24 Liverpool firsts you may not know

Liverpool is a city of innovation, culture, and trailblazing achievements that have left their mark not just in the UK but across the globe.

While many know Liverpool as the birthplace of The Beatles and home to the world-famous football clubs, there’s much more to Liverpool’s past. From innovations in transportation to cultural milestones, here are some fascinating Liverpool firsts that may surprise you.

The World’s First Enclosed Wet Dock

Liverpool’s Old Dock, built in 1715, was a game-changer in global trade. This revolutionary wet dock allowed ships to stay afloat regardless of tides, contributing to Liverpool’s maritime legacy.

Find out more about The Old Dock Tour at Liverpool ONE here.

The First UK Mosque

Britain’s first mosque was established in Liverpool in 1889 by Abdullah Quilliam. It became a centre for Islamic worship and interfaith dialogue, pioneering the presence of Islam in the UK.

The First American Consulate in the UK

In 1790, Liverpool hosted the UK’s first American consulate, highlighting the city’s historic trading links and its global importance during the 18th century. You can see a portrait of James Maury, the first consul, at Liverpool’s Town Hall.

First Package Holiday Flight

The first-ever package holiday flight departed from Liverpool Airport (now Liverpool John Lennon) in the 1950s.

First Inter-City Railway in the World

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway, opened in 1830, was the world’s first inter-city railway, revolutionising transportation forever.

World’s First Overhead Electric Railway

The Liverpool Overhead Railway, opened in 1893, was the first elevated electric railway, offering a unique view of the docks and inspiring urban transit systems worldwide.

First School for Blind People

Liverpool established the UK’s first school for blind children in 1791, paving the way for inclusive education.

The World’s First Passenger Ferry Service

The Mersey Ferry, which dates back to the 12th century, became the world’s first passenger ferry service. And it remains a beloved part of our city to this day.

Britain’s First Female Doctor Opens Liverpool Practice

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Britain’s first female doctor, opened a practice in Liverpool in the mid-19th century, breaking barriers for women in medicine.

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Founded in 1898, this was the UK’s first institution dedicated to studying tropical diseases, cementing Liverpool’s reputation in medical research.

First Veterinary School in the UK

University of Liverpool became the site of the UK’s first veterinary school in 1904, leading the way in animal medicine.

The First British Female MP

Eleanor Rathbone, a Liverpool-born social reformer, became one of Britain’s first female MPs, advocating for women’s rights and social justice.

Europe’s First Skyscraper

Completed in 1911, the Royal Liver Building was Europe’s first skyscraper and remains an iconic part of Liverpool’s skyline.

Britain’s First Woolworths

Liverpool opened Britain’s first Woolworths store in 1909, bringing affordable shopping to the masses.

Royal Liver Building Clock

Not only was it the first skyscraper in Europe, but the clock on the Royal Liver Building was the largest in the UK when it was installed in 1911, even bigger than Big Ben.

The world’s First Accelerator City

In 2024 Liverpool became the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

The title was in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy.

Everton in First Televised Football Match

Everton FC featured in the UK’s first-ever televised football match on the BBC in 1936, putting Liverpool on the map in football history.

Britain’s First Chinese Newspaper

Liverpool published Britain’s first Chinese-language newspaper, Hua Chow Pao, in 1944.

The First British International Garden Festival

Liverpool hosted the UK’s first International Garden Festival in 1984, attracting millions and revitalising the city’s landscape.

Liverpool Autumn Exhibition

In 1871, the first Liverpool Autumn Exhibition, organised by the Town Council’s opened.

The profits generated were used to purchase works for the council’s permanent collection. This initiative was the first systematic attempt by a British public body to buy contemporary works for display in a museum or art gallery.

These works later became the foundation of the Walker Art Gallery’s collection.

Britain’s Largest Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral is the UK’s largest cathedral and one of the most stunning examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world.

First British Team to Win 5 European Cups

Liverpool FC made history as the first British football team to win five European Cups in 2005, solidifying its status as a footballing giant… now it’s six!

The First Public Lending Library

The Lyceum building on Bold Street, opened in 1758, introduced the concept of free public lending libraries, making books more accessible.

St George’s Hall: The First Air-Conditioned Building

Opened in 1854, St George’s Hall was not only a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture but also the first building in the world to feature an air-conditioning system.

What’s your favourite Liverpool first?

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