Liverpool Lodgings

Our accommodation in Liverpool is quite unique. We are staying in a recycled dock and warehouse facility, Albert Dock, built between 1841 and 1846 and opened by Prince Albert the Royal consort to Queen Victoria. Albert Dock is the first fireproof warehouse facility in the world, constructed entirely from brick and stone supported on a prefabricated cast iron frame. Also it was the first harbour facility in the world equipped with a hydraulic power station and hydraulic cranes, some of which can be seen in their original position.

The dock closed to commercial shipping in 1920 due to steel ships growing in size. It then continued to be used as warehouse space until 1970 after which it was left derelict and seriously considered for demolition. The creation of Merseyside Development Corporation in 1982 lead to its redevelopment into what it is today a vibrant shopping, hotel, conference and museum precinct.

On a historic walk on our first day along with the history of the port facilities, we learnt how wealthy Liverpool once was. During our walk we stepped inside the entrance halls of the Cunard, the Port of Liverpool and the Royal Liver Assurance Buildings, proud statements to any visitor to Liverpool when the port was at its height of commercial activity, at the height of the British Empire.