BIRKENHEAD Park and Port Sunlight Village have been named as two of the top 100 historically significant places in England.

Historic England has compiled a list of the country’s most significant sites which have helped shape both this country and others internationally.

Birkenhead Park's Grade I listed landscape and conservation area was one of ten historical sites chosen in the ‘Homes and Gardens’ category alongside Windsor castle, Blenheim Palace and Wirral’s own Port Sunlight village.

TV presenter George Clarke is one of a panel of expert judges, including Mary Beard, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tristram Hunt and David Olusoga, who have chosen 10 places in 10 different categories from a long list of public nominations.

Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was the world’s first publicly funded park in the world and was also the first park to be created through an Act of Parliament.

Port Sunlight in 1934

Port Sunlight was built as a site for the Lever brothers’ expanding soap business and a carefully planned model village for its workers.

When planning, William Lever sought to create an environment that provided 'everything that makes life pleasant – nice houses, comfortable homes, and healthy recreation.'

Wirral’s cabinet member for Environment Cllr Phillip Brightmore said: "I am incredibly proud that Birkenhead Park has been recognised by Historic England and the Top 100 places project.

"To be chosen alongside places such as Windsor Castle is a real honour and shows just how influential Birkenhead Park has been in the history of not only Wirral and England, but internationally as well.

"I would also like to thank the hard working, dedicated staff and volunteers that care for Birkenhead Park and maintain it to its historically excellent standard."

To see the full list of historical sites chosen by the Top 100 places project visit the Historic England website at historicengland.org.uk/get-involved/100-places