The John Laird

This Wetherspoon pub bears the name of Birkenhead's first MP, who was also a leading benefactor to the town. John Laird died in 1874. Three years later a statue was erected in his honour, in Hamilton Square.

By the 19th century, wealthy Liverpool merchants built fine residences in the rural setting of Birkenhead. But the take-off point for the town's rapid growth dates from the efforts of the Laird family. John Laird was managing partner of the family shipbuilding firm until 1861.