Weekend in Liverpool
Bit of a rainy day with temperatures hovering around 500. Once we’re out of Harrogate the drive shouldn’t be too bad, then again, the roads here were first formed by carts so you’re never quite sure how long it will take to go anywhere! We should be able to do this in a couple of hours, but we do have a stop to make in Manchester so that will add some time.
Me & The Misses
First mention of Liverpool came around 1190 as Liuerpul, meaning thick, muddy water in a pool. It became a borough in 1207, and in 1699 became a parish, the same year that noted the departure of Liverpool’s first slave ship, the Liverpool Merchant. Because of Liverpool’s port, maritime trade drove a huge amount of growth from the late 1600’s to well into the 19th century.
By the 20th century, Liverpool had become a major harbor for Britain, processing thousands of tons of textiles and raw materials. During World War 2, the importance of Liverpool as a staging port became very clear to both the Allies and Nazis. During the war, the Luftwaffe bombed Liverpool 80 times killing some 2,500 citizens and destroying half of the homes in the metropolitan area.
A few pictures of today’s Liverpool
She has the same tattoo as Collette!
Sefton Park Palm House
Sefton Park
Aloft Building (previously known as the Royal Insurance Building – 1896)
Christmas decoration or ?????
Queen Victoria monument (the sole surviving structure of the May 1941 German air raid)
But for most of us, Liverpool is known as the home of the Beatles and the Merseybeat. Taking its cue from American R&B and Rock & Roll, the “beat” became characteristic of British bands. Bands like Gerry & the Pacemakers, The Yardbirds, The Searchers, Spencer Davis Group, Dave Clark Five and others, adopted the “beat” and became part of the “British Invasion”. Trivia: Eric Clapton, born in Ripley, England, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 3 times; once with the Yardbirds (1992), then with Cream (1993) and then as a solo artist in 2000.
But what about the Beatles? Numbers say it all: 20 #1 hits; sold over 800 million albums world-wide, 178 million in the US; best selling band in history; best selling band in the US; number of songs recorded – somewhere between 213 and 227; all in 8 years! BTW- Paul is not McCartney’s first name.
A young John Lennon and Mom-bear
Hard Days Night Hotel
The Grapes – where the Beatles drank and dreamed of becoming stars
Mathew Street – Beatles territory
The Cavern Club, opened 1957, where the Beatles used to play for lunch crowds. The Cavern was demolished in 1973 for an underground railroad that was never built. In 1984, the Cavern Club was rebuilt using bricks recovered from the demolition. Paul McCartney played his last 1999 concert here, in the Cavern Club.
The new Cavern Club (ear-splitting music!)
Original entrance to the old Cavern Club (with statue of Cilla Black)
Had a great time with our friends Dave & Sarah. Hard to believe I’ve known Dave for over 40 years, and that we arranged their wedding 38 years ago! As the song goes…..all those years ago.