Wallasey Road, running from Liscard Town Centre to St. Hilary Brow, was originally known as 'Liscard and Wallasey Road'.

Looking at shops in the post war years of the late 1940s from the Liscard end began with Burton Montague Ltd, the tailors, George Lunt & Sons, the bakers, who have traded in Liscard since the 1920s. Next door, on the corner of Conway Street, was the pawnbrokers, Isaac Bellwood, who took over from Crane's Pawnbrokers after the First World War. Behind the Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board showrooms was a children's playground sited off St. Alban's Terrace. At No. 19 was the City Funeral Furnishers run by Samuel Pritchard & Sons. Thomas Tickle was the ladies outfitters at No. 21 and Thelma's Cafe was next door. On the corner of St. Alban's Road was the 'Castle Hotel;' where Mrs Edith McQuone was the landlady. The public house was often called 'The Garden Inn' on account of the little gardens that were close by.

On the opposite corner of St. Alban's Road was Lobster's Pet Cafe which later became the Nat West Bank. For many years Percy Bailey had a shop at No.37 and was continued on by Mrs Clarrisa Bailey as a stationery business. The Catholics could buy Missal or a set of Rosary Beads at the shop. Other shops included Kwong Tong Laundry, which in the 1930s was Soo Wong Laundry and next door was Frank Gibson, the grocer, who extended the shop to No.53.

'The Boot Inn' existed in Elizabethan times. Originally it was a small whitewashed cottage, which stood on the rough road leading to Wallasey Village. This was knocked down and a two-storey building was erected in its place. Mr. Stephen was the landlord at one time and Bill Cash had the public house during the First World War, then George Wildgoose took over licence in the 1920s.

With the increase of traffic the road formed a sort of bottle-neck and the local authority suggested road widening and so a new 'Boot Inn' was built and in 1925 the old one was demolished.

There were a few more shops along Wallasey Road to Torrington Road and Belvidere Road junction which included Crompton & Jones Estate Agents and Challoner's Tobacconist. In the 1920s Joe Collins, the Liverpool Billiard Champion, had the Wallasey Billiard Saloon, at 93a, which was approached down a side entry. There were nine tables and many good players use to visit the saloon from time to time to play matches.

Further along the road was Wood's the Butcher, and among other shops was Mr. Thomas, the chemist (later Mr. Ambrose and Irwin's the grocers on the corner of Torrington Road where Mr. Arthur Grosvenor was the manager.

On the right hand side of the road, starting at the old 'Wellington Hotel', the original public house was built in the 1800's and was a popular meeting place for the locals. It had an "L" shaped bar and Harry Liversage was the landlord in the post war years after the Second World War. Due to road widening a plot next to the Wellington Pub on the Seaview Road side was purchased as the site for a replacement, the foundations of which were laid in June 1936. The new hotel and Coronation Buildings were built in 1937. Originally there was a single-storey thatched cottage next to the public house, followed by a two-storey cottage.

Sam Pritchard & Sons

One of the most interesting characters of Liscard was Sam Pritchard at No.14 (later No.19) Wallasey Road. He was educated at the National School in Liscard Road and he began work by going around the neighbourhood with a cart and selling paraffin from a large drum.

As he grew older he could lend his hand or give advice on a wide range of subjects. He made his own cough mixture from locally-grown herbs. He made his own boot and metal polishes, which he put into tins and sold. He kept hens and sold eggs. Sam also made and sold harnesses.

He became a removal contractor which proved to be very successful business. People would borrow a handcart to enable them to take a large piece of furniture which they had bought from Wilson's Sale Rooms in Liscard Road. The furniture vans had large wheels at the back and small ones at the front. The driver sat on the roof of the >

Continuing along Wallasey Road we have Marks & Spencers who had been located in Liscard Road but were bombed in the 1941 Wallasey Blitz so moved temporarily to No. 9-10. Jim Kent established his auction rooms after the Second World War at 14 and 15 Wallasey Road. There was also a social club in Wallasey Road which was above the shops and known as 'Coronation Social Club' and it was active in the 1930's.

In 1919 the town agreed there should be a market but it was some years before it was built. The site chosen was once occupied by 'Clairville Cottage'. The new building took the name of 'Central Market'. In the front of the Market in the 1920s was the showroom Rymers, which was later taken over by Sonia's gown shop. Central Market Garage was owned by Mr. Huggin's. The Market used to be covered on the inside where there were roughly about 20 stalls selling mainly a wide selection of produce. The stalls could be moved away and boards, like pallets, were laid flat on the floor for skaters to skate on. The wheels of the skaters were wooden. A rail was attached to the edge to stop the skaters running into the spectators. The Market was demolished by the early 1960s and new shops were built in its place. No. 40 to No. 52 were built by 1966 and No.54 to No. 60 were built soon after.

On the corner of Moseley Avenue stood Black's, the men's outfitters, which closed for business only recently after serving the community for more then half a century. There was a well-known grocery business at No. 68 and 70 called Monteith's. William Monteith then moved to a commanding position on the corner of Liscard Road and Wallasey Road, opposite the old 'Monkey House' shelter and had the largest grocery shop in Liscard. Previously the site had been occupied by Ellis Jones' mill. It was called Victoria Steam Mills. When the grocers finally closed down the property was taken over by Montague Burton, the tailors. The old premises at No.68 and 70 was taken over by Hugh Charlton, another grocer who remained for many years. Mr Boughey established his estate agency at No. 72 and the firm continues to this day. Bert Handy had a fine men's outfitters in the 1930's and continued after the Second World War at No. 104. He sold fine shirts and hats as well as supplying farms with their clothing needs. Leicester Stationery and Artists needs etc., were established in the 1930's at No. 106.

On the other side of Belvidere Road was a number of shops including William Brown's hardware business. Other shops included Miss Flynn's millinery (later Mrs. England's) John Crail, the baker in the 1920s and later to become Robert Plant's grocers. The Co-operative Society opened a large branch in this row of shops some years later.

 

Looking At The Shopping Precinct 1921 - 1988
1921		1949		1988
No.	Name	No.	Name	No.	Name
1	Lunt, Sons & Co Ltd - Bakers	3-9	Burton Montague Ltd - Tailors	1-9	British Gas Showroom
3	Guy, et Cie Milliners	11	Lunt, George,Sons & Co - Bakers	11	Brooks Jeweller
5	British & Argentine Meat Co. Ltd	13	Bellwood. I.H Pawnbroker	13	Contessa L/Ling
7	David Lewis House Part	Conway Street
7	Sampson, Thomas Butcher		Merseyside & North Wales Electricity Board	15-17	MANWEB Electricity Board Showroom
9	Lunt, A.J & Co Paint Manufacturers	St. Albans Terrace		Townfield Way
11	Price, Robert E, Butcher	19	Pritchard, Samuel & Sons - Funeral Furnishers	19	Halford's Cycle & Auto Accessories
13	Bellwood Pawnbrokers	21	Tickle, Thomas R. Ladies Outfitter	21	Lunn Poly Travel Agent
Conway Street		23	Thelma's Cafe	23	H. Williams Menswear
		25	Castle Hotel Mrs Edith McQuone	25	Swan Ladies Wear
St. Albans Terrace		St. Albans Road		27	Usher Travel
15	Basnett, W & Co. Glass Merchants	31	Lobster Pet Cafe	29	Delaney Baker
17	Yate's Castle Hotel William F. Bridden	33	Platt, Joseph Butcher	St. Albans Road
19	William Dawkes	35	Mandell, David Tailor	31-35	National Westminster Bank
21	Mrs Margaret Fisher	37	Bailey, Mrs Clarissa M. Stationery	37-39	Lees, Moore & Price Solicitors
31	Charles F Shaper Mrs Dora Shaper	39	Helm, Harry Baker	41	Vacant (formerly Oxfam Shop)
33	J.J Mullineux	41	The Capital Paint Store Paint Merchants	Cecil Road
35	Wallasey Cocoa Rooms	41a	Mudd & Stores French Polishers	43	K. Prowse Travel Agent
37	Bailey, Percy Tobacconist & newsagent	Cecil Road		45	Monroes Restaurant
39	Fred William Helm Dairyman	43	Roberts, Thomas W Pianoforte Dealer	47	Liscard Fisheries
41	John Hurst Boot Repairer	45	Green Food Ltd Greengrocers	49	LiLam Restaurant
Cecil Road		47	Morris, James & Francina Fried Fish Dealers	51-53	Bell & Lamb Joynson Solicitors
43	The Liscard Fish Market	49	Kwong Tong Laundry	Liscard Grove Newton Road
45	Mrs Alice Horn Chandler	51-53	Gibsons Stores Grocers	55	Boot Inn
47	James Thornber Refreshment	Liscard Grove Newton Road		93	Bakewell & Horner Estate Agent
49	Lynane, J. Cecil Hand Laundry		Boot Inn George Harry Wildgoose	95	Woolwich Equitable Building Society
Newton Road		93	Compton & Jones Estate Agents	97	DC & I. Ltd Finance
	Boot Inn William Harry Cash	95	Challoner, Raymond Tobacconist	99	Blow Your Top Men's Hairdressers
93	Saks, F. & Co. Tailors	97	Collens, James W. Ltd - Hairdressers	101	Goldsmith, William Solicitor
95a	Collens, J.W., Ltd Wallasey Billiard Hall	99	Cochrane, William Decorator	103	Bell & Wight Jewellers
95b	Roberts, Mrs Art Needlework	101	Scott, Constance Childrens Outfitters	105	Top Style Ladies Wear
97	Bayleys Boot Repairers	103	Johnson, Jason Boot Repairer	107	The Banks Group Surveyors
97a	Homes, Elizabeth Tobacconist/Sweets	105	Davies & Williams Greengrocers	109	Arcade
99	Miss Plowden Milliner	107	Smith, Mrs Dora Dairy	111	Knitcraft Knit & Wool
101	Mrs Roberts Ladies Outfitters	109	Wood, William H Butcher	113	Lawton's Baker
103	Hughes, Richard E Fishmonger	111	Morris, Miss Edie Mary - Ladies & Children Outfitters	115	Birdsall Confectioner & Toys
105	King, Charles E. (King & King) Fruiterer	113	Lawton, Mrs Gertrude Pastrycook	117	I.G Palmer Chemist
107	Kilpatrick, William 'Abbey' Diary	115	Pearce's Newsagent	119	Hoy In Restaurant
109	Wood, W.H Butcher	117	Thomas, L.C Ltd Chemists	Torrington Road
111	Horner, George Wilson - Post Off. & Tobacconist	119	Irwin's Grocers
113	Erskine, Margaret Confectioner	Torrington Road
115	Bannister, Albert E Basket Manufacture
117	Thomas, Lewis E Pharmacist
119	Grosvenor, Arthur Grocer
Torrington Road
No.	1921	No.	1949	No.	1988
2	Wellington Hotel William Davies	2	Wellington Hotel Harry Liversage		Wellington Hotel
14	Pritchard, Samuel Furniture Remover	Coronation Building		Coronation Building
16	Whitley, W.H Electrical Engineer		White, George Milk Bar	1-2	Bookland - Books & Stationery
18	Wharton, Mrs Sarah - Ironmonger	3	Elsley, H.J Bookseller	3	Richards Carpets
Deans Yard		3	Flude, Leslie Devine Linoleum Warehouseman	4	Brooks Confectionery
	McLarty, Alex	4	Bakewell, Mrs Else Dale - Tobacconist	5 -6	Yorkshire Building Society
	Jones, Charles, E	4	Hardisty, Walter E Hairdresser	7	Crown Pharmacy Chemist
	Parsons, Robert Hill	5 & 6	Hewson, E. Ltd Butchers	8	Famous Army Stores
20	Hughes, O Hairdresser	7	Spence, Hugh Thomas - Chemist		Atlantis Gym
22	Rose, Thomas	8	Famous Army Surplus Clothing Manufacturer	9-10	Rumblelows Audio TV Electrics
24	Williams, E.C Grocers Assistant		National Assistance Board	11	JJB Sports Sports Goods
26	Quality Garage Rymer, C.F., Ltd		H.M Inspector of Taxes - Wallasey District	12	Miller & Santhouse Optician
52	Caddock, W		Royal London Mutual Insurance Society	13	Stantons Baker & Restaurant
54	Roberts, Llewellyn Grocer		Joynson, J.H & Son Solicitors	14 -15	Alliance & Leicester Building Society
54	Winterburn, James House Part	9 & 10	Marks & Spencers	40	Fashion Figure Ladies Wear
56	Liversage, Elizabeth - Dairy	14-15	Kent, J Auctioneers	42	Alan Paul Hairdressers
58	Smith, William Butcher	Central Market Buildings		44	Gateway Building Society
58	Harton, Robert James (House Part)		Willis, Mrs Helen Costumier	46	Oxfam Shop
60	Quality Garage Temporary Office		Pottler, Charles Furniture Dealer	48	Safeway Supermarket
Moseley Avenue			Woosman, Frank Greengrocer	50	Johnsons Dry Cleaner
62	Lockley, G Butcher	50	Central Market Garage	52	Serve & Save Provisions
64	Bellis, Joseph Tobacco & Sweets	50	Norvic Photographic Studios	54-56	Colourvision TV
68a	Bridge, Arthur J Draper	52a	Ross, Mrs Catherine	58-60	Liscard Carpets
68	Lithgoe, Mary Greengrocer	52	Ross, Mrs Catherine Tobacconist	Moseley Avenue
70	Eccles, Louisa Dressmaker	54	Penlington, Jack Bicycle Dealer	62	Blacks Mens/Boys Wear
70	Gibsons Stables Carriage Proprietors	54	Clough, Herbert Gardener	64	Prudential Printers
86	Gibsons, Mary Alice	Moseley Avenue		66	Brian Camp Solicitors
88	Gibsons, Alfred	62	Blacks, Arthur Gents Outfitters	68	Ramos & Co. Estate Agents
Coningsby Drive		64	Bellis, Harry Confectioners	72	Boughey, H.J & Son - Estate Agents
90	William Richardson Engraver	66	Dove, William Furniture Dealer		Liscard Motor Co. Car Sales
92	William Walker School master	68- 70	Charlton, Hugh Grocer	86-88	Michael Milman Estate Agents
94	Mrs Harriet Connor	72	Boughey, H.J & Son Estate Agents	Coningsby Drive
96	Mrs Elizabeth Sharp	74a	Manx Household Cleaners Ltd.	Britannic Buildings
98	Dutton, Frederick Cashier	74	Pinnington Bros, Motor Engineers	1-3	Prudential Building Society
100	Henderson, Mrs C	86	Richards, Mrs Maude	94	Philip Davies Estate Agents
102	Miss Southwell Music Teacher	88	Mrs Mary Carlile	96	Somerfield & Pakhouse Solicitors
104	Williams, F.E	Coningsby Drive		98-98a	Profile Ladies Hairdresser
Belvidere Road		Britannic Buildings		100	Whitegates Estate Agents
120	Gibson's Stores Grocers	1	Food Office	102-104	Threshers Off-Licence
120	Sam M Smith House Part	2	Leslee, Ann Hairdressers	106	Whitnalls Accountancy
122	Browne, William Ironmongers	3	Gregory, Eric Hairdressers	108	James Chapman Harland Estate Agents
126	Masser, Mrs Dorothy Drapers & Milliner	94	Currie, Thomas Herbert	110	Gearing & Wilde Solicitors
128	Acton, Robert D Stationer	96	Whatmough, Caroline	112	Building Society World
130	Barber & Co Wine & Spirit	98	Duncan, Miss Lillian, Ladies Hairdressers	Belvidere Road
130	Percival, Caroline House Part	98a	Dane & Dennis Watch Repairers	120	K Sang Fish & Chips
132	Crail, Robert Baker & Confectioner	100	McEntyre, Arthur Coal Merchant	122	Hardmans Domestic Electricity Appliance
134	Fraser, Mrs Milliner	100a	Holmes, Herbert C. Hardware Dealer	124	Sarah J's Hair Designs
136	Pearson, John Harry Dairyman	102	Motherland Perambulator Dealers	126	J. Sood Ladies/Men/Boys Wear
138	Sheil, Madame Teacher of music	104	Handy's Gents Outfitters	128	Evans Confectionery
140	Shaw, M & Son Fish & Poultry Dealers	106	Leicester's Stationers	130	Almigate Haulage
142	Williams, Edward Poultry Food Stores	108	Glendinning's Ladies Outfitters	130a	Smartbride Bridal Wear
144	Bennett, W. Wirral Drug Store	110	Ardran, Alfred Wilding - Fruitier	132	Vacant (formerly Tradewinds)
146	Lamble, Alfred Upholsterer	112	Taylor, Harold Pastrycook	Westwood Grove
148	Harper, I & H Chandler	112	Parker, Mrs Edina Julia	134	Kate's Corner Children Wear
150	Munslow, Thomas	Belvidere Road		136-142	Jean Graham Beauty Salon & Gym, Sauna & Jacuzzi
150	Munslow, Miss Confectioner	122	Browne, William Hardware Dealer
152	Smith, A - Seed Merchant & Florist	124	Pulford, Thomas Edwin - Shipwright	144	Hair World Hairdresser
154	Sayle, George Boot Repairer	124	Parkinsons Lancashire Coal Merchants	146	J.Piggot Alarms
		124b	Parkinson W.N (Coals) Coal Merchant	148	M.E.W Print & Stationery
		124a	Smethurst, Miss Mabel - Costumier	150	M. Perry Car Accessories
		126	England, Mrs Florence Fancy Draper	152	Bateman Accountancy
		128	Greenhaugh, Charles Newsagent	154	Vacant (formerly Fruit Hall)
		130a	Bartleet, Mrs Alice Florist
		132	Plant, Charles Greengrocer
any house numbers in grey are private dwellings.

Shopping In Wallasey Road 1960s
1967
No.	Name	No.	Name
3-9	J. Swift Home Furnishers		Wellington Hotel
11	Minton, R.R & Co Paint Manufacturers	Coronation Building
13	Bellwood Jewelers	1	New Dynasty Restaurant
Conway Street		2	Bookland Books & Stationery
	Merseyside & North Wales Electricity Board (Service Centre)	3	Fludes Carpets
St. Albans Terrace		4	McLachlans Tobacco & Confectionery
19	Samuel Pritchard & Son Ltd Furnishers Removals	5-6	Birkenhead District Co-Op Grocer Supermarket
21-23	Vacant (formerly W.H Trace & Son Ltd - Electrical Contractors)	7	H.T Spence Chemist
25	Vacant (formerly Castle Hotel)		National Assistance Board
St. Albans Road			H.M Inspector of Taxes
31	Westminster Bank Ltd	8	Famous Army Stores
33	Vacant	9-10	Strothers Electrics
35	P. Bailey Tobacconist/Confectionery/Toys	13	Vacant (formerly Scott & Sons Bakers Ltd)
37	W.H Trace & Son Ltd Electrical Contractors	14-15	J. Mckenzie Radio, TV & Electrics
39	Vacant	40	Reece's Baker
41	National Coal Board (coal order)	42	Granada TV Rentals
Cecil Road		44	Kyle Wallpaper & Paint
43	Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd.	46	Marilyn Ladies Fashion
45	R. Eskay Glass & Chinaware	48	Safeway Grocer Supermarket
47	C. Truplett Butchers	50	Spencer Dry Cleaners
49	Lin Hong Restaurant	52	Wrights Ladies Fashions
51-53	Bell Joynson Solicitors	54	Vacant
Liscard Grove Newton Road		56	Vacant
	Boot Inn	58	Vacant
93	Compton & Sons Estate Agents	60	Vacant
95	Central Laundry Dry Cleaners	Moseley Road
97	C.B Collinson Estate Agents	62	Blacks Men Wears
99	Tudor Gift Shop	64	Bellis Tobacco/Confectionery/Toys
101	Wilbraham Turf Commission Agents	66	Hardings Furnishing Removers
103	Barber & Co. Wine Store	68	Charlton Butchers & Provisions
105	W.E Harding Fruit & Veg	72	Boughey, H.J & Son Estate Agents
107	D. Smith Grocer & Dairy		Pinnington Bros Garage & Services
109	W.H Wood Butchers	86-88	Strothers Office TV Supplies
111	KnitKraft Knit & Wool	Britannic Buildings
113	Lawton's Baker	1-2	Ministry of Social Security
115	Toner & Williams Tobacco/Confectionery/Toys	3	Eric Gregory Hairdressers
117	T.D Ambrose Chemist	94	Motherland Prams & Toys
119	Peacock Restaurant	96	C.M Briggs Opticians
		98	Betty's Ladies Hairdressers
		98a	E.G Raddish Estate Agents
		100	J. McCulloch Sports Equipment & Fishing Tackle
		102-104	Leicesters Print, Stationery & Art Materials
		106	Hardys Menswear
		108	V. Warburton Ladies Outfitters
		110	Greenline Fruit & Veg
		112	Harold Taylors Bakers
		Belvidere Road
		120	N. Burrows Fried Fish Dealer
		122	William Brown Hardware Dealer
		124	Vacant
		126	England, F.D & M.M Fancy Drapers
		128	Vaughan, F Newsagents
		130	Hawkers & Hunters Electrical Contractors
		130a	Mrs Mary B. Keen Florist
		132	Charles Plant Grocers
		Westwood Grove
		134	Oxfam
		136	Vacant
		138-142	Birkenhead & District Co-Op Society
		144	Cheetham Ladies Hairdressers
		146	Health Centre Turkish Baths
		148-152	Wilkinson Wallpaper, Paint & Glass Merchants
		154	Johnsons Dry Cleaners

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