Archaeology

Wirral has rich archaeological remains dating back as far as the Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age period. The area contains nine Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), which are regarded as being of national importance.

  • Birkenhead Priory
  • Bromborough Hall moated site
  • Grange Beacon
  • Irby Hall moated site
  • New Hall
  • Overchurch site
  • St Barnabas Cross
  • Standing Cross at Holy Cross (Woodchurch)
  • Storeton Hall

The protection and conservation of archaeology is a material consideration within planning law.

Scheduled Monument Consent is required for any works to a Scheduled Ancient Monument - including maintenance, alteration, development or below ground works. Applications are made directly to Historic England.

View scheduled monuments on a map

Further information about archaeology and planning can be obtained from:

Metal Detecting

  • the Council does not allow metal detecting on any of its land, including the Wirral foreshore
  • metal detecting is illegal within the site of a scheduled ancient monument
  • detecting on private land requires the written permission of the landowner
  • any finds discovered in England are subject to the provisions of the Portable antiquities scheme and the Treasure Act 1996