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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Rebecca Koncienzcy

Hidden bridge beneath our feet and the pub named after it

There is always lots of interest in the reasons behind pubs' names and some are self-explanatory.

Like The Bridge Inn, you would imagine it was named the Bridge Inn because it was at the end of a bridge - simple.

But what if there is no bridge to been seen like the pub in Port Sunlight, Wirral.

READ MORE: All of Wirral's lighthouses and where to find them

The Bridge Inn sits on Bolton Road - the road named after Port Sunlight's creator Lord Leverhulme's hometown.

'You can purchase a copy here of the 64 page special packed with nostalgic photos and articles from your local area'.

But it is just a road.

The bridge is actually beneath the feet of the pedestrians after being filled in.

Victoria Bridge was built in 1897 which was designed by architect Willian Owen on behalf of Lord Leverhulme.

It stood over one of the many tidal creeks attached to the Mersey and was named after Queen Victoria in her diamond jubilee year.

Pictures from Illustrated London News in 1897 of the opening of Victoria Bridge (British Newspaper Archive)

A news article in the Illustrated London News from Saturday, July 31, 1897, described the bridge as "severe and simple in character".

It is accompanied by a drawing of the crowds at the opening event as the Hon. G. H. Reid, Premier of New South Wales cut the ribbon.

Pictures of the opening of the Victoria Bridge in 1897 from Illustrated London News (British Newspaper Archive)

Photographs of the day can also be seen in a later edition of the paper on Wednesday, August 4.

Despite its grand opening, it didn't last long as a bridge and by 1907 the creek, and therefore bridge, had been filled in.

All that remains is a stone commemorating the bridge that is positioned opposite the Bridge Inn pub - which has kept its name to this day.

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