It is opposite the woodyard, on the wall to the left of the driveway to a pair of bungalows and to the right of the bridge over the tunnel access road.
Google Earth co-ordinates
53 deg 24 min 47.23 sec N 3 deg 03 min 16.12 sec W
Last time I looked the plaque was hidden by vegetation hanging over from above. I am told the original stone memorial is in Earleston Library.
Incidentally, the site of the woodyard opposite was once occupied by a large house originally called The Slopes but later called Darley Dene. The original house was built by Monk and Newall for a Mr Brewley. In March 1941 the house was occupied by many soldiers from the Pioneer Corps when it received a direct bomb hit causing almost all to be killed. My mother was close by at the time and was one of the first on the scene.
Snodvan
5 Precepts of Buddhism seem appropriate. Refrain from taking life. Refrain from taking that which is not given. Refrain from misconduct. Refrain from lying. Refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness
I took some pics of the Boode Memorial in Breck Road Wallasey (opposite Huws Gray) and the actual needle memorial seems to have gone, with just a stone with a brass plate. Does anybody have any pics of this memorial intact?
Margaret Boode was killed here in 1827 acording to this website:
The memorial was erected in 1827, but moved from its original site in 1914 due to road widening. It was damaged in World War II, and may have been taken down and re-erected again after repairs. There is no indication in the available minutes as to the original location, or whether the current site is that of 1914. The existing plaque may not be the original, since a different inscription is reported by Smith, in his history of Wallasey: Near this spot / Mrs. Boode of Leasowe Castle was killed / By a fall from her pony carriage / April 21st 1826 / May ye who pass by / Respect this memorial of an awful dispensation / And the affectionate tribute of an only child / To Perpetuate the clever mother's memory / Beyond the existence of that breast / Which will never cease to cherish it / Ah, may the sad remembrance which attaches to this spot / Impress on everyone this salutary warning / "In the Midst of Life we are in Death" / Erected in 1827, mother-in-law of Colonel Cust of Leasowe Castle.(5)
Margaret Boode was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Danneth, rector of Liverpool.(1) She was the widow of a West Indian plantation owner, and took up residence in Mockbeggar Hall, Wallasey in 1802.(2) The building was renamed Leasowe Castle in 1802, and underwent considerable alterations.(3) Boode gained a reputation as a helper of shipwrecked sailors, many of whom were lured onto the dangerous rocks in the area by wreckers. The Castle provided an ideal place to aid such unfortunates, both in size and situation. Boode's daughter married Queen Victoria's Master of ceremonies, Colonel E. Cust in 1821.(4)
The needle doesn't seem to be there, as you can see daylight through the gorse bushes. The top was broken off, so maybe the council have removed it as it may have become unsafe.
I remember my dad pointing this memorial out to me-as i have told/ shown my kids! I was fascinated at 7 or 8 years old. Goes to show...dont it. Strange tho-i recall this memorial at being more towards the breck? Obviously its where it is but whoah how your mind can play tricks?
Almost opposite was the house Darley Dene. That was bombed when it was occupied by a lot of (Canadian?) troops. At the time the bomb fell my mum was just the other side of the cross roads of Poulton Road/ Mill Lane and with others they ran to the house and were amongst teh first there. My mum still remembers the awful carnage - and that she lost her engagement ring while trying to rescue people from the damage
Snod
5 Precepts of Buddhism seem appropriate. Refrain from taking life. Refrain from taking that which is not given. Refrain from misconduct. Refrain from lying. Refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness