Merseyside is of course home to Liverpool, one of England’s biggest, busiest and friendliest cities. Many local people have Irish heritage (you can sail from here by boat to Ireland, though it’s a longer journey than from Holyhead in north Wales). The journey takes around 8 hours at 191 nautical miles (220 human miles!)
the birthplace of The Beatles
The Beatles remains one of the world’s biggest bands, decades after they split. John Lennon (murdered at just 40) grew up in Strawberry Fields, and his partnerships with Paul McCartney and George Harrison (who wrote the lovely song Something) lives on long after his death.
Ringo Starr is widely regarded as one of the best ever drummers (some universities teach his methods). Yet he almost died as a child and was left with such severe food allergies, that he has never eaten onion, garlic or spices – or a curry!
home to another ‘Stonehenge’
The city of Liverpool has its Stonehenge. The Calderstones date back 5000 years, a circle of six standing stones (the remains a Neolithic burial chamber).
home to England’s largest clock face
Bigger than Big Ben in London, the clock face on the Liver Building is 2 feet larger. The building was also England’s tallest until 1961 (and the tallest building in Europe until 1932). Designed by a local architect, it’s now Grade-1 listed, so nobody can pull it down. Bertie & Bella (the two Liver Birds) on top look inland and towards the sea, to keep people safe. It’s said that whey they fly off, the City will no longer exist!
home to England’s largest cathedral
Although Liverpool is mostly Irish Catholic, the Anglican Liverpool cathedral is the largest in England, with volunteers and staff that welcome anyone. The largest Catholic cathedral is in London. Westminster Cathedral has a striking red design that appears a bit like a mosque. A few years ago, a right-wing political candidate complained that the BBC were biased towards Islam by having a present report outside a mosque. Firstly it doesn’t matter anyway. And secondly, it was a Catholic cathedral!
