Central Hydraulic Tower, Birkenhead
Ojay, Millhouse, Xan Asmodi, ex0
(Geograph.org)
First things first props to ex0 for sussing out the access to the main tower after 3 previous trips
We were lucky enough to see this long before some goon created disabled access for the masses
Myself and Millhouse made our way over to Birkenhead early one evening for a mooch about
We met up with Xan & Ex0 at Mobil Oils also bumping into Maybenot1330 along the way and spent a few hours dicking about until it went dark before hitting up Mcdonalds, and I quote
"To get all the oil off our hands and arms and for some shit food to carry us on into the night" - MILLHOUSE
There were now Police everywhere, somehow we managed to get caught up in the riots, still we managed to evade the war zone before heading over to the Hydraulic Tower under the cover of darkness
Some History:
Jesse Hartley, who was responsible for many of Liverpool's maritime structures - including the Albert Dock, designed the Central Hydraulic Tower and Engine House
Providing power for the movement of lock gates and bridges at Birkenhead Docks, it was completed in 1863
The design of the building was based on the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza Della Signoria, Florence, Italy
The building sustained considerable damage from bombing during the Second World War and was repaired in a functional, rather than architectural style
The large lantern at the top of the tower was never replaced
There have been some great reports and excellent pics of this place since we visited, hence my reluctance to post!
Only a few from me (Apologies for the gash quality)
Also credits to Millhouse for the group shot and the pic of me on the staircase...
Main Hall - Complete with remains of an old boat, the original entrance in the distance
Engine
Flooded side room
Spiral Staircase
(pict0r credits to Millhouse)
Top of the tower - Ojay/Millhouse
Looking towards Wallasey
Cargo Ferry
Liverpool Waterfront - Across the Mersey
All in all a good nite, thanks for looking
