Follow this link

http://www.google.co.uk/books?id=mhI...um=50&as_brr=1

The earliest guide to Southport ("a picturesque hamlet on the Lancashire coast") I have managed to find on the net. This is the second edition of the book that was originally published in 1809. It includes a lot of detail about the journey to Southport via Ormskirk, as well as an interesting account of the history of Ormskirk church and the seige of Lathom House during the English civil war.

This one is also 1825 - not sure if its already been mentioned before

http://southportworld.co.uk/stuff/to...5.php?opt=1825