An ebony and silver-plated ceremonial spade commemorating tree planting at Bidston Hill

An ebony and silver-plated ceremonial spade commemorating tree planting at Bidston Hill, the carved ebony handle above a spiral garland entwined around a fluted shaft, the blade incised ‘County & Borough of Birkenhead, presented to the Worshipful the Mayor and the Mayoress of Birkenhead, Mr and Mrs James Moon, to commemorate the planting by them of two Cedar trees at Bidston Hill, on the occasion of the visit to Birkenhead of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary, March 25^th, 1914’.

L engtj 37in (94cm)

Footnote: King George V and Queen Mary visited Birkenhead in1914.  The King opened the hill by pressing a button at the town hall and a ribbon was cut at the beginning of ‘King George’s Way’, he was then driven up to Bidston Hill, where he waved to the waiting crowd, and carried on to Wallasey to open a hospital.

Bidston Hill was home to more than 100 flagpoles from 1763.  Speed was of the essence when merchant vessels with valuable cargoes were due into port.  High above Birkenhead the hill was the ideal spot for flag runners to identity their company’s ships.  They had just 11 minutes to raise the correct company and cargo flags, on the right pole, which warned the workforces waiting in the docks to prepare for action.