Disappeared Liverpool
September 10, 2014
It was in Liverpool where I first started taking photography seriously. The photographs here were taken in the 1970s and early 1980s. Many of the buildings have now vanished.
Toxteth c.1979
Toxteth c.1979
Toxteth c.1979
Liverpool c.1979
Liverpool c.1979
Toxteth c.1980
Smithdown Road c.1980
Smithdown Road c.1980
Toxteth c.1979
Liverpool c.1979
Lodge Lane c.1980
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Picture 1. The road on the right is the top of Hill Street. Looking straight down Hill St you can see half of the huge flour “Silo” at the docks at the bottom of Hill St, with Caryl Gardens (unseen) near the bottom of Hill St on the left, and directly opposite on the right was the Royal Southern Hospital (also unseen).
I think that the block of flats on the left of the women is King Gardens and that street leads to the rear entrance to St Patrick’s school.
I was born in Caryl Gardens at No. 51B in 1947 and attended St Paddy’s school from 1952 to 1958 and I walked up Hill St four times a day to school and back.
Photo 2. This is Caryl Gardens in Liverpool 8. The photo is taken from the Warwick St / Grafton St end of the blocks.
I was born in 1947 at number 51B which is the block in the distance where the cars are parked, and the Royal Southern Hospital was situated to the right of the cars on the opposite side of Hill St.
The large archway (to the left of the middle of photo) leads to the walled gardens with columns on Caryl St, and this was the main focal point of Caryl Gardens in the early days.
In the 1940’s and 50’s there were six brick built entrances for access to the air raid shelters which were situated underneath the large play area in the middle of the photo just past the swings, with three entrances along the side near the big archway and another three on the opposite side of the square.
These brick structures played havoc when we were playing footie in the 50’s and early 60’s, but they were eventually demolished as per the photo shown.
It was a great place to live in the 50’s, footie all day long, lots of mates, and lots of exploring to do in the bombed out houses nearby, and Wimwams boatyard on the “brickie” at the back of Carly. Never a dull moment with loads of things to keep us kids occupied. A good job that there was no Health and Safety in those days.
It was a rough, tough area and nobody had anything much, but we always looked after each other and made the best of what little we did have.
Very fond memories of Carly and St Paddy’s school and I am proud of where I came from.
P.S.
It was great to see these old photos of Carly, if anybody knows of more photos then please let me know.
Thanks, Eddie McCarthy (nickname was Aga in those days).
Now living in North Yorkshire since 1970.
Hi there, I realise that this was posted a long time ago now! My father was born here in 1947 too- Bryan Clark, and his dad was Joe Vincent Clark (married to Catherine).
I don’t know much except that Joe was involved in the boxing club.
Would you have any idea which direction to point me in?
I’m looking to find out family history.
Thanks so much,
Amanda (also North Yorkshire )
I lived in Warwick gardens in 50s and 60s it wasn’t a good time for me but I remember playing on the bombed sites , it was my refuge , my happy place.