Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City
Designated a World Heritage Site in 2004.
Liverpool World Heritage City includes 6 areas of the city which relate strongly to its historic role as a commercial port. These 6 areas are: the Pier Head; the Albert Dock; the Stanley Dock area; the commercial centre of Castle Street/Dale Street/Victoria Street/Old Hall Street; the Cultural Quarter around William Brown street and the area of warehouses and merchant's houses around Duke Street.
The city was a pioneer in the development of modern dock technology, transport systems and port management. These 6 areas of the city were part of the development of one of the world's major trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries, and house a great number of significant commercial, civic and public buildings.
Despite the fact that almost all of these areas are used today for wholly different purposes than originally intended, the character and architecture remain virtually unchanged - a testament to the subtle and respectful way in which they have been used.
Liverpool played an important role in the growth of the British Empire and became the major port for the mass movement of people, e.g. slaves and emigrants from northern Europe to America. Liverpool, which has been named European Capital of Culture 2008, is making great efforts to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Britain with a series of events across the city.
Liverpool is a city full of history, heritage and culture, and boasts more museums, galleries, and Grade I and II listed buildings than any other British city outside of London. The city's abundance of history and world-class architecture helped to secure its title as European Capital of Culture 2008.
Some of the city's architectural gems include St Georges Hall, one of the world's finest neoclassical buildings; the Royal Liver Building, Britain's first skyscraper and Liverpool Cathedral, the largest Anglican cathedral in Europe and one of the greatest buildings of the 20th century. It also has some of the finest modern architecture in Europe, including the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, and is home to the largest Chinese Arch outside of China.
Must see & do:
- Beatles Story - Step back in time at the Albert Dock and take a journey into the lives and music of Liverpool's fab 4.
- World Museum Liverpool - One of Britain's finest museums, with collections from the Amazonian rainforest to outer space.
- Mersey Ferry - There's no better way to experience Liverpool and Merseyside than from the deck of the famous Mersey Ferry.
Get your Great British Heritage Pass
For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
For full details and to order click here