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History of Liverpool Liverpool first started life as a small fishing community on the banks of the River Mersey. But the first hint of its future as a centre of both trade and transportation can be seen way back in the 13th century! This is because in 1207 King John first granted the town its market charter, and then in 1282 some monks from Birkenhead Priory established the very first "Ferry 'cross the Mersey". Nevertheless, it wasn't for another 500 or so years that the Liverpool that we know today really began to take shape. As with so many British cities, the impetus for change was the start of the industrial revolution in the 18th century. Liverpool's prime position on the west-coast of England meant that it was able to quickly establish itself as an important trading port. And by the middle of the 18th century Liverpool was at the centre of a thriving trade triangle between England, Africa and the Americas. Goods such as textiles, hardware and weaponry were shipped to America where they were traded for African slaves. The slaves were then transported to the Americas where they were exchanged for new-world luxuries such as tobacco and sugar. The laden ships would then return to Liverpool. Under this triangle of trade the city soon prospered and rapid expansion took place. Liverpool's wealthier citizens began to build elegant town houses for themselves and stunning civic buildings for the city. By the start of the 19th century slavery had been abolished in Britain, however Liverpool continued to be a significant world port - but this time it was used for emigration. In the hundred years from 1830 to 1930 some nine million people left Liverpool's docks bound for the New World. This emigration has a dramatic effect on Liverpool's population. For example, many of the people who travelled to Liverpool in order to set off on a voyage to the New World never actually left the city but decided to settle. From many different parts of Europe, these immigrants immediately gave the city an international feel, and whole ethnic communities were soon established in the city. The ethnicity of Liverpool received a further boost after the 1845 potato famine when huge numbers of Irish immigrants arrived in the city. And in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the city also saw a huge influx of Caribbean, Chinese and Indian immigrants. Liverpool thus became one of Britain's first multi-ethnic cities, and today it still retains a vibrant and colourful multi-cultural feel. Liverpool's docks thrived well into the 20th century, but then the city's fortunes began to change. During the Second World War the city was central to the British war effort, receiving supplies and troops from the United States. As a result Liverpool was a target for German bombers and so the city suffered extensive damage. During the post-war years the city's docks went into decline as manufacturing and industry left the area. The effect on the city was dramatic. Once a thriving, prosperous centre of commerce, Liverpool quickly became associated with poverty, depression and violence. Nevertheless Liverpool displayed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and the city retained a culture and tradition all of its own. In particular the city was associated with comedy and of course music - for who could forget The Beatles. Recent years have seen extensive re-development in the city and Liverpool is once again on the up. The docks have been rejuvenated, there is a thriving cultural scene and the city is today renowned all over the UK for its nightlife. Once again on the up, Liverpool is well worth a visit for any visitor to the UK. Copyright © 1995 to 2016 Smooth Hound Systems Smooth Hound Systems accepts no liability with regards to the accuracy of the information on this site. Users are advised to double check information such as dates, times, prices etc. | |||||
