Kirkby

Kirkby (pronounced {{IPA|}}) is a new town in the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley, Merseyside, England.

Related Topics:
Pronounced - New town - Knowsley - Merseyside - England

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Evidence for the existence of Kirkby dates back to the Domesday Book, and a reference to Cherchebi, with a population of 80. The town's main church, St. Chads', was established at the time, and a Norman watchtower still stands on one of the main roads.

Related Topics:
Domesday Book - Norman

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Up until 1947, the area was largely farmland, with a few cottages and farm buildings, some of which survive to this day. During the Second World War, the area was the location of a Royal Ordnance Factory. In 1947, the Earls of Sefton, the owners of the land, sold the right to build to the Liverpool Corporation, who were seeking to develop the area around the city in an attempt to alleviate the housing shortage caused by the Blitz, and to provide housing for workers on the burgeoning industrial estate.

Related Topics:
1947 - Second World War - Royal Ordnance Factory - Earls of Sefton - Liverpool - Blitz

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The town is divided into 4 districts; namely, Southdene, Westvale, Northwood, and Towerhill. Situated within the Westvale district is the Kirkby Sports Centre, which provides one of the main athletic tracks within the Northwest of England.

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The current population of Kirkby stands at 36,400 http://www.world-gazetteer.com/c/c_gb.htm, somewhat down from its peak in the 1960s of 60,000, largely due to falling birth rates and the slow decline of the industrial estate forcing workers to look elsewhere.

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