Publications

Books about the North Meols area

CROSSENS - Southport’s Cinderella Suburb

image of book cover Crossens tells the story of how a relatively prosperous detached agricultural settlement with monastic links became an out-of-town out-of-sight dormitory for Southport’s poorest paid labourers. Backed by the landowner, the village was transformed by an energetic, socially-active vicar.

The text is supported by over 112 illustrations, many of which have not been published before.

This limited edition edition is the Birkdale and Ainsdale Historical Research Society’s ninth publication, and follows a run of popular best-selling titles. Many of the earlier volumes are now out of print and much sought after by collectors.

Harry Foster himself is a much respected local historian who has written many books on the history of Southport and the surrounding area. He is a very popular guest speaker at the meetings of many local organisations.

“Crossens” is available from the publishers, Birkdale and Ainsdale Historical Research Society, 20 Blundell Drive, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4RG, priced £16.95 (plus £2.45 P&P in the UK - other areas by arrangement), or from local bookshops and libraries.

Find out more at www.harrop.co.uk/bandahrs

Churchtown in Camera

Churchtown in Camera Early photographs including Marshside and Crossens

A local collection published by Sefton Council Leisure Service Department as part of a series which includes Crosby in Camera and Seaforth in Camera.

The book contains fifty pictures of old Churchtown, Crossens and Marshside, many from the post war period when Churchtown was relatively isolated from Southport.

This wonderful collection of photographs and drawings provides and unique insight to life in this historic village. Amongst the rare gems are pictures of local businesses, the fishermenrsquo;s strike of 1913, the Vulcan Motor Company, Crossens Station (yes, it did have one!), Crossens Festival, and children at the Churchtown National School.

An excellent and well researched reference for anyone in finding out more about the North Meols area.

Review by David Proffitt

North Meols and Southport - a History

North Meols and Southport Peter Aughtonrsquo;s book is the most comprehensive history of the area that I have ever read, stretching from pre-Saxon settlement to the mid-1980s. The book well written and easy to read, the text illustrated throughout with a fascinating selection of photographs, maps and drawings.

Although much of the book deals with the growth of the town of Southport, it contains a great deal of information for those interested in North Meols. The book contains many interesting extracts, including the Poll Tax returns of 1381, and some very interesting maps of the area, including a section from Henry Bankesrsquo; 1736 survey of North Meols.

Also included are a selection of family trees (including Aughton, Coudray, Hesketh, Sutton and Blundell) and information on local place names.

Coming as he does from a long established local family, Peter Aughton’s book contains a great deal of interesting and accurate information. A must for anyone who really wants to know the history of Southport and North Meols.

Review by David Proffitt

Southport A Century Ago

by Geoff Wright - ISBN 1-872895-10-7 | Published by Landay Publishing 1992

One of a series of books covering towns such as Blackburn, Bolton, Chorley and Blackpool, this book is, in part, a reprint of a book first published in 1889 by the Historical Publishing Company. Local historian Geoff Wright added a more detailed history of Southport which includes a brief reference to the original settlement of North Meols.

The book also contains a reprint of an 1889 trades directory, a selection of early pictures of the resort, an extract from the 1899 telephone directory, a tramway timetable and extracts from local newspapers.

A fascinating insight into Victorian Southport.

Review by David Proffitt

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