and parts of the outer walls remain. The tower has since been refurbished and is dedicated to those who died in HMS Thetis. The churchyard contains the burial vault of the Laird family, which includes John Laird (1805–74), Birkenhead's first Member of Parliament and co-founder of the adjacent Cammell Laird shipbuilding company. Arms See also Grade I listed buildings in Merseyside Listed buildings in Birkenhead References Brief reference to the "Abbey of Birkenhead" in chapter 31 of 'Redburn' by Herman Melville. Further reading External links Wirral Borough Council: Birkenhead Priory – official site BBC Liverpool: Birkenhead Priory British History Online on Birkenhead Priory Christian monasteries established in the 12th century Buildings and structures in Birkenhead Benedictine monasteries in England Grade I listed buildings in Wirral Grade I listed monasteries Grade II* listed buildings in Merseyside Monasteries in Merseyside Ruins in Merseyside Religious organizations established in the 1150s Scheduled monuments in Merseyside Museums in Merseyside Religious museums in England Thomas Rickman buildings 1150s establishments in England Churches in Birkenhead