Monument and grave of Thomas Clarke

 

Ann & I were down at Allerton Cemetery today… I have been approached, by the Chairman of ‘Friends of Allerton Cemetery‘ to become their ‘Historian‘ and have accepted the position. All voluntary of course…

As part of this new roll, I was looking into the Grave of Thomas Clarke… Thomas Clarke J.P. was the last owner of Allerton Hall, who died on 4th January 1911, and was buried on the 7th. In 1927, Thomas’s widow, gave the Hall and its lands to the Liverpool Corporation, and the land the Hall sits on was renamed ‘Clarke Gardens’… Allerton Hall is a stones-throw from the cemetery… literally across the road.

As part of my research… Ann & I ventured the short drive over the road. I hadn’t been to Allerton Hall since I was a kid in the 1960’s… Both Ann & I were in for a rather pleasant surprise…

 

Allerton Hall Farm.

 

Allerton Hall Farm as its is called, was now affectionately known as the ‘Pub’ in the Park. and I have to say… what a secret part of Liverpool History it is… I had a pint, whilst Ann enjoyed a J2O… the pub offeres a carvery every day, and restaurant meals, as well as some super dining areas, and ouside fenced seating… one side for parents and kids, with a play area, and the other for peace and quiet lol.

 

The bar area

After our drink we has a stroll around the grounds of Clarke Gardens, which although, a little dry, from lack of rain (3 weeks now)… it was a great stroll…

 

Clarke Gardens

 

During our walk, we came across derelict farm buildings, by the hall, and both Ann & I’s memories as kids… recalled our respective parents taking us to a ‘menagerie’ in the grounds, which held, what we as Liverpool kids thought of as ‘exotic’ animals, birds, mammals etc… sadly the walled area, which was no doubt the Hall’s original vegetable garden and later a small zoo/menagerie for the hall, is fenced and overgrown… these days.

 

The rear gated entrance to the menagerie

 

All in all, I have to say… Ann & I will be visiting the Hall and gardens more often, especially after doing research in the cemetery… This is another one of those Liverpool Gems, which we were so glad to stumble across…

 

The Derelict menagerie buildings
click to enlarge