A Brief History of West Kirby

West Kirby has a long history. Its place name,  kirkjuby –‘ church settlement’, is Norse in origin, dating from the early tenth century when the village formed part of the important ‘Viking’ enclave  of North Wirral . Only a small community, it remained for centuries a mere collection of farms and cottages, clustered round St Bridget’s Church, its inhabitants dependent on the land and the sea for their livelihood. 

Despite the increasing popularity of sea bathing (the first bathing machine was noted in West Kirby in 1841) and its growing reputation as a healthy place to live, the population remained small. (330 in 1841 and 413 in 1861)

All this changed with the coming of the railway, which reached neighbouring Hoylake in 1866, (previously served by a horse drawn omnibus) and West Kirby in 1878. Following this the focus of activity moved from the old village to the present centre near the station. 

The attractions of the area were soon evident in the rapid growth of streets and the opening in 1884 of the vast Hydropathic Hotel, on land adjacent to the present Coronation Gardens. At the turn of the century various public improvements followed.  With both visitors and residents in mind the local council began work on the Promenade in 1897, opened the Marine Lake in 1899 and Ashton Park in 1901.

Today the town occupies an enviable position at the extremity of the Wirral peninsula with breathtaking views across the Dee to the Clwyds and on a clear day to Snowdonia, The Great Orme at Llandudno and Anglesey. Hilbre Island, easily reached from West Kirby beach, is renowned for the variety of its flora and wildlife, while cliff top walks are close at hand. The beach itself, lying close to numerous amenities, is much used by visitors from Liverpool and other parts of the Wirral.

The Marine Lake attracts a range of water sports and each year hosts the international Wilson Trophy. There is an active Sailing Club at one end and a Sailing Centre at the other, while walkers can walk round the Lake’s full perimeter.

Between West Kirby and Hoylake a line of dunes, traversed by a board walk, separates The Royal Liverpool Golf Course from the shore. Internationally famous, the Club hosted the British Open in 2023, the third time in recent years. 

At the other end of the town, the Wirral Way extends for 13 miles to Hooton along the now disused Dee railway line, opened in 1886. It starts in West Kirby and is popular with walkers, cyclists and riders.

West Kirby is a busy town of about 13000 residents, centred around its railway station, busy leisure centre, library and over 160 local shops and businesses.

There are several well-regarded schools in the area, while the town itself offers pleasant surroundings and good transport links and leisure activities.

One West Kirby would like to thank Elizabeth Davey, local historian and Chair of West Kirby Museum, for her significant contribution to the preparation of this history of West Kirby.