William Ewart Gladstone Liverpool to honour Gladstone's birth

Ideas are bring sought on how to best celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of a Merseyside man who was elected prime minister four times.

William Ewart Gladstone was born at 62 Rodney Street on 29 December 1809.

He was the son of a prosperous merchant and dominant political figure in the Victorian era.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said it was important to recognise the contribution the "Grand Old Man of British politics" made to the city.

Councillor Eddie Clein, chairman of the regeneration and culture select committee, said: "Gladstone was one of the most important figures in British history during the last couple of centuries and we should be proud that he was a Liverpool man.

"This anniversary gives us a chance to commemorate him and his achievements.

"One idea was that we hold an event at the newly-restored Gladstone conservatory in Stanley Park - even though it is actually named after Isla Gladstone - and it may be appropriate to do something there.

"But I am sure Liverpool people will have more ideas on how we can recognise the contribution the Grand Old Man of British politics made to the city and to the country and we want to hear from them."

BBC Liverpool