Around and about Liverpool

1. Where does the name ‘Liverpool’ come from?
We cannot be certain, but it is likely that the name comes from a river near the town (which used to be called ‘pool’.) ‘Liver’ in Old English meant ‘thick’, which could be a reference to the thick mud by the river.

2. Has Liverpool always been one of England’s major cities?
Liverpool is relatively modern – its heyday was during the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries when its port was one of the busiest in the world. It is now the 6th largest city in England.

3. How has the sea affected Liverpool?
As a port, Liverpool became increasingly important for Britain’s trade with the rest of the world. Ships arrived carrying slaves, sugar, cotton and so on. Due to its trade links, Liverpool became home to Europe’s oldest Chinese community. During the 19th century, Liverpool was the main departure point for the 9 million people who emigrated from Britain to the Americas. You can visit the Albert Dock to see where this activity took place.

4. What else can visitors to Liverpool see?
Liverpool actually has more historic buildings, museums and theatres than any other provincial city in England. In other words it ranks second after London. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2008. Britain’s largest cathedral is here, as is one of the earliest concrete multi-storey buildings ever built. This is known as the Liver Building (pronounced ‘Lie-ver’), and it is one of the most recognizable sites in Liverpool.

Click here for a vocabulary activity

What do you remember about Liverpool?

Read the statements about Liverpool and decide if they are true or false.

Exercise

What is the area of central Liverpool around Nelson Street / Berry Street known for? Search the web to find the answer.

• Anfield, Liverpool’s Stadium, is situated here.
• It is the heart of one of the oldest Chinatowns in Europe.
• Both of Liverpool’s cathedrals are here.
• It is where the Beatles museum is.

Find out more about Liverpool from Visit Britain's Liverpool destination guide.