Heritage Open Days: Digging up the secrets of the Calder Stones

"See you soon Calder Stones!" - The Reader celebrates the rich history of Calderstones Park at a very special Heritage Open Days event, when the Neolithic Calder Stones will temporarily leave the Park for conservation before returning in Spring 2019.

Similar in age to Stonehenge, Liverpool’s Neolithic Calder Stones are amongst the earliest evidence of settled life in the area. Originally part of a passage grave, the Stones were displaced and are currently housed in a glasshouse – an unsuitable environment which has accelerated their deterioration.

Thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding secured by The Reader, the ancient monoliths will soon undergo essential conservation work before returning to a new, specially designed home within the gardens of the Calderstones Mansion House when it reopens in Spring 2019.

Their journey beings on Heritage Open Days when conservation specialists, Orbis Conservation, will remove the Stones from the ground and unearth the hidden secrets below. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the work as it’s undertaken, to discover the history - and future - of the Stones and the Mansion House which is currently being transformed into The Reader’s International Centre for Shared Reading.

Our free heritage tours will explore the rich history of Calderstones Park itself, including the legends of the thousand-year-old Allerton Oak and the story of Jet the Hero Dog. You can also enjoy the park’s rich botanical heritage and discover its link to Liverpool’s defining maritime story.

Book your place

Tours will take place between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 September. To book your place, visit our website.