http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/att...9&d=1213130181
Parkgate circa 1938-40
Parkgate was still just active as a fishing village. 30 fishermen worked from Parkgate for shrimps, mussels and cockles.
The last boat to berth at the quay there was in 1948. The water doesn't even reach the quays any longer.
Re: The Press Gangs & Parkgate:
Within Chester gates the sailor for many years slept as securely as upon the high seas. No householder would admit the gangsmen beneath his roof; and when at length they succeeded in gaining a foothold within the city, all who were liable to the press immediately deserted it--"as they do every town where there is a gang"--and went "to reside at Parkgate." Parkgate in this way became a resort of sea-faring men without parallel in the kingdom--a "nest" whose hornet bands were long, and with good reason, notorious for their ferocity and aggressiveness. [Footnote: _Admiralty Records_ 1. 1446--Capt. Ayscough, 17 Nov. 1780.] An attempt to establish a rendezvous here in 1804 proved a failure. The seamen fled, no "business" could be done, and officer and gang were soon withdrawn.