Nestled in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, high-rise structures now occupy St. Paul’s Square, off Old Hall Street—a locale that conceals a rich history beneath its bustling surface. Once a silent witness to the comings and goings of Liverpool’s vibrant past, this square harbours a secret: beneath its foundations, the remains of 12,000 souls silently rest.
Emerging in 1760 as part of the original seven streets of Liverpool, St. Paul’s Square reflected the city’s ascension as a pivotal UK and global port. Initially named St. Paul’s Churchyard, the square boasted three-storey Georgian mansions, housing prosperous merchants and captains. The jewel in its crown was St. Paul’s Church, an architectural marvel designed by Timothy Lightoler, adorned with eight pillars and a striking domed roof. However, the church’s graveyard, constrained by the square’s limited size, became the final resting place for an astonishing 12,333 individuals between 1769 and October 1856.
As Liverpool evolved into a bustling port, the late nineteenth century witnessed significant transformations in the area. The upper classes, seeking greener pastures around Sefton Park, abandoned St. Paul’s Square. The church graveyard metamorphosed into St. Paul’s Gardens in 1894, necessitating the relocation of human remains. A curious discovery during this process hinted at a darker chapter—possible grave robberies adding a somber note to the historical narrative.
By the mid-1860s, the once-stalwart St. Paul’s Church succumbed to neglect, leading to its closure in 1901. The site, envisioned for the expansion of Exchange Station, lingered until 1931, when demolition became inevitable, leaving behind a skeletal structure amid a desolate expanse of warehouses.
The subsequent chapter saw the birth of Liverpool Stadium in 1931—the UK’s inaugural purpose-built boxing arena. With a hefty price tag of £30,000, equivalent to a substantial sum in contemporary terms, the stadium became a beacon for boxing enthusiasts. Harmony Six, a consortium led by Major Bennett and Johnny Best, fueled this venture, offering a stark contrast to today’s pay-per-view pricing.
Liverpool Stadium swiftly became a hub for British, world, European, and Commonwealth championships. Beyond boxing, the stadium hosted a diverse array of events, from religious gatherings and political rallies to circuses. Even Winston Churchill chose the venue for the 1951 Conservative Party Conference.
By the 1970s, Liverpool Stadium diversified further, embracing musical events featuring luminaries like Gene Vincent, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and The Beatles. However, as the years progressed, the stadium’s glory waned, culminating in its final boxing match in 1985.
The proud structure stood for 55 years before succumbing to demolition in 1987, following a structural survey deeming it unsafe. In its stead rose a car park, marking the end of an era for Liverpool’s sporting and cultural heritage.
A poignant resurrection of the past occurred in 2005 when Oxford Archaeology North conducted a dig, unearthing the foundations of the former church, along with graves and human remains. These archaeological treasures provided a captivating glimpse into St. Paul’s Square’s history before its redevelopment into Liverpool’s new central business district, adorned with five multi-storey buildings.
Today, amidst the hustle and bustle of office life and the rhythm of the city, St. Paul’s Square conceals the ghosts of yesteryear—echoes of champions who once graced the boxing ring and melodies that once reverberated through the historic Liverpool Stadium. Grounded in the echoes of its remarkable past, St. Paul’s Square awaits discovery by those who tread upon its storied ground, weaving together the threads of Liverpool’s enduring narrative.
