West Derby Courthouse opening
The court house in West Derby is one of Liverpool's oldest buildings; a Tudor Wapentake Court in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first.
Saturday 24 June 2006 marked the official opening by Liverpool Lord Mayor Cllr Joan Lang who unlocked the door to open the courthouse to the public; a building previously on English Heritages list of historic buildings 'at risk'.
Those present at the ceremony were Cllr Berni Turner, Executive Member for Heritage and Environment with representatives of the conservation and planning department who had organised the project. There were also representatives of English Heritage who had part funded the restoration, and local members of the West Derby Society who regularly undertake to open the court house and talk to visitors.
Dressed in period costume for the occasion was Mrs Frankla Corris MBE a member of the West Derby Society, local historian and Croxteth Heritage Volunteer, who has tirelessly campaigned for the courthouse to be restored and who has organized re-enactments of manor court sessions for local schools.
Short speeches were made by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Turner, Nigel Lees planning manager, and Stephen Guy of the West Derby Society.
The day was enhanced by members of the sealed knot who marched down to the village (well across from the minibus) and provided a guard of honour for the Lord Mayor during the opening ceremony.
The courthouse opening was kindly organised by volunteers from the West Derby Society. The renovation and opening of the courthouse has been funded by Liverpool City Council and English Heritage.
The court house is now open throughout the summer on Sunday afternoons from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
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