The Building
The information accessible is very limited. Sources that we have referred to and relied upon to produce this page include the Public Library and verbal anecdotes from visitors to the centre.
Toxteth Town Hall Community Resource Centre (its title now) is based in the heart of Toxteth. The building was built in 1865-6 and was designed by Layland (Architect). Its original title was 'The Township of Toxteth Park Public Offices' known locally then as the 'Town Hall'. It has played a major role in the civic life of the area.
During its history its uses include the following:
- Registry Office (Births & Deaths only)
- Medical Dispensary
- Morgue
- Coroner's Inquests
- Services for the Destitute
- Means testing
- Hardship Support
- Food Dispensary
- Police cells (war time)
- Dispensary of School Uniforms
- Community Meetings
- Health & Social Security
- Department of Unemployment
In Gores Directory (Liverpool Public Library) similar to a phone book directory nowadays, one can identify all the names and buildings resident in the area. When the building was being researched what was very interesting to find was not just the names of the people resident in the local area but their trades as well. For example: (source: Gores Directory 1865 & 1900)
Blacksmith, cart wheel maker, tailor, fancy boxmaker, book keeper, general dealer, sugar boiler, shoe maker, dressmaker, iron merchant, passenger brokers, emigration agent, mariner, umbrella maker, cowkeeper, baker & flour dealer, cartowner, tobacconist, coach trimmer, locksmith bellhanger & branding iron cutter, draper, collector of rent, sail maker. Many of these professions have become defunct or are now provided for by firms.
Note: Toxteth Town Hall Community Resource Centre is celebrating its 140th year in 2006 and we are looking at ways to mark this. The charity is currently exploring the illumination of the building and/or a form of flag or banner. Please email us with your suggestions.
If you have any memories and/or information on the building we would welcome your input to build up a comprehensive picture. Contact us at the centre.