History of Liverpool

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History of Liverpool … from Muddy Pool to Major International Port

  One of our own members, Pauline Griffiths gave us an interesting and intriguing insight into the history of one our major cities, Liverpool, which has a rich maritime history of over 800 years. It has experienced many highs and lows over that time.

Founded by King John in 1207 as a small borough, Liverpool grew from a minor trading port into a global maritime super power, largely driven by the 18th century slave trade and subsequent transatlantic industrial commerce.

It was known as the ‘New York of Europe’ in the 19th century. The shipping route between New York and Liverpool became one of the busiest and most prosperous in the world. In addition to its industrial commercial activities, it became a major hub for passenger emigration, with 9 million Europeans seeking a new life in the USA, Canada and Australia.

The city can boast many achievements in terms of being the world’s first, among them are the first overhead railway, first inter-city railway and first enclosed commercial wet dock. Liverpool has the largest cathedral in the country, the oldest Chinese community in Europe and the world’s largest brick warehouse. It can also be argued that Liverpool has produced the best musicians, after all, it is the birthplace of the Beatles, top football teams and the best sense of humour in the country, thanks to its huge Irish population. Liverpool people are a unique mix of many influences, so many arrived from shores far and wide.

The city suffered significant damage during WW2 and the 20th century saw the city’s fortune hurtle into a downward spiral. An injection of capital expenditure during the 1980s resulted in the city’s rebirth and that renaissance has continued into the 21st century.

There can be no doubt that Liverpool has had a meteoric journey from a muddy pool to a major UK port of international acclaim in just over 800 years of its history.