Falkner Square
What's On in Falkner Square
Friday
15/08/2008
11:00am
Family Fun in Falkner Square
Bring along the family and enjoy a number of fun family activities in the company of the Rangers
Friday
22/08/2008
1:00pm
Falkner, Swash Buckling Hero
Discover the fascinating history of the square and the man after whom the gardens were named
Thursday
28/08/2008
1:00pm
Falkner and Friends
Discover the fascinating history of the square and the man after who the gardens were named
Falkner Square
During the eighteenth century Liverpool commemorated its notable old families, such as the Claytons and Williamsons, in squares bearing their names. Falkner Square was named after Edward Falkner of Fairfield.
Born around 1760, Edward Falkner had a great yearning for adventure and excitement. Following his rise through the ranks during his military career, in 1788 he was appointed at a remarkably young age as Sheriff of Lancashire, and was admired and respected by those he controlled.
In 1797 England was rumored to be under threat of invasion by the French. Falkner reacted quickly. It is said that within 24 hours he mustered a fighting force of 1,000 men ready to invade France and repel the threatened invasion. When news reached the shores of France, the french leaders were amazed that such a force could be assembled in so short a time, and the threat was withdrawn.
In later years Falkner and his family decided to invest in land and property. Land was purchased outside the city centre and around 1830 Falkner Square was completed.
Although the houses were of a handsome design many stood empty for years. The square was located too far out of town and up a not inconsiderable incline when the mode of transport was horse and carriage. It soon became known as 'Falkners Folly'
In later years however, the whole area became fashionable and Falkner Square stood as tribute to one of Liverpool's swashbuckling heroes.
The garden fell into disrepair during the Second World War when it was a site for air raid shelters. During the 1950s steps were taken to restore the pre-war look, retaining original architecture and maturing plane trees, and the shelter which forms the focal point of the garden.
The garden borders contain ornamental grasses, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees of interest, and are being developed to include plants representitive of the collections which would have been exhibited in the nearby original Botanic Gardens. The planting is intended to provide colour, scent and year round interest for visitors to the garden.
In recognition of the high standards attained, the Garden has achieved and sustained Green Flag status from 2003 to 2006.