History
In 1207, King John announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool and although the population was only around 500 by the middle 16th century, the city began to grow when the Liverpool Merchant, its first slave ship, set sail for Africa in 1699. The slave trade gave considerable profits and by the end of the 18th century Liverpool managed over 80% of Britain’s slave commerce.
In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link meanwhile the population continued to rise rapidly especially when many Irish immigrants arrived as a result of the Great Famine. During the Second World War there were around 80 air-raids on Merseyside causing damage to almost half of the metropolitan area, but significant rebuilding process followed the war including the largest project in Britain: The Seaforth Dock.
The city became centre of youth culture with the famous group The Beatles and other fellow Liverpudlian rock bands that increased the popularity of Liverpool music scene. Unfortunately in the mid-1970s the traditional manufacturing industries and docks went into quick decline with the advent of containerization. In the 1980s, the rate of unemployment in the city was among the highest in the United Kingdom.
At the end of the 20th century, Liverpool was concentrating on renewal, a good process that still continues today with the city winning the important title of European Capital of Culture for 2008.
Quick facts
- Population: 436,100 (2005 est.)
- Size: 111.84 km²
- Elevation: 230 feet
- Ceremonial county: Merseyside
- Region: North West England
- Geography:
Liverpool is located on north side of the River Mersey about 216 miles from London. The city is further sheltered from oceanic weather by The Wirral.
- Average January Temperature: 41ºF
- Average July Temperature: 62ºF
- Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz; square three-pin plugs are standard
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0)
- Country Dialing Code: 44
- Area Code: 0151
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