And yes, it might be fairly limited, but there is a history of the ground that would become the Square pre-Liverpool.
Just finished my draft chapter on Abercromby Square 4000BD to 1200AD ( not a long chapter, not much happened that was recorded) when I came across a really good book covering the same period. Bright side, it seems to support what I've already written so either I'm on the right track, or we're both similarly decieved by history.
And yes, it might be fairly limited, but there is a history of the ground that would become the Square pre-Liverpool.
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In speculation gone wild I've managed to half convince myself that Robin Hood existed and plied his trade around Parliament Street. While I came up with the theory partly to highlight how you can convince yourself of anything if you squint hard enough and are selective about evidence, its interesting that I probably found as much circumstantial evidence in a couple of hours as exist for many other myths and rumours that people believe about the history of the city. Anyone want to hear it?
ps Of course it can't actually be true, just imagine the idea of someone in a hoodie robbing people on the streets of Liverpool, and then hiding out and the common diesfranchised people of the locality hiding him from the authorities. Ridiculous notion to suggest that has ever gone on. Bet the Daily Mail would run it though. The lower part of Smithdown Road ( variously Smeatham Lane, Shinthedun, Smithedun and Smithdown Lane) is one of the oldest highways in Liverpool. It is almost certainly the road to 'the Manor of Esmedune' mentioned in the Domesday Book, and is referred to by name in documents from the time of Henry III.
As the first 'firm ground' to the East of the marshy MossLake that was to become Abercromby Square, it was also used as an informal marker for the edge of the town boundaries ( which technically ended somewhere near the Moss-Lake brook a few dozen yards to the West). It was reached from Hope Street via a footpath and wooden bridge leading from just next to the current Philharmonic Hall, and crossing where Abercromby Square gardens are now. I have to admit, actually writing up history is less fun than writing fiction, due to those pesky facts. Particularly when I'm correcting myths or inaccuracies elsewhere, I have to be extra careful to try and make sure I get all the exciting facts right. And in the right order. Sadly you can't just make it up as you go along.
The exception is the bit I'm doing at the minute. As there are no definitive records for Liverpool pre-history you at least don't have to worry about getting it wrong, and are freer to speculate wildly. Which is fun! As is pointing out why other people's theories are rubbish. Shadenfreude is alive and well in my book :-) Coming soon to a phone, tablet or PC screen near you... thrill at 'The Meaning of Liverpool', 'ooh' at the history of the Liver Bird, 'aaah' at 'Murder in Abercromby Square', 'so what' at 'Falling off a horse in Abercromby Square', 'WTF' at the 'History of West Derby Fen' and be amazed at 'John Gladstone, father of a dynasty: Visionary or git?'.
Trailers work for movies so I thought I'd give it a shot. Let’s talk prostitution shall we? Throughout its history Liverpool has been rife with prostitution and brothels, with a ready market of merchants and itinerant sailors to support the trade. By the 1880s the police were trying to crack down, including the well known row of knocking shops that ran right along Myrtle Street.
A number of respectable correspondents wrote to the papers around this time talking of the hypocrisy of the police, targeting the lower class prostitutes while the ‘fur coat and no knickers’ brigade worked untouched around Abercromby Square. The prostitutes weren’t naïve, and neither were the police. By dressing well and perambulating around the Square and nearby streets, the business ladies of the night were strolling up and down the same roads and gardens as the wives of the mayors, councilmen and merchants of influence. It was a brave bobby who would risk a scene by taking a gamble that the woman ambling gentle along on the arm of well-dressed gentleman was headed for a shilling knee trembler round the corner rather than being the wife or daughter of the Judge who lived opposite. People from every trade and business found the square profitable in one way or another. I'll also be working on a project looking specifically at the links of the Civil War and the Square, separate from the book.
It is a huge area, and one I know there is a lot of interest in, both here and across the pond. Working with proper historians with a far greater knowledge of the subject and the Liverpool context, I should hopefully be able to join dots and add to my own understanding of the period too. I'll update when... err... when I have updates. |
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