I heart Toxteth

I love my city, but particularly my Toxteth. It's grandeur cannot be 
matched by any other area. From the tree lined Avenue of Princes, reminiscent of a Parisian boulevard, to the Georgian splendour of Falkner Square and beyond.
In terms of architecture, it is unrivalled.
I could wax lyrical all day about the shabby splendour of Princes Park , which still stands proud next to it's much larger sister-Sefton, and I could celebrate the decaying magnificence of buildings such as St
James church, Toxteth Town Hall and The Ancient Chapel. Not forgetting the charming,
evocative and more than adequate Victorian housing, worth so much a mile down the road and yet which local residents have had to fight so hard to save and preserve from the bulldozers and butchery of Liverpool City Council.
But more than just architectural finery, Toxteth Is a place of soul, of heart, of family and of (sadly declining) community.
A microcosm of Toxteth life exists in Lodge lane and for many, remains a totally uncelebrated city gem. While people are still flocking to lark lane in search of it's mythical bohemiency, one of the City's most multi-cultural, atmospheric, vibrant lanes is  being completely overlooked! Where else can you find a Kurdish deli 
serving decadent after dinner delights such as Gulab Jaman? Authentic 
Caribbean Cuisine cooked fresh daily, or 3 continental supermarkets, a 
Middle Eastern restaurant, and an authentic African food store! All on 
the same street, set amongst many beautiful old family houses and a 
spirit of community found nowhere else in the city.
Another amazing adventure lies in the walk through Toxteth Park 
Cemetery. Entering the beautiful but foreboding Victorian cast iron 
revolving gates at Arundel Avenue, one can feel a magical 
ethereal air here. Amongst the bare trees, and raised upon a hill, sits an ancient Gothic church, lording over the masses of gravestones that lie beneath its shadow... This splendour is much more than just an oasis from the traffic and roads, and people all around, it is also the home of the resting place of some of Liverpool's most important forefathers, not to mention that certain stillness and calm, to be found nowhere else in Liverpool.
I have recently come to refer to my beloved Toxteth as a mini Africa, you might think because of the reputed significant Black presence in the area throughout history. But its much more than that. As those of us who live here know, the population is far more diverse than one or two continents!
No, I named it this, Firstly in recognition of its forgotten beauty. And then in honour of its difficulty in others accepting its true boundaries (Toxteth was originally Toxteth Park and extended from Parliament st to Otterspool and up to Smithdown road and beyond. Yet now Toxteth is not deemed worthy to house even Sefton Park, which lies at the foot of Lodge Lane! Just as Africa has had to argue that advanced countries and cultures exist within its boundaries, a perfect example-Egypt) And finally, as a nod to Africa's struggle to gain credit for its achievements,or to be celebrated for its struggle, and for its triumphs in the face of adversity. 
I have spent over 10 years living in Toxteth, by chance and then by 
choice and I'm so proud of my place. We talk about the world in one 
city... More like the world in one "ward".