Liverpool is a major city in northwest England, situated on the Mersey Estuary near the Irish Sea. With a population exceeding 496,000, it ranks as the UK's fifth largest city and serves as the central hub of the Merseyside region. Geographically, it's about 178 miles northwest of London. The broader Liverpool City Region, encompassing surrounding areas, boasts a population of over 1.5 million.
Liverpool hosted the Welsh national Eisteddfod for the second time, showcasing its cultural openness and diversity.
The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, the world's largest building in terms of area at the time, was constructed in Liverpool. It remains the world's largest brick-work building.
James Hanley often claimed he was born in 1901, although his actual birth year was 1897.
Sir Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, dedicated to the Liverpool Orchestral Society, had its first performance in the city.
Ronald Ross, a professor at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, received the first British Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on malaria.
Following a Royal Charter and Act of Parliament, University College Liverpool became the independent University of Liverpool. With the newfound ability to confer its own degrees, it became the first university to offer degrees in biochemistry, architecture, civic design, veterinary science, oceanography, and social science.
Construction started on the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, a grand Gothic-style cathedral that would become the largest in Britain.
The earliest snowfall recorded in Liverpool's history occurred on September 10, 1908.
The Bluecoat Chambers, originally built as a school, was repurposed as a center for the arts in Liverpool.
G. Melville Richards, a pioneer of scientific toponymy in Wales, was born.
The Liverpool Talmudical College, an institution for Jewish religious education, was founded.
Gerald Hanley, brother of James Hanley and also a novelist, was born in Liverpool. He wrote radio plays, film scripts, and novels.
Following World War I, racial riots erupted in Liverpool as white residents clashed with colonial soldiers and sailors from Africa and India who had settled in the city. Tensions arose from competition for jobs and housing.
The Housing Act of 1919 was passed, leading to the construction of mass council housing across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s.
June Bhatia, who used the pen name Helen Forrester, was born. She was known for her books about her early childhood in Liverpool during the Great Depression.
The lowest amount of sunshine recorded in Liverpool was 16.5 hours in December 1927.
Breck Park Stadium and Stanley Greyhound Stadium both opened in 1927, expanding Liverpool's sporting landscape.
Liverpool hosted the Welsh national Eisteddfod for the third time, solidifying its reputation as a welcoming and culturally vibrant city.
Britain's first provincial airport opened in Liverpool. During the early 1930s, unemployment in the city peaked at around 30% due to the Great Depression.
Liverpool's population reached its highest point at 846,302. The city council then initiated a program of building new town council estates in the suburbs, leading to the relocation of many residents to areas like Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and beyond.
February 1932 was the driest month on record in Liverpool, with only 0.9 mm (0.035 in) of rain.
Beryl Bainbridge, a novelist known for her psychological fiction often set among the English working classes, was born in Liverpool.
White City Stadium opened in 1932, adding to the city's greyhound racing venues.
Seaforth Greyhound Stadium opened in 1933, contributing to Liverpool's greyhound racing scene.
J.G. Farrell, a novelist of Irish descent known for his historical fiction, was born in Liverpool.
James Hanley published 'The Furys', the first in a sequence of five loosely autobiographical novels about working-class life in Liverpool.
J.G. Farrell left Liverpool at the outbreak of World War II.
Harold Edward Bindloss, a prolific writer of adventure novels born in Liverpool, passed away in 1945.
The Times newspaper named Beryl Bainbridge among their list of 'The 50 greatest British writers since 1945'.
Breck Park Stadium, which hosted greyhound racing and boxing bouts, closed in 1948.
The world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service began operation between Liverpool and Cardiff, marking a pioneering moment in aviation history.
The Festival of Britain was held, serving as a national exhibition and celebration of British culture and industry.
The world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service between Liverpool and Cardiff ended.
Liverpool and Cologne, Germany, both cities having experienced severe aerial bombing during World War II, were officially twinned.
August 1956 was the wettest month on record in Liverpool, with 221.2 mm (8.71 in) of rain.
Stanley Greyhound Stadium, known for greyhound racing and motorcycle speedway, closed in 1961.
Work commenced on the construction of the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, a modern cathedral known for its unique design.
Gerald Hanley was one of several scriptwriters for a 'Life of Gandhi'.
Seaforth Greyhound Stadium closed in 1965, marking the end of an era for the sport in that location.
'The Blue Max', a film for which Gerald Hanley was one of the scriptwriters, was released.
Everton's home ground, Goodison Park, was a host venue during the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
George Garrett, a writer, docker, and political activist who was born in Seacombe and raised in Liverpool, died in 1966. He was known for his involvement in the Seamen's Vigilance Committees, unemployed demonstrations, and hunger marches.
'The Mersey Sound', an anthology of poems by Liverpool poets Adrian Henri, Roger McGough, and Brian Patten, was first published.
The 100/1 outsider Foinavon won the Grand National in 1967, creating a memorable moment in the race's history.
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, notable for breaking from the traditional longitudinal design, was completed.
Liverpool University participated in the inaugural university rugby league game.
Frank Shaw's book 'My Liverpool, a Celebration of 'Scousetown'' was published, solidifying 'Scouser' as the dominant demonym for Liverpool residents.
G. Melville Richards, a pioneer of scientific toponymy in Wales, passed away.
White City Stadium, one of Liverpool's greyhound tracks, closed in 1973.
Helen Forrester's book 'Twopence to Cross the Mersey', about her childhood during the Great Depression, was published.
Liverpool became a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.
The latest snowfall recorded in Liverpool's history occurred on June 2, 1975.
Beryl Bainbridge won the Whitbread Awards prize for best novel.
After 74 years of construction, the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, the largest in Britain and fifth largest in the world, was completed.
J.G. Farrell drowned in Ireland, ending his career at the age of 44.
John Lennon, co-founder, singer, and composer of the Beatles, was killed in New York City.
Recording of air frost frequency in Crosby began.
Unemployment rates in Liverpool reached 17%, marking a period of economic hardship and social unrest in the city.
The green belt was first established in 1983 under Merseyside County Council, encompassing 530 hectares (5.3 km; 2.0 sq mi) within the city.
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club hosted the Walker Cup in 1983.
James Hanley, a novelist and playwright born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, died in 1985. He was known for his writing about seamen and working-class life in Liverpool.
On August 2, 1990, a record high temperature of 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) was recorded at Bidston Hill.
The La's released their hit single "There She Goes", described by Rolling Stone as a "founding piece of Britpop's foundation."
The Liverpool Talmudical College ceased operations at its original location and moved its classes to the Childwall Synagogue.
The year 1991 was the driest on record in Liverpool, with 480.5 mm (18.92 in) of rainfall.
Previously a polytechnic, Liverpool John Moores University gained university status. Named after Sir John Moores, a major benefactor and founder of the Littlewoods football pools and retail group, it was previously owned and run by Liverpool City Council.
A new Park End Stand was added to Goodison Park, giving the stadium an all-seater capacity and completing its expansion.
The Spion Kop at Anfield, Liverpool F.C.'s home ground since 1892, was rebuilt as an all-seater stand. This iconic stand gained worldwide recognition for its atmosphere and the passionate celebrations of fans.
Lime Pictures, formerly Mersey Television, launched the soap opera "Hollyoaks" on Channel 4 in 1995. While initially filmed in Chester, the production eventually moved to the Childwall area of Liverpool, where it joined the company's other productions, "Brookside" and "Grange Hill".
In 1996, the production of ITV's daily magazine programme "This Morning" was relocated from its studios at Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool to London. This marked a significant shift for the popular programme.
Beryl Bainbridge won the Whitbread Awards prize for best novel for a second time.
Everton began exploring the possibility of relocating to a new stadium.
A tornado or funnel cloud was observed in Merseyside.
The Eurovision Song Contest 1998 was held in Birmingham, marking the last time the UK hosted the contest before Liverpool in 2023.
The 2001 Census marked the start of a period of steady population growth for Liverpool.
The 2001 census showed that 1.17% of Liverpool's population was born in Wales and 0.75% in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54% were born in Northern Ireland. Many more Liverpudlians have Welsh or Irish heritage, reflecting the impact of the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century, when many Irish people migrated to Liverpool, some later moving to the United States. By 1851, over 20% of Liverpool's population was Irish.
The growing population of Liverpool in the 21st century reversed a trend of population decline that had occurred between the 1930s and 2001.
Granada's shopping channel "Shop!", which was produced in Liverpool, was cancelled in 2002.
Liverpool Airport was renamed after John Lennon, the first British airport to be named in honour of an individual.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Liverpool to mark the Golden Jubilee, recognizing the city's distinctiveness and contributions to the UK.
The Bidston Hill weather station, which had been recording rainfall and temperature since 1867 and atmospheric pressure since at least 1846, closed down.
Everton was forced to abandon plans for a new 55,000-seat stadium at King's Dock due to financial constraints.
Liverpool swimmer Steve Parry won a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Property developer Grosvenor initiated the Paradise Project, a £920 million development that aimed to transform Liverpool's city center.
Several areas of Liverpool were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, for the city's role in international trade and docking technology.
Yoko Ono's work "My mummy was beautiful" sparked controversy at the Liverpool Biennial festival of arts when photographs of a woman's breast and crotch were exhibited on the main shopping street.
Liverpool Hope University was formed through the merger of three colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1844. It gained university status in 2005 and became the only ecumenical university in Europe.
On July 19, 2006, Liverpool Airport recorded a temperature of 35.0 °C (95.0 °F).
ESPON (now the European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion) published a study defining a "Liverpool/Birkenhead Metropolitan area" with a population of around 2,241,000. This metropolitan area was based on a functional urban area encompassing a continuous urban sprawl, labor pool, and commuter travel to work areas. The study included Liverpool along with surrounding areas like Birkenhead, Wigan/Ashton, Warrington, Widnes/Runcorn, Chester, Southport, Ellesmere Port, Ormskirk, and Skelmersdale in this metropolitan definition.
In 2006, both ITV Granada and the BBC opened new newsrooms in Liverpool. ITV Granada's newsroom is located in the Royal Liver Building, while the BBC's newsroom is situated on Hanover Street. These new facilities reflect the growing importance of Liverpool as a media hub.
The Liverpool Buccaneers rugby league club emerged victorious in the regional final of the Rugby League Conference.
The Everton Tigers, now Mersey Tigers, joined the British Basketball League in 2007, marking the arrival of professional basketball in Liverpool.
Bellerive Catholic College was recognized as the city's top-performing non-selective school based on GCSE results.
Liverpool commemorated its 800th anniversary with events and festivities.
Liverpool One, a major shopping and leisure center, opened in May 2008, marking a significant redevelopment of the city center.
The earliest snowfall in recent times occurred on October 1, 2008.
Liverpool was designated the European Capital of Culture, celebrating its rich cultural heritage with a wide range of events, including Go Superlambananas! and La Princesse.
Liverpool was named a European Capital of Culture, showcasing its cultural richness and heritage.
Liverpool was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, leading to regeneration and revitalization of the city.
Secondary schools throughout Merseyside took part in the inaugural rugby league merit league. This year also marked the first time Merseyside schools qualified for the RFL's Champion Schools tournament.
The 11,000-seat Liverpool Arena opened and hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in the same year, establishing itself as a major music venue.
The Liverpool Buccaneers were elevated to the Rugby League Conference National division. Additionally, two junior rugby league clubs, Liverpool Lions and Liverpool Storm, were founded.
A purpose-built aquatics centre opened at Wavertree Sports Park in 2008, enhancing Liverpool's swimming facilities.
The Liverpool Lions and Liverpool Storm junior rugby league clubs began competing in the NWC Junior Leagues.
The Liverpool Canal Link opened, connecting the Leeds and Liverpool Canal directly to Liverpool city centre at Pier Head.
Everton F.C. withdrew funding from the Mersey Tigers after the 2009-10 season, leading to the team's name change and signifying a shift in the team's structure.
The 100/1 outsider Mon Mome won the Grand National in 2009, another surprise victory in the race.
The Wheel of Liverpool, a prominent Ferris wheel on the city's waterfront, was officially opened to the public.
On December 21, 2010, a record low temperature of -17.6 °C (0.3 °F) was recorded at Bidston Hill.
Beryl Bainbridge died in 2010.
Liverpool City Council and the Primary Care Trust commissioned the Mersey Forest to create a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the city.
Prior to the 2010 election, the Liverpool Garston constituency was merged with most of Knowsley South to create the cross-boundary seat of Garston and Halewood.
Recording of air frost frequency in Crosby ended.
The Grand National became the first horse race to be televised in high-definition in the UK in 2010.
The 2021 census adopted a revised methodology for classifying built-up areas, making direct comparisons with the 2011 census data impossible.
The previous UK Census took place in 2011.
The black population of Liverpool was recorded at 1.90%.
Between 2011 and 2021, Liverpool experienced shifts in its demographic makeup. While most ethnic groups saw growth, the 'White English/British' and 'Any Other' categories showed a decrease in population. This points to increasing multiculturalism in the city.
Liverpool hosted six of eight home County Championship games for Lancashire County Cricket Club during their 2011 title-winning campaign while Old Trafford was being refurbished.
A report titled "Liverpool City Region – Building on its Strengths" by Lord Heseltine and Terry Leahy indicated a population of around 1.5 million for the Liverpool City Region. However, it also mentioned a broader urban region stretching from Wrexham and Flintshire to Chester, Warrington, West Lancashire, and Southport, with a population of 2.3 million.
June Bhatia, also known as Helen Forrester, passed away.
The latest snowfall in recent times occurred on May 15, 2012.
Liverpool gymnast Beth Tweddle won a bronze medal in the uneven bars at the 2012 London Olympics, her third Olympic Games, making her the most decorated British gymnast in history.
Liverpool athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson represented Great Britain in the women's heptathlon at the 2012 London Olympics.
Liverpool was the most represented city on the GB Boxing team at the 2012 London Olympics, highlighting the city's strong amateur boxing contingent.
The highest amount of sunshine recorded in Liverpool was 314.5 hours in July 2013.
The Liverpool Daily Post ceased publication in 2013, marking a change in the city's media landscape.
Prime Minister David Cameron launched the International Festival for Business in Liverpool, highlighting the city's global economic significance.
The annual Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International tennis tournament, previously held at Calderstones Park, began to be hosted at Liverpool Cricket Club in 2014.
A 2014 survey identified the ten most common surnames in Liverpool and their prevalence in the population.
The 2014 Tour of Britain cycle race started in Liverpool on 7 September, using a city centre circuit.
Liverpool City Council joined forces with neighboring boroughs to establish the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, enhancing regional collaboration and governance.
A tornado or funnel cloud was observed in Merseyside.
North Point Global Ltd. was granted rights to develop part of Liverpool's docks under the name "New Chinatown."
A 2016 study revealed that Liverpool had the highest number of leisure and sports centres per capita among the top 20 UK urban areas.
The "New Chinatown" development in Liverpool failed to materialize, with North Point Global and its subcontractor declaring bankruptcy, leading to financial losses for investors.
Liverpool F.C., the English and British club with the most European Cup titles, won their sixth title.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson won the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships in the women's heptathlon, breaking the British record and securing Liverpool's first gold medal in the event.
At the most recent general election in 2019, all Liverpool constituencies were won by Labour. Maria Eagle won the Garston and Halewood seat.
The Port of Liverpool handled over 30 million tonnes of freight in 2020, making it the UK's fourth largest port by tonnage.
UNESCO revoked Liverpool's World Heritage status due to concerns about the "serious deterioration" of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City's significance caused by recent and proposed developments.
Groundbreaking commenced on the multimillion-pound Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Designed by American architect Dan Meis, the new stadium will be located on the River Mersey waterfront.
The Liverpool City Region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached £40.479 billion, demonstrating significant economic activity within the region.
The smallest ITL 3 area classified as Liverpool had a population of 486,100 according to the 2021 census.
The most recent UK Census, conducted in 2021, recorded a population of 486,100 within the area governed by Liverpool City Council.
The ONS Business Register and Employment Survey 2021 indicated that Liverpool excels in specific industries compared to other UK local authorities. The city ranks among the top 10 nationally for jobs in human health and social work, arts, entertainment and recreation, public administration and defense, accommodation and food services, and real estate. Additionally, Liverpool features in the top 20 for jobs in education, construction, wholesale and retail, transportation and storage, finance and insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical activities.
The North West England region recorded a population of 7,417,300 in the 2021 census.
The Merseyside region, encompassing East Merseyside, Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral, had a total population of 1,551,500 in the 2021 census.
The 2021 census revealed that Liverpool's population is becoming more multicultural. While 77% of residents identified as White English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, or British, the remaining 23% were categorized as non-White English/British. Compared to 2011, all ethnic groups except White English/British and Any Other saw population growth. Notably, the 'Other White' population in Liverpool increased by nearly 12,000 individuals, with significant rises in the 'Other Asian', 'Arab', and 'Other Mixed/Multiple' categories. The proportion of non-White English/British residents ranged from 5% in the Orrell Park ward to 69% in the Princes Park ward.
The 2021 census introduced a new methodology for defining built-up areas. Excluding London, Liverpool's built-up area ranked as the third largest in England with a population of 506,565, exceeding major cities like Bristol, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne.
The 2021 census confirmed that the total population of the Merseyside region was 1,551,500.
The 2021 UK census revealed that 51.1% of Liverpool's population aged 16 and over were employed, with 44.2% economically inactive and 4.8% unemployed. Leading employment sectors included human health and social work, wholesale and retail trade, education, public administration and defense, and accommodation and food services.
The 2021 Census showed an increase in Liverpool's population density compared to the previous census, making it the second most densely populated local authority in North West England after Manchester.
The 2021 Census revealed a growing percentage of households consisting of couples without children in Liverpool, contrasting with a decline in this trend across North West England. The percentage of employed individuals aged 16 and over (excluding full-time students) also increased in Liverpool, while it fell in the overall North West region.
The 2021 Census highlighted an increase in Liverpool's ethnic and international population. The number of residents born outside of England grew since the previous census, and the number of residents who did not identify with any UK-associated national identity also increased at a faster rate than England as a whole. The overall share of the city's population identifying as Asian and Black increased, while the percentage identifying as white decreased compared to previous censuses.
Liverpool City Council's governed area accounted for a significant portion of the city region's total jobs (39%), Gross Value Added (GVA) (40%), and businesses (35%), highlighting its economic importance. The city's GVA reached £14.3 billion, with a GDP of £15.9 billion, resulting in a per capita GDP of £32,841.
In the 2021 Census, 5.2% of the population in Liverpool described themselves as black African, Caribbean, mixed white and black African, mixed white and Caribbean or 'other black'.
In 2021, the Liverpool City Region, excluding London, was the fourth largest combined authority area in England, with a population of about 1.6 million. It functions as a political and economic partnership between Liverpool and surrounding boroughs like Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral, and Halton. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority holds strategic governance over the area. The Office for National Statistics takes particular interest in the economic data of this region, especially as the British government considers devolving more powers to each combined authority area.
By 2021, Liverpool was the fifth largest of England's 'core cities' and had the second highest overall population density among them.
The BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that Liverpool would host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, due to security concerns caused by the Russian invasion.
In 2022, the city of Liverpool had a population of 496,770.
The Liverpool2 container terminal was completed, significantly expanding the port's cargo handling capabilities and enabling it to accommodate the world's largest container ships. This development bolsters Liverpool's standing as a major international port and enhances its contribution to global trade.
Data from the Liverpool BID Company showed that Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights of the week in Liverpool city centre, with millions of people passing through. Monday night is the quietest.
In 2022, Liverpool was one of the top five cities in the UK most visited by overseas tourists.
In 2022, Liverpool ranked among the top 5 most visited UK cities by overseas tourists, according to the International Passenger Survey. Its tourism industry contributed £3.5 billion annually to the local economy, part of a broader city region tourist industry worth £5 billion. Attractions like Liverpool One shopping center and events related to the Beatles significantly contribute to the city's tourism revenue.
Data from Liverpool City Council estimated the city's population to be 500,500.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was held at Liverpool Arena, with two semi-finals on 9 and 11 May and a final on 13 May 2023. It was the first time the contest took place in the city.
The UK government recognized Liverpool as a 'pharmaceutical production superpower' and a leading region for bioprocessing. Consequently, the city was chosen for England's second 'Investment Zone', attracting millions of pounds in investment for science-focused areas like the Knowledge Quarter and the 'pharma cluster' in Speke. These clusters play a crucial role in infectious disease control, further solidifying Liverpool's contributions to scientific advancement. The city council also plans to invest in the Baltic Triangle, known for its creative and digital industries.
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake hosted The Open Championship in 2023.
The Liverpool city region confirmed plans to implement bus franchising, aiming to improve services by transferring control over fares, ticketing, and routes from bus companies to the Combined Authority.
Liverpool's port was the fourth largest in the UK in 2023.
Liverpool was designated as a Freeport by the British government to promote international trade and boost economic growth.
Liverpool hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing its musical heritage and global appeal.
Liverpool City Council unveiled a 20-year economic growth plan for the city, focusing on sectors such as tourism, culture, life sciences, digital and creative industries, and advanced car manufacturing, aiming to stimulate economic development and job creation.
Jaguar Land Rover announced its Halewood plant in Liverpool would transition to electric car production, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable transportation and aligning with global automotive industry trends.
For the first time in UK history, battery-powered passenger trains began operating on Merseyrail tracks from the newly opened Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby.
Figures from global data company Square revealed that night-time spending in bars and restaurants in Liverpool city centre outperformed all major UK cities, including London.
As of 2023, a report was released comparing the economies of the 10 city regions in England with Combined Authorities, including Liverpool's.
Everton F.C. is scheduled to relocate to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2024/25 season.
Jet2 announced the addition of new services from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to winter sun destinations like Lanzarote & Tenerife, starting in winter 2024.
The full implementation of bus franchising in the Liverpool city region is planned for this year, marking a significant change in the management of local bus services.
The new Everton Stadium, with a capacity of 52,888, will be a host venue for the UEFA Euro 2028.