Celebrations in honour of Port Sunlight's founder (From Wirral Globe)

Celebrations in honour of Port Sunlight's founder

8:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

THE founder of Port Sunlight village will be remembered in a special day of events next weekend.

Founder’s Day, taking place on Sunday, September 23, will celebrate 161 years since the birth of philanthropist William Hesketh Lever.

The Bolton-born businessman turned 56 acres of land into a world-famous soap factory, as well as housing for his employees and landscaped gardens.

For history buffs, local historian Gavin Hunter will give an evening lecture about the village's creation at Port Sunlight Museum in King George's Drive on Thursday, September 27.

Katherine Lynch, museum manager said: “Without William Hesketh Lever, the beautiful village of Port Sunlight would not be standing today.

“Purchasing 56 acres of disused marshland, Lever worked with 30 different architects to mastermind the model village, which thousands of visitors continue to appreciate today.”

Taking place outside Port Sunlight Museum King George’s Drive, next Sunday's Founder's Day celebrations run from 11am-4pm.

Among the attractions will be Tame Valley Vintage and Classic Car Club display on the Museum Green and a Friends of Port Sunlight second-hand book sale.

New character-led guided tours will also be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Visitors taking part will be able to find our what village life was like in 1914.

Tickets for Gavin Hunter's talk on September 27 are from 0151 644 6466.