Bootle

The earliest settlers into Bootle, were the Anglians from Northumbria. Who were believed to have settled here as early as 613 AD. The area was then purchased by Lord Derby, who named streets after colleges of Oxford and Cambridge in the 18th Century. He created formal streets which are still the format today[1].

Bootle originated in the Old English period. It first appeared in The Domesday book in 1086 as ‘Boltelai,’ which derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘botl’ meaning a dwelling. The area was made up of four manors, with three ‘plough-lands.’

In 1212, the district went by ‘Botle’ a small village which was placed on the map. However many of the villagers were killed by the plague in 1652. This changed Bootle from a village to a small sea-side town.[2]

[1] Signature living. (n.d) Origins behind Liverpool place names. [Online]. Available from:

[2] Liverpool Museum. (n.d.) [Online]. Available from  

Image available from: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2133866/Does-tiny-hamlet-hold-secret-long-life-UK-life-expectancy-highest-Somerset-village–just-dont-Bootle.html

Written by Danielle Oakley