Liverpool

The first docks, The Beatles and football

A brief history of Liverpool
Liverpool or Livpul, meaning muddy pool, began life as a fishing village and seaport, trading mainly with Ireland. King John bestowed a Royal Charter on the borough in 1207, when the settlement had only seven streets.

Major Docks
In 1715 the world's first wet dock opened, and trade between West Africa and the West Indies expanded, including the highly valuable slave trade. The British parliament abolished the Slave Trade in 1807 and slavery was banned within the Empire in 1833. By the early 19th Century, Liverpool was a major port, and the population grew rapidly. Work attracted Irish immigrants; a quarter of the inhabitants were Irish born.

World War Two
During World War Two, the Liverpool docks were crucial in the Battle of the Atlantic. Liverpool became a planning centre for the convoys of ships bringing food and weapons from America. As a result, the City was heavily bombed by the German Airforce. The bombardment was only second to London. John Lennon was born during one such air-raid on 9 October 1940.

The Beatles
The Beatles formed in 1960 and were active for ten years before breaking up to follow solo careers. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and drummer Ringo Star (Pete Best before 1962) toured the clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg, Germany.

Talent scout and manager Brian Epstein crafted the Fab Four into a polished act, and by late 1962 they got their first hit, "Love Me Do." By December 1963, Beatlemania had hit Britain, and by 1964 the Beatles made it in America. The British music, fashion and cultural phenomenon were dubbed the "the British Invasion". The Beatles are the biggest selling band in history; Worldwide album sales number 600 million.

The Docks
Containerisation made the docks obsolete; manufacturing and trade declined in the 20th Century pushing unemployment levels through the roof. In recent years the economy has recovered, and Liverpool became the Capital of Culture in 2008. Make Liverpool a stop on your driver-guided tour of England.

Highlights of Liverpool

The Anfield Stadium Tour
Discover the history of one of Britain's most famous football clubs. Tour the dressing rooms, walk down the tunnel to the pitch and be photographed in Klopp's dugout seat.

Liverpool's Cathedral's
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest Anglican cathedral globally; it is a giant red sandstone gothic edifice. The scale is mind-boggling.

Construction began in 1904, and due to the reduction of a workforce during two world wars was eventually complete in 1978. Modifications dogged progress throughout the build. The architect is Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the son of the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Giles claims to have only seen his father on two occasions. Sir Giles had a knack for blending gothic with modernist lines, such as with Battersea Power Station in London - which features on Pink Floyd's album cover "Animals".

The Catholic cathedral's full name is Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. The circular church is built around the idea of a modern crown of thorns decorated with blue stained glass. The result is the interior flooded with diffused blueish light. The crown of thorns stands 290 ft high and is affectionately referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" by non-Catholics.

The Cavern
Probably the most famous club in the world. It all began in 1957, in the cellar of a warehouse. By 1960 the Mersey beat had exploded, and The Cavern Club became the centre of the new wave of Rock and Pop culture.

The Beatles first performance took place on 9 February 1961. The band then featured John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe with Pete Best on drums. Ringo was a drummer with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. The Beatles became a fixture at the club. Queen appeared at in 1970, and live music is still pumping from the Cavern Club today.

The Walker Art Gallery
Founded in 1877 by a local brewer and Mayor, Sir Andrew Barclay Walker. This fabulous gallery displays work by Italian, Flemish and French artists. British artists include Gainsborough, Millais and Turner. See Henry Moore sculpture and work by Banksy, the contemporary street artist.

Touring and accommodation
The choice of hotels is increasing in Liverpool. Our favourites are The Shankly Hotel, named after Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly. Near to all the sights in the heart of the Cavern Quarter. The Titanic Hotel, a converted warehouse and tastefully transformed into a smart and chic hotel with an industrial heritage look. What a name to for a hotel; Hard Days Night, perfect for Beatles fans.

Liverpool is an easy afternoon visit when travelling to the Lake District National Park or the Yorkshire Dales National Park from North Wales. Liverpool can be part of an England and Wales Tour by substituting a stop in the Peak District National Park. Liverpool is around 2 hrs 30 mins from London by train. Taking a flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Belfast direct makes an England and Ireland Tour work well.