Burton Village is situated on the Dee side of the Wirral Peninsular, approximately 7 miles north-west of Chester.
Thought to be originally founded around the 8th century, the first documented evidence of Burton is found in the Domesday Book of 1086. through the subsequent centuries agriculture featured prominently, although for some time it was an important anchorage for ships trading into Chester.
For many years Burton was a cross-roads for trade routes between Lancashire and north Wales and Birkenhead and Chester. At one point, in the thirteenth century it was considered important enough to be granted a Royal Charter to allow a market to be held every Thursday.
Now a sleepy suburb of Chester and Liverpool, it retains its historic charm, with many old buildings; some dating as far back as the sixteenth century. Most of the village is now designated a Conservation Area, and has recently been called 'The Jewel of Wirral' by Cheshire Life magazine.
In 1988 a Residents' Association was formed to ensure that the historic nature of the village was safeguarded and enhanced. During the period since several proposed developments have threatened the well-being of the village.
The most serious of these proposals was to build a giant factory along the shoreline adjacent to the village and also alongside the neighbouring historic villages of Puddington and Shotwick. A united effort between the residents of these small picturesque villages raised almost £45,000 to fight the proposals at a Public Enquiry. The plans were refused permission!
The village has many interesting buildings and features. The parish church (rebuilt on original site around 1721) is in a double-nave form and quite unique. Many of the buildings originated in the sixteenth century and are situated on the main thorough-fare through the village.
A dominant building is Burton Manor, used since 1948 as an adult education college. (See www.burtonmanor.com ). The village has an excellent Primary School and a well-equipped Village Hall & Sports/Social Club with extensive playing field and children's playground.
The Gladstone Village Hall is available for hire - phone 0151-336-3639. The village enjoys superb views across the Dee estuary and Welsh mountains, and is sheltered on the north side by Burton Woods (National Trust). Less than 2 miles from Burton is Ness gardens.
The Resident's Association is proud of the village it represents. In 2004 & 2005 the village achieved Runner-up in the Cheshire Village Pride Competition (pop 600 - 1000). Its monthly committee meeting reviews any proposed developments in the village.
Road safety, village pavements, road signage, and village amenities are items monitored by the Association. Members also assist the local police team with Speed-watch activities to reduce excessive speeding through the village.
A recent threat to the village has been a proposal by a Flintshire waste disposal company to build a huge 65ft high refuse tip and waste sorting factory on the Dee marshes adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and alongside Burton village.
Once again the three villages united in opposition to these proposals - together with local MP's, and Councils. After strong campaigning it now seems most unlikely that the proposals will go ahead.
If you are interested in joining Burton Resident's Association - as a resident or as a non-Resident (Friend), please phone 0151 336 3643. The cost is £5 per year and a quarterly newsletter will be sent to you.
BURTON VILLAGE - SOME OF OUR ANNUAL EVENTS
April - RESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION AGM & GUEST SPEAKER
June - SUMMER FETE
July - JAZZ PICNIC at Burton Manor
Sept - FUN RUN
Nov - BONFIRE NIGHT & FIREWORK DISPLAY
Dec - CHRISTMAS FAIR