Left: Wavertree Lock-up circa 1860. In the background is Lake House (later known as Monkswell House). In 1796 objections had been raised by its wealthy owner, Mr John Myers, who claimed that the Lock-up proposal "showed a desire to annoy him" and would spoil his view. However, he was overruled and a Mr Hind was engaged to prepare plans and get the work in hand.

The Lock-up stands on Wavertree Village Green, which is the only piece of registered common land in Liverpool. This Green is the last vestige of a much larger tract of 'commons and waste grounds' which existed prior to 1768. This extract (bottom of page) from the Enclosure Map shows the Lake - where the Mill Lane swing park is today - and a triangular space alongside which became the village green. (Note that north is towards the left on this map).

In fact, as the 1925 Ordnance Survey map (pictured left) indicates, the whole area bounded by Childwall Road,  Lance Lane, Woolton Road and Church Road North was open land - known as Wavertree Green - until well into the 20th century. The Enclosure Act prohibited building on this area, so as to ensure a free flow of air to the windmill off Woolton Road.

Continued . . .