Sefton Park Park Palm House opened its magnificent gates for the very first time 125 years ago today.
One of Liverpool’s pride and joys, the spectacular palm house has been loved by locals and tourists alike for more than a century.
Renowned for its beautiful botanicals and its potential to transform into a stunning wedding venue, the Grade II* listed, three-tier-domed glass conservatory palm house first opened on October 5, 1896.
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The 'great conservatory' was completed in 1896 and was a gift to the City by Henry Yates Thompson, the grandnephew of the Founder of Princes Park.
The Palm House was designed by a Glasgow firm Mackenzie & Moncur in the tradition of Paxton's glass houses, was stocked originally with a magnificent collection of exotic plants and cost £12,000.
There were nine marble statues on display inside the Palm House and a marble bench, with a further eight bronze, marble statues, by Charalliand (1858-1921) displayed on plinths around the periphery.
The Palm House was a popular attraction until the blitz of May 1941, when a bomb fell nearby and shattered the glass.
At the outset of World War 2, the Palm House had been "camouflaged" as it was feared that the glass would reflect the moonlight and act as a guide for warplanes.
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Matt oil paint was also used on the outside of the building, grey paths were painted over the dome and the remainder was coloured green to blend with the surrounding parkland.
Reglazed in 1950 at a cost of £6,163, it was enjoyed by the public until its decline towards the end of the 1980's.
Several attempts were made subsequent to these latter years to save the Palm House from dereliction.
Spring 1992 saw the start of the latest and most successful campaign to save Sefton Park Palm House, which pledged to ensure this treasure should be saved for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. More than £35,000 was raised.
The success of this meant the Palm House re-opened 20 years ago in 2001 with generous support from National Lottery Heritage Fund; and continues to be open for the community to enjoy – as intended by Henry Yates-Thompson 125 years ago.
On Saturday, October 9, the original campaigners will meet at the Palm House to plant a tree to mark this anniversary.
These days, the stunning glass venue is home to more than 200 botanicals, some of which are extremely rare - and one that is even extinct in the wild.
The Palm House often hosts a range of free entertainment, as well as a diverse range of community events. It also boasts a café where guests can sit back and enjoy their fascinating surroundings.
The Palm Tree at the centre of the Palm House survived and you can still visit it today and to mark 20 years since its restoration, last month, the venue hosted a huge event to commemorate the date.
Kate Martinez, head of external relations of Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust, said: "We are proud that the Palm House stands as a symbol of People Power – if there is something you feel passionate about, the Palm House shows what can happen if you don’t give up!
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"Thanks to everyone along the way who has enabled this magnificent glass house to still be here for the benefit and wellbeing of the people of Liverpool – and it will continue to be here for many generations to come thanks to everyone who supports the Palm House through making a donation, buying a cup of tea from our café or kiosk or being a Friend of the Palm House and with thanks to National Lottery players."
For more information about the Palm House please visit their new website here.
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