Immerse yourself in Liverpool’s history

While it is probably best known for being the birthplace of The Beatles, there’s a lot more to Liverpool’s history. It has a wealth of maritime history, is a centre of world trade and has long been a hive of culture and heritage.

You really shouldn’t need any convincing to go to somewhere as exciting and vibrant as Liverpool, but if you want to know a little more about why it is such a great place to immerse yourself in history, here are some reasons why it should definitely be on your list for a heritage destination.

Musical Liverpool

As we have already mentioned, it is the birthplace of the Beatles but that isn’t where the musical history starts and ends. Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music and has been declared the World Capital of Pop in recognition of the fact that more Liverpudlains have gotten a UK number one than any other town or city in the nation!

Of course, many people will want to check out the haunts of John, George, Paul and Ringo, as well as a number of the city’s other musical connections, so make sure to check out:

Royal Albert Dock
- there is a Beatles story and is one of the largest exhibitions of its kind.

Penny Lane
- the famous road sign has a host of signatures on it, including Sir Paul McCartney’s.

The Cavern Club

-Greats including the Beatles, Cilla Black and more performed here and the iconic basement club is a must visit for music fans.

Prehistoric Liverpool

Did you know that Liverpool is more than 800 years old? It was founded in 1207 by King John but there is evidence to suggest that there were people living in what is now the city for centuries before that. There are Roman remains to be found, including a Roman Road, but even older than that are the Calderstones, a neolithic burial chamber that is around 5000 years old.

Check out some of the more ancient sites in the city:

Calderstones Park
- this is where Liverpool’s version of Stone Henge can be found. The stones were initially elsewhere but now sit in a special greenhouse in the park.

The city’s museums

- See artefacts and more from this time period at the museums around the city.

Maritime Liverpool

Liverpool is famous for the docks and as such has an incredibly diverse maritime history. The first ever commercial dock opened in 1715 and the docks have been in almost continuous use since then.

Find out more about maritime history:

Royal Albert Dock

- Visit the Slavery Museum to learn more about Liverpool’s role in the slave trade as well as how the dock operated then and now.

Stanley Dock Conservation Area

- Here you’ll find some of the oldest maritime buildings in the city.

Pioneering Liverpool

Did you know that Liverpool is home to Britain’s largest clock face? Or how about the longest established Chinese community in Europe? Liverpool is a pioneer when it comes to doing things first or bigger than elsewhere in the UK.

For instance, Liverpool is the city that invented crosswords, the hovercraft and football nets! It is also where the RSPCA was founded.

Learn more about some of these aspects of Liverpool’s history:

The Liver building

- You can’t miss the clock face, its bigger than Big Ben’s!

Bold Street

- The RSPCA was founded here in 1809.

Want to learn more about Liverpool? Click here.