Liverpool history

The city started life as a small riverside village in the 13th century. Liverpool's growth as one of the UK's major trading cities occured when its port boomed during the 17th and 18th century via the slave and cotton trade. After 1807, when slavery was abolished and through to the 1930s, Liverpool was the port from which millions of people set sail for Australia and the Americas.

Many attractions reflect this incredible period on the city's history. The famous Albert Dock was built in 1846. This cosmopolitan area is packed with bars, restaurants and museums, including the Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and the Maritime Museum. Nearby are the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, all built in the early 20th century to impress visitors of the city's importance.

Today, Liverpool remains a very important port. However in the last 20 years, new attractions have sprung up to showcase the city's heritage and promote tourism. The development of Liverpool ONE, the remodelled city centre, is part of Liverpool's renaissance.