From 150 BC an Iron Age fort occupied the crest of Camp Hill. The name of Woolton (recorded in the Domesday Book as Uluentune) is derived from 'Wulfa's Tun', from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Wulfa and the Old English tun meaning village, farm or homestead. Woolton Woods formed part of the estate of Woolton Hall, which from 1772 was owned by the Ashton family, well known prominent Liverpool citizens. In the 1850s ownership of the estate passed to William Shand, who married one of the daughters of Henry Ashton. By 1871 the Gaskell family, whose family tree can be traced back to the 16th century, was resident at Woolton Wood.
The site was acquired by the City of Liverpool in the 1920s, and several interesting garden features have been created and acquired since. The Floral Cuckoo Clock in the Old Walled Garden was presented to the public in 1927 by the family of James Bellhouse Gaskell in memory of his long connection with Woolton Wood. The Dutch Garden of Meditation was created in 1928, and although the pool and garden ornaments have long disappeared, it is still a sheltered and tranquil spot, known as the Sunken Garden.
Public transport links
Route Directions (refer to map above)
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From the southernmost entrance to Camphill on School Lane, turn left.
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Circumnavigate the Sunken Garden by turning right three times.
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On arriving near to the gate again, turn left.
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Bear left at the second junction.
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At the T junction turn right.
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Enter the Walled Garden on your left and explore to your heart's content.
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Exit the Walled Garden and turn left.
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At the T junction turn left to return to your starting point.
