Liverpool | Joseph Sharples

From the eighteenth to the early twentieth century Liverpool was one of the most prosperous towns in Britain, and one of the greatest ports in the world; for many of its citizens it was also a place of extreme poverty. Economic success is reflected in a wealth of late Georgian housing, extravagant Victorian and Edwardian office blocks, proud civic buildings, suburban parks, churches, and the unique architecture and engineering of the docks. Alongside these monuments stand buildings associated with public health and housing reform, illustrating the other side of Liverpool's story. A frenzy of rebuilding in the 1960s was followed by a long period of decline, now giving way to a new construction boom. This guide book describes all the architecturally significant buildings in central Liverpool, and gives an account of the city's overall physical development. It includes some suburban areas of outstanding interest, and excursions to notable sites further out. Major buildings - such as the Town Hall, St George's Hall, and the two Cathedrals - are singled out for extended treatment, the streets of the business district are dealt with alphabetically, and the rest of the city.