side of the tower was the first school in Wallasey.

Legends speak of tunnels leading from below the tower floor to other parts of Wallasey and that these tunnels were used to hide the goods collected by local shipwreckers.

This fifth church was destroyed by fire in 1857. The fire was caused by the sexton stoking up the boiler too high after complaints that the church was cold. The heat melted fat on hams being unofficialy smoked above the boiler which in turn caught fire.
It is recorded that Wallasey smelt of bacon for days afterwards.

The fire destroyed the tower floors and the six bells crashed down and were broken.
They were re-cast and placed in the present St Hilarys.

In 1893 the tower roof was repaired and the ground floor area became a mortuary chapel. The floor level was raised and decorated with Minton tiles.

The tower was re-roofed and restored in 2003.

For times of opening and access contact the Rector (0151 638 4771)

great topic mate

never knew anything about it

As Joe says.
Great topic neat pics too

This is the church I was telling you about earlier Mark.

Where it would be a great place to get some photographs, both at day and at night.

I been there a few times this week to visit a grave, and its a beautiful place, very picturesque, im taking me camera there this week.

another great place is christ church in port sunlight... even more so when ur high on drugs haha... the lights make ur shadows massive... nice building too

Also very quiet and has wonderfull views

Yep, views over the whole of Leasowe and out to sea, could see Hoylake, Hilbre and N.Wales... and those bloody mysterious islands haha!

lol. i take it they are still a mystery then?

Yeah, unless you worked out where they are lmao??

Sorry that was just funny to me lol...

"It is recorded that Wallasey smelt of bacon for days afterwards."

Lol, thats what i thought too

Thats at the top of my road, do you mind If I add some of my own pics to this thread, or should I start my own?

just add

heres a few of my pics of St Hillarys.