History of Liverpool

1207

Liverpool became a borough

Trade with Ireland helped to grow the town to a borough, gaining Royal Charter by King John in 1207. This began the development of the Liverpool we’ve come to know and love.

1725

Construction of the Bluecoat Chambers finished 

The Bluecoat Chambers were completed in 1725 and used as a boarding school until they moved to a new site in 1906. Since then, Sandon Studios Society have rented the space. The Bluecoat Chambers is Liverpool’s oldest surviving building in Liverpool city centre.

Today, The Bluecoat is a contemporary arts centre that organises exhibitions and events. There are also independent shops, a café and bistro and a luxury garden to explore.

1807

Slavery was abolished in Liverpool

In 1807, Liverpool saw a huge change as their part in the transatlantic slave trade came to an end. The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, a significant moral and economic turning point. This paved the way for Liverpool's future as a city committed to social justice and human rights.

19th Century

Liverpool grew to global economic importance

1823 marked the origin story of Liverpool John Moores University. It began as a small mechanics institution and became the oldest school of art in England outside of London by 1825.

Liverpool's Docks was an important part of the country's economy with many trades passing through.

The construction of a Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 was the first-ever commercial railway line in the world.

Popularity grew, bringing thousands of Irish immigrants across the water as a direct result of the Great Famine.

Women were allowed to join classes at LJMU in 1832, taking a huge step towards gender equality.

LJMU welcomed Charles Dickens as a guest lecturer in 1844.

Liverpool’s Chinatown became home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

The Albert Dock opened in 1846 and was the first structure in Britain built from cast iron, brick and stone.

Liverpool was described as “the New York of Europe” during this time.

20th Century

Liverpool continued to grow

Irene Mabel Marsh started a revolution in physical education and demonstrated that girls should receive instruction in PE. This developed into I.M. Marsh College and eventually became part of LJMU.

Liverpool became a target for air raids during the two World wars due to its international port.

The city’s prosperity saw a downtrend during the two World wars due to economic depressions.

The famous Battle of the Atlantic was planned, fought and won from Liverpool.

Liverpool was Britain’s first provincial airport which began operation in 1930.

Liverpool was home to the Merseybeat sound during the 1960s. Bands like The Beatles became famous for this.

After the Second World War, C.F. Mott Training College was founded to address the national shortage of trained teachers.

The Albert Dock reopened in the 1988 by The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

Many historical structures were built during this century, including what is now known as The Three Graces. This trio of buildings were all built between 1903-1916. It includes the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building.

In 1992, LJMU became a university and was officially retitled to Liverpool John Moore’s University, named after entrepreneur Sir John Moores.

Sir John’s eldest son, John Moores Jr, served as the University’s second Chancellor from 1994 to 1999.

21st Century

800 years of Liverpool

In 2001, LJMU dedicated more time and effort to research and by 2008 was the top performing post-1992 university for Anthropology Engineering, Astrophysics and Sports-related studies.

Development for Liverpool One, a major open-air shopping centre began in 2004. The first business moved into the site by July 2006, with the full site opened by 2008.

In 2007, Liverpool celebrated 800 years of history with a city-wide parade.

The International Slavery Museum opened in 2007.

2008 saw astrophysicist and lead guitarist Brian May become LJMU’s fourth ever chancellor.

Former student and founder of Mowgli Nisha Katona became chancellor of LJMU in 2022.

Liverpool hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

LJMU was awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award for promoting gender equality in both 2014 and 2017. In January 2024, LJMU received the Silver Award.