Tranmere

TRANMERE, a township and ecclesiastical district, in the parish of Bebington, union, and Lower division of the hundred, of Wirrall, S. division of the county of Chester; containing, in 1841, 2554, and in 1848 about 6000, inhabitants. This place lies between the town of Birkenhead on the north, from which it is distant about a mile, and the village of Rock-Ferry on the south; it has the Mersey on the east, and is backed by commanding hills forming an agreeable slope to the river from the west. Its picturesque situation admirably adapts it for building, and much of the land has within the last few years been sold for the purpose at very high prices, varying from 5s. to 15s. and even 20s. per square yard. Several hundred houses have been erected, averaging from £20 to £50 and £100 per annum, with a great number of smaller houses for mechanics and labourers: the rental assessments have increased from £11,027, in 1841, to £18,000 in 1846. Tranmere, like Birkenhead, is becoming of considerable importance, and is now principally the residence of merchants and others whose business lies in Liverpool. A large tract called Clifton Park, at the north end of Holt Hill, has been laid out for building, and is already nearly covered with villas and mansions of the first class, having pleasant drives and lodge entrances; on another plot of ground, at the south end of the hill, called Dacre Park, many residences have also been built, and no doubt in a few years the whole site and the adjacent parts will be similarly occupied. Throughout the township, abundance of good stone of a light-red colour and very durable is to be found, and some of the quarries are now worked to considerable advantage: brick clay also is very abundant.

The township comprises about 1200 acres. The river Mersey from Birkenhead to Rock-Ferry, called the Sloin or Sloyne, is very deep, and affords excellent anchorage for first-class vessels: the Lazzerets lie a little below. There is an ancient ferry; and docks are contemplated. It is said by merchants and shippers that the new docks ought to have been constructed in the bay of Tranmere instead of at Birkenhead, owing to the great depth of water in the Sloin, and to its being so completely backed by the hills, which would afford admirable shelter for the shipping. A bill was in 1846 introduced into parliament for the general improvement of the township, but owing to some opposition it was withdrawn after a considerable expense had been incurred, which fell on the promoters of the measure. The land to the south is principally the property of George Orred and George Chamlain, Esqrs., and northward of various persons, among whom are Mr. Sharp, Miss Thompson, and Mr. Rampling. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Rector of Bebington; net income, £150. The church, dedicated to St. Catherine, was built in 1831, at a cost of £2700; it is of plain exterior, with a tower, but the interior is very neat, has a gallery, and contains a fine painting of the Resurrection, by Le Brun, presented by T. Warrington, Esq. Another church is in contemplation, on land given by Mr. Orred. There are three places of worship for dissenters; also a school in connexion with the Church; a clothing club; and other charities.