Vale House, Vale Park and Its Remarkable History
William Grinsell Burston (always known as W.G.) was the first Curator (head gardener) of Vale Park. Born in Bunbury, Cheshire, in 1841, he arrived at Liscard Vale as head gardener in 1890. After the 1896 shooting of Edgar Holland, he and his family moved into Vale House.
When the estate became a public park under the council, W.G. stayed on as Curator. He laid out much of the park’s flower beds and paths, was regarded as an expert botanist, and corresponded with specialists from Liverpool Museum. He was also a keen amateur astronomer.
W.G. and his wife Mary (née Hughes, 1846–1902) had eight children. The family lived at Vale House for over 50 years and held a deep affection for the park. W.G. died in Vale House in 1918.
Their sons Sydney (1887–1932) and Ernest both served in the First World War. Sydney was gassed while repairing communication wires and never fully recovered; he also wrote poetry about Vale Park. Ernest was wounded in the throat and foot and later worked as a park gardener from 1918 until his death in 1946, living in one of the flats created in Vale House after his father’s death.
Information and photographs were provided by W.G.’s granddaughter, Joyce Paynter, who recalled happy childhood visits to the house and park.
Elizabeth Gaskell and Vale Park
Author Elizabeth Gaskell (1810–1865), best known for *Cranford*, *Mary Barton* and *Ruth*, had a family connection to Vale House through her cousin Charles Holland. Charles, a Liverpool merchant, bought the then-smaller Regency-style house in 1844 and enlarged it with a Victorian extension to accommodate his large household.
He married William Gaskell’s sister, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”). Elizabeth Gaskell visited and described the house in letters, noting the new drawing room, boudoir, bedrooms and the way the old house now looked “only like a little piece” beside the additions.
The Gaskell Society later formed to promote her work and visits places linked to her, including Vale House.
History of the estate
In the 18th century the land was part of Liscard Common. After the 1809 Enclosure Act, 25 acres became known as Liscard Vale. Two large houses stood there: Woodlands and Liscard Vale House (now Vale House).
Charles Holland owned and expanded Vale House until his death in 1870. In 1898 the estate was sold to Wallasey Urban District Council and combined with additional land to create Vale Park. Vale House continues today as a community centre and café.
Join us as we investigate this very haunted location.
Vale House dates for 2027:
- Saturday 6 February 2027 — 8:30 pm
- Saturday 10 April 2027 — 8:30 pm
- Saturday 12 June 2027 — 8:30 pm
DeadLive, Taking you where the haunting is happening.