[LIVERPOOL] A Wealth of Maritime History

Liverpool is a city built on maritime heritage and the importance of the water. It grew as a city thanks to its position on the north west coast of England, facing out to Ireland and, beyond the Atlantic, the US. 

It was once the world’s busiest port, and as a result has been the site of a wealth of maritime history. 

In 1715, the first ever commercial wet dock opened in Liverpool; the Old Dock, originally known as Thomas Steers’ Dock. The Royal Albert Dock on Liverpool’s waterfront was an architectural triumph that opened in 1846 and was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone.

By the late 19th Century, 40% of the world’s trade was passing through Liverpool’s docks.

Two years after the Royal Albert Dock opened it was modified to feature the world’s first hydraulic cranes. It was a popular store for valuable cargoes like brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar. 

You can even stay amongst the beautiful maritime heritage at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool which brings magnificent furnishings and comfort into a truly historic rum warehouse.

Delve deeper into the maritime history of Liverpool’s docks from the commercial trade to its busy ferry terminal at the Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum located at the Royal Albert Dock or take a free tour of The Old Dock that has been carefully preserved beneath the Liverpool ONE complex.