'Moreton' is a town on the north coast of the
Wirral Peninsula,
Merseyside,
England.
The coast at Moreton is part of a stretch of sand that runs from
Meols to
Leasowe known as Mockbeggar Wharf, named after Mockbeggar Hall, otherwise known as
Leasowe Castle (the name Mockbeggar apparently being an old sailors' term for a lone house). The
North Wirral Coastal Park also runs for four miles along this coast, including public open space, common land, natural foreshore and sand-dunes. The park provides for a wide variety of recreational activities; some of the more popular being sailing, sea angling, swimming, cycling, picnicking, walking, jogging, ball games, bird watching and horse riding.
The low-lying land behind the coast is protected by a large concrete embankment. Some of the coastal land is in the Moreton conservation area and provides important natural habitat. The embankment gives a good view at low tide to see a variety of wading birds. There are also good views of the
Bidston Hill,
Caldy Hill, the Welsh Hills, and out over the
Irish Sea. Because of the sandbanks just offshore,
Leasowe Lighthouse was built in
1763 and it is the oldest lighthouse in England. It has been restored and is open to the public at times.
[1]
Moreton is also known for being the home of the Burton's factory, producer of
Cadbury's biscuits. Moreton is also the home of Manor Bakeries, the former Cadbury's cakes department, at Reeds Lane near to
Leasowe railway station.
Moreton railway station, on the
Wirral Line of the
Merseyrail network, is served by electric trains to
Liverpool,
Birkenhead and
West Kirby.
Moreton witnessed the world's first commercial passenger and mail
hovercraft service. The service ran from Moreton to
Rhyl and commenced 20th July 1962. However, due to varying reasons including bad weather and technical difficulties the service was cancelled after its final journey on 14th September 1962.
External links
★
North Wirral Coastal Park
★
Photos and details of Leasowe Castle and lighthouse
★
Reminiscences and photos
References
1.
★ Population Data (Leasowe & Moreton East) 2001 Census ONS