There is a Liverpool urban myth that surfaces from time to time, which meets with a flurry of activity between believers and disbelievers, then disappears until enough time has lapsed for the story to gather ‘credibility’ again and demand attention from new readers.
And it is this: ‘Adolf Hitler lived in Liverpool before World War One with his half-brother Alois’.
It conjures up many, images - the young artist studying the architecture, improving his mind, learning the language, standing on the Kop. In fact, what has been published is even more ludicrous; loafing around his brother’s house, ranting about German politics in a Toxteth back kitchen, learning about his future with an astrological mystic neighbour, followed by a reconnaissance trip to the waterfront to make a note of the shipping using the port – just for future reference you understand, should Germany ever go to war with, say, Britain for example. So aside from the elaborations, is there any truth at all in this story?
This talk will answer all your questions!
Views: 619 | Enquiries: 1I have been a teacher and lecturer for over 30 years after studying History and Archaeology and the University of Liverpool. I have also lectured for many years in Local History on Adult Education Degree courses in University of Liverpool Centre for Continuing Education.
I have broad research interests and have written about various aspects of History for over thirty-five years and book publications include;
Merseyside at War 1939-45 / A-Z of Chester (People, places, events) / Wirral at War / Chester at War / Tales from the ‘Pool – a collection of Liverpool Stories / Tracing Your Liverpool Ancestors /
Pioneers and Perseverance: A History of the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool 1791-1991.
I have also contributed entries to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and numerous Historical Academic Journals.
Many of my articles can be freely accessed on my websites under www.roydenhistory.co.uk
I've made various appearances on TV and Radio, including BBC Radio 4’s Making History, Heir Hunters, Who Do You Think You Are?, and recent programmes on the Blitz.
I'm also vice-chair of Everton FC Heritage Society. I run the website and write history articles for the matchday programme and compiled the Remembrance booklet for the Club on all players lost in both wars. I am also involved in making documentary films about the history of the club.
A book on the Liverpool shipbuilding firm of Thomas Royden & Sons is due for publication.
I have been giving lectures to Societies and Conferences since the early 1980s. All lectures are fully illustrated.
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