Liverpool is the capital city of the metropolitan borough of Merseyside in England, United Kingdom, sitting along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded in 1207 but was not granted city status until 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city with a population of 552,267 in the built-up areas.
Historically, Liverpool was a part of the county of Lancashire.
The city’s expanded greatly from the 18th Century, largely brought about through its status as a major port. Trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe, coupled with close links with the Atlantic slave trade, furthered its economic expansion. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world’s trade passed through Liverpool’s docks, contributing to its rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation, general construction, and in the fields of public health and social reform. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city, together with the first societies for animal and child protection, the first schools for the blind, for working-men, and for girls.
Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as “Scousers”, in reference to the local dish known as “scouse”, a form of stew, although the word is synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect. The port has contributed to its diverse population, which has been drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, artists of Liverpool origin have produced more number one singles than any other. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool being a tourist destination. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.
