Bootle Past

It is important that before you begin to look at life over the
last century, that you look at how Bootle has evolved.

The name Bootle comes from the Anglo Saxon "Bold" or "Botle"
meaning a dwelling.

In 1086 a book called The Domesday Book was compiled and in it Bootle
or "Botelai" was mentioned.

Bootle became a quiet rural village overlooking Bootle Bay, the spring water brought local industries to the area such as : bleaching, tanning and paper making.

In the 1800's Bootle was a popular seaside resort which during
the 18th century was coverered up by the Docks.

The thing that has affected Bootle the most was the second world war.

Before the outbreak of war Bootle's population totalled 76,000 living in 17,000 houses spread over three and a quarter miles.

The first air raid on Bootle was the night of the 29th - 30th August 1940.

Only slight damage was sustained. But these raids grew with intensity until May 1941 when during the May Blitz the residents withstood the severest attacks of the second world war.

A total of 410 houses were totally destroyed, and 1,886 people were killed or injured.

By the end of the May bombings 74% of Bootle's houses were either destroyed or damaged.