a little more about Liverpool
 Probably taken from the middle age words “lifer pol” meaning “muddy pool”, Liverpool started life as a small hamlet next to a tidal pool of the River Mersey. Shortly after King John had conquered Ireland he founded the port of Liverpool in 1207. With this the port became the major supply route between England and Ireland and this continued well into the 16th century.
Liverpool underwent some rapid growth during the 17th century due to the rise of more and more colonies in North America and the excellent positioning of the port on the west of England. The city became a very rich trading town and in the late 17th century was once described as a ‘very handsome London in miniature.’
The city continued to flourish throughout the 18th century, many of the migrating inhabitants were of Irish and Welsh descent. Living conditions were often inadequate as the burgeoning metropolis soon overcrowded, whilst suffering from a relatively immature infrastructure. Towards the end of the 18th century four more docks were built to cater for the increasingly busy port, and Liverpool became the third busiest port behind London and Bristol. The city also benefited from increased industry in other northern cities such as its illustrious neighbour Manchester. Shipbuilding soon became the biggest single employer in Liverpool and things were looking rosy until the American War of Independence in 1775 our no-nonsense Yankee cousins ceased all trading with the colonies, and when France, Spain and Holland declared war on Britain. In 1778, English ships from Liverpool began ‘privateering’ instead of trading – capturing their ships and stealing cargoes. The city received another population boost in the early 19th century through Irish immigrants escaping the potato famine in Ireland, and in 1880 Liverpool achieved city status with a considerable population of 600,000.
The city’s more recent history demonstrates an outstanding sporting and musical pedigree. Perhaps best known for the incomparable Beatles, Liverpool produced its first true rock n roll star, Billy Fury. Ever since there has been a stream of stars - from Merseybeat to Echo and the Bunnymen, Elvis Costello, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The La's, The Lightning Seeds and … the mighty Atomic Kitten. The sporting heritage is well told, unquestionable bedrock for highly talented footballers and no less impressive sporting legends.
Liverpool remains an important port and due to its excellent position in the north-west it is the main port for trading with North America. In the 1980’s the Albert dock underwent a multi-million pound redevelopment and is now the heart of Liverpool’s cosmopolitan attractions including the impressive Liverpool Tate Gallery and a number of chic designer shops and exclusive bars.
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