Originally Posted by Bob Edwards The 19th century was a period of massive industrialisation and urbanisation across Britain and this was reflected in the Merseyside region. Although Liverpool was by far the largest urban centre within Merseyside, the development of a canal system and rail links throughout this period ensured better communications which allowed existing industries to expand and new ones to develop. The same period saw a rapid increase in the region’s population; Liverpool grew from 77,500 in 1801 ...
Originally Posted by Bob Edwards Liverpool became Britain’s number one port for passengers wishing to travel to America during the latter half of the 19th century; the city was called ‘The Gateway to the West’. The shipping and commerce of the Mersey were exceeded only by those of the Thames with its Port of London and also Tilbury. Because of the River Mersey’s very high tides, often as much as 32 feet, the docks had to be enclosed by a wall some 10 feet thick and reaching 12 feet above the maximum high-water mark. ...