Asparagus

In 1848 the railway from Liverpool to Southport opened and that got a certain Mr Fresh thinking.  From the 1850s Mr F arranged for the "night soil" from Liverpool to be carried on the train up to what is now known as Freshfield.  This rich manure created fertile ground and a thriving asparagus industry was born.  Asparagus is still grown on these fields today, although in much reduced quantities.  Just goes to show, shovelling shit does pay.