Where to Learn About the History of Liverpool?

If you are looking to learn more about the rich and diverse history of Liverpool, today is your lucky day. Liverpool is one of England’s most vibrant and interesting cities, so it’s no wonder that people are keen to find out more about its past. There is a wealth of information to investigate, from the city’s lengthy maritime history to the influence of the Beatles on its culture.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best places to explore the history of Liverpool, including museums, historical locations and even virtual resources.

Liverpool Maritime Museum

The Liverpool Maritime Museum is located in Albert Dock and comprises around 8 galleries which cover the maritime history of Liverpool from the 18th century onwards. The maritime town is almost indelibly linked with two great men, both of which are represented in the museum.

The first is Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line and builder of RMS Titanic. Several artifacts relating to Ismay’s life are present in the museum, including his writing set and portraits of him. In addition, you can learn more about the “Titanic Story” and how Liverpool was the centre of new ideas which led to the vessel being built.

The second man is Frederick Carl ungle, a founding partner in the modern-day shipping company Cunard. He is also credited with having virtually single-handedly transformed the aging fleet of 23 boats into a grand total of 180 ships between 1887 and 1914. This part of the museum contains several nautical instruments, models and photos which display the current history of shipping.

Ferry Across the Mersey

Although you can’t actually go back in time to relive Liverpool’s past, there is a way to appreciate its history – by taking a ferry across the Mersey. A series of Mersey Ferries run regularly between Seacombe in Wallasey and Woodside in Birkenhead to the north and George’s Pierhead and Pier Head in the city centre. Not only do they give visitors a spectacular view of the city skyline, they also provide insights into how Liverpool developed over time from a historic port to a bustling and buzzing city centre.

In addition to its regular routes, you can also book a special ferry trip from Seacombe – this one known as the “Mersey Ferry Blue Trooper Experience” – which will take you past some remarkable landmarks such as Anfield Stadium (home of Liverpool Football Club), The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Pier Head, where you can learn more about emigration from England to overseas ports.

Mersey Estuary History Trail

The Mersey Estuary History Trail is a great way to explore Liverpool and find out more about its maritime past. Taking in ten of the most significant sites and locations around Liverpool, it includes some amazing maritime heritage such as Fort Perch Rock museum and Otterspool Park before taking you North along Sefton shoreline to explore the marshes and birdlife of Southport beach. The trail also takes in Seaforth docks, Rimrose Valley Park, Waterloo docks history trail, Crosby beach statues and Alexander’s mosaic show garden before heading by foot or bicycle though Bootle docks to finish in Bootle Strand.

Virtual Resources

For those time-starved visitors who don’t have time for an extended visit, there are several websites dedicated to exploring Liverpool’s maritime heritage online. The Maritime History Podcasts offer weekly episodes exploring different aspects of the city’s maritime culture, including those related to its ports, ships and emigration history. There is also a new podcast called Mersey Voices in Maritime, which introduces listeners to five generations of sailors who tell stories related to their seafaring adventures.

In addition, there are virtual museum galleries such as LMM Virtual Museum, which brings together photographs, recordings and documents related to the port from throughout its long history. You can even learn about some of the islanders journeys through an interactive soundscape created for the LMM Virtual Museum by acclaimed composer Tate Ernest-Jones containing some of Museums collections narrated by actor Paul McGann.

For those with an interest in architecture, there is also The Liverpool Place Name Project, which explores how people and places were named after towns in England during the 19th century and how they reflect their heritage and culture up until today.

Conclusion

No matter what type of visitor you are, there is plenty available to learn about the history of Liverpool if you know where to look. Whether it’s settling into an armchair with a podcast or making your way around some of its most iconic landmarks, there’s certainly something for everyone when it comes to connecting with England’s second city’s past.