About Liverpool

Liverpool History 800 years

2007 is Liverpool's 800th birthday, marking 800 years since King John signed the city's charter in August 1207. Liverpool has come a long way since then, evolving from a tiny fishing port - the Dee was the predominant river of the time - to second city of the Empire.

King John's interest in Liverpool was as a departure point for Ireland. He built Liverpool Castle - on what is now Castle Street - although it wasn't completed until 1237, twenty-one years after his death. Overlooking the Mersey, the castle stood for more than 400 years; it was partly destroyed in the Civil War, before the area was levelled and St George's Church built and re-built on the site. The Victoria Monument was erected there in 1902, and the area sustained blanket bombing during the Blitz in 1941. Somehow, the Victoria Monument survived, albeit surrounded by rubble - today the area is Derby Square, home to Liverpool's Queen Elizabeth Law Courts.

Maritime History

The maritime legacy is responsible for bringing people to Liverpool from all over the world. The earliest trade links were between Liverpool and Indo-China, and the Georgiana was the first ship to reach these shores from China after the breaking of the China Company's monopoly

Our Chinatown is the oldest in Europe, and the giant Chinese Arch that stands at its entrance is the largest outside mainland China. It was constructed in Liverpool's twin city Shanghai and brought here piece by piece, where it was reconstructed by Chinese craftsmen.

Liverpool's maritime history is comprehensively mapped out in the Mersey Maritime Museum, itself part of the former Victorian warehouse complex at the Albert Dock. It hosts a large permanent collection, plus special exhibitions on maritime themes from Liverpool past, and is due to open its International Slavery Museum - the largest of its kind in the country - next year, marking 200 years since the abolition of slavery in this country.

You can follow the Slavery History Trail around Liverpool's streets to get more of a feeling for the impact of slavery on the city. A number of streets are named after slave traders, including Tarleton Street, Gildart Street and Rodney Street, named after Admiral Rodney, who defeated the French at St Lucia and was a prominent slavery supporter.

Architectural History

Running through the heart of Liverpool's Georgian Quarter - between the two Cathedrals - you'll also see the birthplace of former Prime Minister William Gladstone, and the National Trust-run home and studio of photographer E. Chambre Hardman on Rodney Street. The street runs along to meet Liverpool's magnificent Anglican Cathedral, the largest Anglican Cathedral in the world. From the Anglican Cathedral, Hope Street takes you to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, a striking 1960s-built concrete and glass crown of thorns; it's known locally as Paddy's Wigwam.

Industrial History

Liverpool grew rapidly through Britain's industrialisation: the Dee silted up and goods were carried to Liverpool up the Mersey, where they were dispatched across the world. International trade made Liverpool rich, and the legacy of architecture we see now is evidence of the city's wealth and importance; the beautiful neo-classical St George's Hall provided the city with its law courts, while the World Heritage listed Three Graces were as controversial in their time as some of our current buildings have proved.

Historical Treasures

But Liverpool's historical treasures aren't limited to the city centre. Sefton Park houses the newly-restored Victorian Palm House, whilst nearby Calderstones Park is the site of the Calder Stones, huge sandstone monoliths older even than Stonehenge. They provide the first evidence of a settlement in Liverpool, and their cup and spiral markings are the only such example in England. Just south of Calderstones Park is Speke Hall, a Tudor half-timbered country mansion; its sweeping views towards the Mersey and Welsh mountains provide a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Musical History

Much of Liverpool's history has its own place in popular culture: Liverpool is the official Capital of Pop, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with more than 50 number 1s since the charts began in 1953 - not to mention the Four Lads that Shook the World. If you're interested in Liverpool's musical history, the Beatles Story is a great starting place; world-famous names like the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Cream and Strawberry Fields are within easy reach of the city centre. The National Trust also runs two former Beatles' homes: 20 Forthlin Road and Mendips, home of the young John Lennon and his Aunt Mimi.

Sporting History

And if music and maritime power hadn't taken Liverpool's name to every corner of the globe, then football surely would have. You can visit both Anfield and Goodison Park for stadium tours, again within easy reach of the city centre. And if it's horse racing that has brought you to Liverpool, the world's most famous steeplechase is run at Aintree, where you can visit the racetrack and sample some of the thrill and spills of the race itself at the Grand National Experience.