When I tell people that I'm from Liverpool, most think of The Beatles, but nothing else! So, I have designed this page to enlighten and inform the ignorant masses out there about the wonderful city I call home and its surrounding region. I want to include some basic information, such as a general e-mail list for those from Liverpool or with an interest in the place, as well as links to other Liverpool related sites about music, football and other subjects. However, my main interest is the history of the city, which I will eventually cover in great and glorious detail!!
With a population of around 500,000 (1,500,000 for the surrounding Merseyside region) Liverpool is a large commercial and manufacturing city in NorthWest England. It lies on the north side of the River Mersey (note it is NOT called the Mersey River) which flows out to Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea nearby. Directly across from Liverpool is Birkenhead, a ship building town.
The main shopping centre of Liverpool, known as "town" to us Scousers, is one of the largest shopping districts in Great Britain. It starts on the Mersey at the Albert Dock and heads inland for a couple of miles, covering the original seven streets of Liverpool and much more. Liverpool has several buildings that are famous city landmarks. They include the Royal Liver Building, which has twin towers. Each tower is topped by a sculpture of the liver bird, a mythical creature after which the city is said to have been named. Other famous buildings include the Town Hall, built in 1749, and St. George's Hall, which dates from 1842 and served as both a court building and public hall. It is one of the finest Greco-style buildings in the entire world!
The inner city surrounds town and has many older houses. However, this area also includes Liverpool University, the Anglican Cathedral (another world class building) and the Roman Catholic Cathedral (affectionately known as "Paddy's Wigwam" - see it and you will know why!) The cathedrals were both built this century.
The suburbs go around the inner city, more or less following the path of Queens Drive, the road which can take you from one end of Liverpool to the other without going through town. The city extends about 10 miles south, 7 east and 5 north. Bootle, an important district, is part of Sefton rather than Liverpool, cutting off the city's northern expansion. However, most people who live anywhere within 10 miles of Liverpool are proud to say they are Scousers!
There are a wide variety of cultural activities and sports events. The Walker Art Gallery has one of the best collections outside London, as does the Tate of the North at the Albert Dock. Liverpool also has an orchestra, several theatres, and two of the best football teams around: Liverpool and Liverpool reserves! =) There's also a team which plays across Stanley Park called Everton, and Merseyside's third team, Tranmere Rovers, play across the river in Birkenhead. The Grand National, the greatest steeplechase event in the world takes place each spring at Aintree racecourse.
So, now that you know a few of the basics, stop reading and start surfing the links to learn more about the greatest place in the world - Liverpool!
Please note that this site is under constant construction. Whenever possible, I will mention the source of my information. If you want to add your site to my pages let me know. Please send comments or suggestions to Michael McNally.
