Liverpool Facts
From Neolithic monuments to maritime supremacy and musical legends, Liverpool's story is written in facts that have shaped the world.
Deep History and Origins
The Calderstones are Neolithic monuments predating the main construction phases of Stonehenge.
Evidence exists of early human settlement along the Mersey prior to Roman occupation.
Roman roads and trade influence extended throughout the wider Merseyside region.
Viking settlement is evidenced through place names, archaeology, and genetic lineage across Merseyside.
The transition from medieval settlement to strategic port occurred by the thirteenth century.
Global Trade, Transport, and Infrastructure
Liverpool built the world's first enclosed commercial wet dock system (1715).
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was the world's first intercity passenger railway (1830).
The Rainhill Trials and Stephenson's Rocket marked a turning point in global rail transport.
The Liverpool Overhead Railway was the world's first electric elevated railway (1893).
Liverpool operated one of the largest dock systems in the world during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Maritime Heritage
Liverpool was the principal port for transatlantic passenger services from the mid 19th century until the 1960s.
The Port of Liverpool handled 40% of world trade at its peak in the early 20th century.
RMS Titanic was registered in Liverpool, though she never actually visited the city.
The Albert Dock contains the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.
Liverpool Docks stretched for over 7 miles along the waterfront at their maximum extent.
The Mersey Ferry service has operated continuously since 1150, making it one of the oldest ferry services in the world.
War, Conflict, and Moral History
Liverpool had significant commercial and industrial links to the American Civil War.
The CSS Shenandoah surrendered at Herculaneum Dock on 6 November 1865, marking the final act of the American Civil War.
Liverpool had early involvement in abolition movements and public opposition to slavery.
The city played a major role in supplying, treating, and transporting personnel during both World Wars.
Science, Medicine, and Innovation
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (1898) was the world's first dedicated institution of its kind.
Liverpool demonstrated early leadership in public sanitation, housing, and urban health reform.
The city has made significant contributions to modern pharmacology, engineering, and materials science.
Cultural Heritage
Liverpool has more museums and galleries than any city outside London.
The city was designated European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, established in the 1850s.
The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of European art outside the capital.
Liverpool has more listed buildings than any city in England outside London.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1840, is the oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra in the UK.
Sports Heritage
Liverpool FC has won 6 European Cups, more than any other English club.
Everton FC is one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.
The Grand National at Aintree is the most watched horse race in the world.
Liverpool was home to the first enclosed racecourse in the country.
The city hosted matches during the 1966 FIFA World Cup at Goodison Park.
Red Rum, the most famous Grand National horse, is buried at the winning post at Aintree.