Conservation Area: Willaston Conservation Area (009)

Willaston, in Wirral, is a. typical nucleated village. Dating from the medieval period, if not earlier. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it experienced a period of slow, but steady, growth and a number of buildings from that period remain. Amongst them are the Old Hall of 1588, the black and white block of cottages, kmown as the Old Red Lion, built in 1631 and two farmhouses, one of 1616 and the other of 1637. All of these, together with a number of 18th century and later buildings, are grouped around the area of' the village green, although they do not all overlook it. This green, an unusual feature in Cheshire, is the main feature and focal point of Willaston. Originally an open space around the school, it has since been increased in size and now forms a pleasant area in the heart of the village. Willaston is now composed of a variety of building types and layouts, the original part being at a fairly high density, while that of the newer development is low. The twentieth century saw steady development especially in the inter-war years and since, which has unfortunately resulted in some ribbon development and isolated estates. Despite this, Willaston has lost little of its rural character as expressed by its older buildings, particularly those in the village centre. The overall impression is of a garden suburb, continuity between the building groups being achieved by the widespread use of red sandstone walls.