About Heswall in Merseyside

Heswall is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, in Merseyside, England. It is situated on the Wirral Peninsula, on the west bank of the River Dee, opposite the city of Chester in Cheshire. Heswall is the largest town in the borough, with a population of 18,076 at the 2011 Census.

The name Heswall is derived from the Old English hēah-swāl, meaning "high wall". The town's name was recorded as Hestwolde in 1297 and as Hesewolde in 1334.

Heswall developed as a market town and agricultural centre. It was an important stop on the coaching route between London and Ireland. The town's market charter was granted by King John in 1257.

Heswall was once part of the West Derby Hundred, an administrative area which covered much of west Lancashire and north Cheshire. The hundred was divided into two wards, West Derby and Netherpool (later Toxteth-Park), with Heswall falling within Netherpool.

The town's parish church, All Saints, dates from the early 13th century, although it has been much altered over the centuries. The church tower is all that remains of the original building.

Heswall Hall is a Grade II* listed building dating from the early 17th century. The hall was built for the Molyneux family, who were major landowners in the area. The family owned the hall until 1925, when it was sold to Liverpool Corporation. It is now used as a community centre.

Heswall Golf Club was founded in 1891 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in England. The club's course is situated on Heswall Downs, overlooking the Dee Estuary.

Heswall is twinned with Meung-sur-Loire in France and Bad Münder am Deister in Germany.