Hooton Park Racecourse, near Ellesmere Port

At Hooton Park, in the Hundred of Wirral, a new racecourse is being laid out, and the old hall, which has been unoccupied for 30 years, is being converted into a clubhouse. The works are being carried out under the direction of Messrs. Mangnall and Littlewoods, of Manchester, the contractors, who have 130 men daily at work on the grounds and mansion, being Messrs William Brown and Sons. [Building News 31 March 1899 page 441]

The first race was held Monday 22 May 1899. Race meetings were abandoned on the outbreak of World War I and the site requisitioned for Army training purposes. Developed as an aerodrome in 1917, the first unit stationed at the new aerodrome being a Royal Flying Corps pilot training unit who remained until disbanded in 1919. In 1927, the site was purchased with the intention of creating a major airport serving Liverpool and the Northwest of England. It remained as an aerodrome until its closure in 1957. Now under Vauxhall works Ellesmere Port or adjacent.

Reference           Building News 31 March 1899 page 441