Circus Street

Circus Street sign This cast-iron sign from Circus Street is a reminder of Liverpool’s ‘Little Italy’, an area around Gerard Street, near the city centre, that became home to the city’s Italian community. Many Italians settled here in the 19th century to look for work. They established businesses selling ice cream and fish and chips and played a key role in creating Liverpool’s infrastructure, including laying intricate mosaic tiles on the floors of St George’s Hall. Individuals also thrived in local sports and made significant contributions as musicians and entertainers such as the Toscano Brothers. During the Second World War the Italian community faced serious challenges, with some sent to the Woodfall Heath internment camp in Huyton. The community lived and worked in the ‘Little Italy’ area until the 1960s when tenements around Scotland Road were demolished and many families were moved to the outskirts of the city. Places such as Circus Street now no longer exist. Despite facing difficulties, the community continued to contribute to the city and have left a lasting legacy in Liverpool.