Origins and Deep History

Five Thousand Years of History

Liverpool's story begins long before its medieval charter. From Neolithic monuments to Viking settlements, the land that became Liverpool has been shaped by successive waves of human activity across millennia.

Explore by Era

Follow Liverpool's journey from prehistoric monuments through Roman influence, Viking settlement, and medieval foundation.

Prehistoric Liverpool (Calderstones)

c. 4000-3000 BCE

The Calderstones are Neolithic monuments that predate the main construction phases of Stonehenge, representing Liverpool's oldest known human presence.

Roman and Post-Roman Context

c. 43-410 CE

While no major Roman settlement existed in Liverpool itself, the area was within the sphere of Roman Britain, with nearby Chester serving as a major legionary fortress.

Viking Settlement and Norse Influence

c. 900-1000 CE

Vikings from Ireland and Scandinavia settled in the area, leaving a lasting legacy in place names across Merseyside: Crosby, Kirkby, Formby, Thingwall.

From Settlement to Port

1207 onwards

King John granted Liverpool its royal charter in 1207, establishing the borough. The original seven streets still form the city centre's core.

Understanding Liverpool's Deep Roots

The story of Liverpool cannot be understood without appreciating its deep chronology. The Calderstones remind us that this land was significant to people thousands of years before the city existed. Viking place names across Merseyside speak to a Norse-influenced culture that shaped the region's identity. The medieval charter of 1207 built upon foundations laid across millennia, not upon empty ground.