Historical background
William Roscoe – poet, author, artist and MP - cherished the notion that the growth of 18th Century Liverpool should not neglect the arts and culture, leading to the founding of Liverpool Botanic Garden in 1802. When the original town centre site became unsuitable, this exclusive Garden was re-established in Wavertree (1836) becoming a fully public amenity by 1847.

Shortly after the land surrounding the walled garden was acquired by the Corporation with Wavertree Park formally opened in 1856. Although the wider parkland provided much needed open space in an industrialised and densely populated area, the walled garden remained the principal attraction with a grand conservatory amid colourful bedding and feature planting displays.

The site became a venue for many events including the immensely popular Liverpool International Exhibition of Navigation, Travelling, Commerce and Manufactures, visited by over 2.5 million in 1886.

The park today
Although the great Victorian glasshouse was a casualty of WW2, the walled garden retains a charm, with vestiges of the site history remaining throughout the Park. A new sports changing facility is being introduced to support football and the Park features a popular children’s play area.