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Dale Street, one of Liverpool’s original seven streets, holds a rich history dating back to the 13th century. First mentioned during King Edward III’s reign (1327–1377), it became the city’s most densely populated street.
By the 16th century, under Queen Elizabeth I, it housed 72 residents, surpassing Castle and Chapel Streets. In the 18th century, Dale Street stretched to the valley near the Queensway Tunnel, retaining its narrow charm until widening transformations made it Liverpool’s main coaching route by the late 1700s. Landmarks like The Saracen’s Head Inn (1810) and later the Municipal Buildings (1860) reflect its evolution.
Today, Dale Street bridges Liverpool’s storied past and vibrant present, inviting exploration of its rich heritage.
Step back in time as you enter the historic building that now houses the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool. Originally constructed in 1883 as the prestigious Liverpool Conservative Club, this stunning structure stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of Victorian-era Liverpool, a city that had recently gained official city status in 1880.
Designed by the renowned architectural duo Francis and George Holme, the building showcases a French Renaissance style characterized by intricate detailing and timeless elegance. Francis Usher Holme, celebrated for his work on landmark projects such as the County Sessions Courts on William Brown Street, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts on Hope Street, and the Hahnemann Homeopathic Hospital, considered this building his crowning achievement—a sentiment noted in his 1913 obituary in The Liverpool Courier.
No expense was spared in its construction. From carved oak furnishings to ornate putti sculptures adorning the windows, every feature reflected the club’s dedication to excellence. The grand opening in November 1883, attended by distinguished figures such as Sir Richard Assheton Cross and the Marquis of Salisbury (later Prime Minister), was a fitting tribute to its extraordinary design and cultural significance.
The Liverpool Conservative Club, a Victorian-era architectural masterpiece, exudes timeless elegance. The three-story structure, crafted from Stourton stone, is crowned with a distinctive slated mansard roof featuring dual slopes and integrated windows, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality. The façade along Sir Thomas Street boasts six bays, a recessed curved corner bay, and a grand entrance framed by imposing Corinthian pilasters, accessed via a flight of marble steps.
Inside, opulent interiors include Venetian windows, ornate balconies, over 50 meticulously restored stained glass windows, and Corinthian columns. A magnificent marble staircase spirals upward, complemented by intricate wood paneling, ornate cornices, and lavish furnishings that capture the grandeur of the Victorian era. The first floor features a striking stone balcony, originally enclosed with decorative iron railings. Additional listed features, such as balustrades, railings, and attached lamp holders, further enrich the building’s charm.
This attention to detail in both exterior and interior craftsmanship solidifies the Liverpool Conservative Club as a jewel of Victorian architecture and an alluring destination for guests seeking to experience its storied heritage.
The Liverpool Conservative Club was not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vital social hub for the city’s influential figures. Over time in the late 1960s, as Liverpool’s political landscape evolved, the building adapted to new uses. During the two world wars, it was repurposed as municipal offices by the Liverpool City Council.
After serving as the headquarters for the Education Department and undergoing years of adaptive use, the
building eventually stood dormant. It was later meticulously restored and transformed into the stunning DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool, ensuring its legacy continues as a cornerstone of the city’s heritage.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool, steeped in history, stands as a testament to Liverpool’s commitment to education and progress. Re-designed in 1897–98 by architect Charles E. Deacon, the building’s French late Gothic and Renaissance façade features intricate carvings that echo its grandeur and purpose. Originally home to the Liverpool School Board, established after the 1870 Education Act, it played a pivotal role in advancing education in the city.
The names of influential chairmen—Christopher Bushell, Samuel Greg Rathbone, and Canon Thomas Major Lester—are immortalized on the façade and in stained-glass windows now adorning the hotel’s Presidential Suite. Guests can also explore their legacy through the hotel’s thoughtfully named spaces: the Deacon Suite, with its magnificent fireplaces; the Canon Suite, featuring an original marble fireplace; and the Bushell & Rathbone Suites, luxurious executive accommodations blending historical elegance with modern comfort.
Each of these figures shaped Liverpool’s educational landscape. Bushell championed accessible elementary educationand supported higher education initiatives. Rathbone, an innovator, introduced science specialists, industrial day schools, and teacher training. Lester devoted his life to helping Liverpool’s poorest children by founding schools and homes that offered both education and hope (Marie Passey, 2019).
The rich heritage of 6 Sir Thomas Street is thoughtfully preserved, inviting guests to experience its historical significance alongside modern luxury. Each carefully restored suite and event space invites you to become part of this incredible story—a story of education, innovation, and enduring legacy.
Opened in December 2015, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool transformed two Grade II* listed buildings from 1865 into a premier destination for luxury weddings and events.
Meticulously restored, the hotel highlights breathtaking Victorian features, including sweeping staircases, Italian mosaic tiles, 19th-century walnut paneling, and vibrant stained-glass windows—timeless testaments to its grandeur.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool, steeped in history, stands as a testament to Liverpool’s commitment to education and progress. Re-designed in 1897–98 by architect Charles E. Deacon, the building’s French late Gothic and Renaissance façade features intricate carvings that echo its grandeur and purpose. Originally home to the Liverpool School Board, established after the 1870 Education Act, it played a pivotal role in advancing education in the city.
Seamlessly blending its rich history with modern hospitality, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool is a true architectural jewel. Guests can marvel at period details, from the iconic marble staircase to restored woodwork, immersing themselves in the splendor of Liverpool’s Victorian past.
Thoughtfully named historic suites honor Liverpool’s influential educators and visionaries, celebrating the city’s storied heritage. Every corner tells a story, offering a rare chance to experience Liverpool’s vibrant history while enjoying luxurious amenities.
More than a place to stay, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool is an experience. Whether for a grand wedding, an elegant event, or a romantic escape, this exquisite hotel promises an unforgettable journey through time and sophistication.
