Monument record 2329 - Wirral Stone

3 squared blocks of red sandstone 0.8m, 0.4m & 0.2m high above ground level, each 0.3m x 0.4m in section. Cemented together to give appearance of a mounting block. Strong connection with local legend (1). The Wirral Stone stands at the junction of Hadlow Road and the Chester High Road (A540). Resembles a mounting block with 3 steps. Tradition says it was a Roman milestone or the site of the meeting place of the Hundred and that the name Willaston is derived from 'Wirhael-stone' (2) & (3). Suggestion that the stone was originally located on village green, but the Tithe Map of 1843 marks 'P Stone' at present location and surrounding fields are named 'P Stone Alder' (4). Situated near new traffic lights. Leaning, with signs of recent damage (5).

Description from record 5663:
The Wirral Stone
LL18 (Previously LL WN/2)

Address: Hadlow Road off Chester High Road, Willaston
Architect: Not known
Date: Unknown, possibly c11-13

Description

3 lengths of sandstone oblong block that may have originally been part of one column. Latterly set to form 3 ascending steps as a mounting block.

The stone may have been part of the Roman geometrical system of topography, also conjectured to be the centre of the Wirral Hundred.

It is also believed to be the origin of the word “Willaston”.

The arrowhead symbol on the large stone is a modern Ordnance Survey spot height.

Condition


Current use
N/A
Updated March 2007 (6)

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ37NW(M) (Index). SCH2487.

<2> Elllison N, 1970, The Wirral Peninsula, /224, 230-233 (Oral Communication). SCH3261.

<3> Young H E, 1909, A Perambulation of the Hundred of Wirral, /105-107 (Y) (Book). SCH102.

<4> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 430/1 & 2 Willaston 1843 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

<5> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Tindall A S 1991 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

<6> Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, 2007, Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council Local List of Historic Buildings, LL18 (Index). SCH5437.