1820's

 

Town Planning and Healthier Buildings in 1820's Liverpool; the work of John Foster Junior & Charles Sylvester. Foster had already designed several significant buildings before becoming Corporation Architect in 1824 ; the Chapel for the Blind School, the Infirmary, St. John’s Market and the Necropolis Cemetery in Everton. The latter reflected the contemporary preference for purpose-built cemeteries instead of the insanitary practice of burying the dead in church vaults and Foster added to this provision with the creation of St James’ Cemetery (1829). 

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Foster’s buildings, including his great Custom House (1828-39) were influenced by the concern to provide adequate natural light and ventilation and this involved co-operation with the London-based heating engineer Charles Sylvester. As a result, many of Foster’s buildings contained early examples of hot air central heating. Modern technology, on the form of steam engines and a water filtration 

system, was also present in his Public Baths (1829). 

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1823

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Liverpool City-First town to have a mechanics library. Only one source for this, can anyone confirm this entry? 

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1827-1830

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John Foster was responsible for an extensive programme of street widening, which transformed the central area of Liverpool (1827-30). This was made possible by the Corporation’s procurement of two Acts of Parliament in 1825 and 1826. Foster’s “general design” included control of the appearance and dimensions of the buildings as well as the quality of construction. 

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1830

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First Ever passenger railway – (Between Liverpool & Manchester). Liverpool to Manchester opened 1830 first railway built with passengers in mind.

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Subsequently the first locomotive passenger line in the world. Suggestions for this had been made as early as 1797. 

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Sources

​

1. Peter Thomas Rooney historian & expert on John Foster 

2. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

3. Peter Thomas Rooney -historian expert on John Foster 

4. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

5. www.ljmu.ac.uk/hol/content.aspx?itemid=15/ 

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1838

 

Allegedly Lord Street Southport is the inspiration for the Champs-Elysees, Paris. 

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1841

 

Brunswick Buildings – First British purpose built architect designed office block. 

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1844

 

Blackburne House – First girls High School in the country. Established in 1844 by George Halt. Now a technology training centre for women. 

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1847

 

Birkenhead Park -the first publicly funded, public park in the country. Influenced the design of Central Park, New York -their design team came over to look at Birkenhead Park in 1858.The park was designed by Joseph Paxton in 1843 and was opened in 1847 

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1847

 

New Water System -Municipalisation of water in Liverpool. Called for by Duncan -first Medical Officer of Health. Regular and clean water was a major concern of 19th century public health. Liverpool Corporation helped secure the city's water supply through construction of a large dam, of which 
building was completed in 1889. 

 

Sources

​

1. http://www.sefton.gov.uk/pdf/NEW%20%20Lord%20st.pdf#search=%22lord%20street%20southport%20paris%20champs%20elysees%22 (pge 9 of 27) 

2. 1. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

3. 2. www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260 

4. 1. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

5. 2. www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/tcm21-82113.pdf 

6. 3. www.liverpool.tour.co.uk/liverpool-firsts/index.php 

7. 4. http://user.sagehost.co.uk/sanchez-uk/mf5.htm 

8. 1. BBC2 Gardening Special on Parks. 

9. 2. www.wirral.gov.uk/er/birkenheadpark_history.htm 

10. 1. Morris, M & Sheard, S, Liverpool 1997, Celebrating 150 years of Public Health 

11. 2. Belchem, J. (ed) (2006). Liverpool 800. Culture, Character and History. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press 

1854

 

St George’s Hall Ventilation System. A revolutionary design by Dr Boswell Reid, drawing fresh air from outside the building. Another of his systems is in the Houses of Parliament. Dr David 
Boswell Reid was engaged to design a heating and ventilating system Dr W H Duncan, concerned that infectious diseases seemed to spread due to lack of proper ventilation. (Liverpool had 
experienced a severe outbreak of cholera in the 1840s). 

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1859

 

First British Tramway along Liverpool Docks Railway 

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1860

 

Birkenhead Trams – First purpose-build street Tramway at Birkenhead. First European tramway established 29th August 1860 that ran from Woodside to Birkenhead Park. Early system was horse drawn and innovation of American George Francis Train. It was electrified in 1901 and operated until 
17th July 1937. 

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1864

 

Slum Clearance Scheme – First major British scheme. Specific legislation in Liverpool (1864), Glasgow (1866), and Edinburgh (1967) were considered influential forerunners for national 
legislation on slum clearance. 

1867

 

The Octagon in Grove Street -Dr Hayward's house.. Dr Hayward wrote a book in 1872 on Health and the Comfort in House Building. "His house was unique in being designed throughout to provide a tight environmental control system." Book was written with John James Drysdale 

1867

 

First purchase of steamroller in Britain by Liverpool City Council. Only one source for this entry. Can anyone confirm the accuracy of this first? 

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Sources

​

1. http://www.visitliverpool.com/site/product-p8033Liverpool 'Firsts' International &national 'Firsts' in construction and allied fields in or associated with Liverpool 2020 Liverpool Paul Dunkerley 2006 

2. 1. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

3.  Liverpool 'Firsts' International & national 'Firsts' in construction and allied fields in or associated with Liverpool 2020 Liverpool Paul Dunkerley 2006

4. www.wirral.gov.uk/ed/birkenhead-tramway.htm 

5. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

6. http://www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/histcourse/URBAN/core3/core3.htm 

7. Morris M & Ashton J., The Pool of life – a public health walk in Liverpool. 

8. www.hevac-heritage.org/landmark_buildings/residential/resident 

9. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

 

1871

 

Liverpool tramway service – First Borough to secure an Act of Parliament to authorise a tramway. 
Liverpool Tramways Act of 1871 

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1877

 

Walker Gallery -Britain’s first public art gallery -2007 130th birthday of first public art gallery 

1886

 

Underground railway – First major railway system in the world to tunnel under a river. Mersey Railway Tunnel opened January 1886 by the Prince of Wales 

1889

 

In 1889 The Royal Infirmary, with its innovative heating system, opened. It's foundation has been described as "part of the 'enlightened' Liverpudlian response to pressing problems of urbanisation and disease. Patented central health system employing steam pipes and elegant circular radiators. Plans for this unveiled in March 1887, but unsure when they were actually put into fruition. First patients were admitted in November 1889 

1889

 

Pioneering approach to architecture in the building of the Third Liverpool Royal Infirmary, opened in 1889. Alfred Waterhouse ’incorporated many design suggestions from Florence Nightingale. She was particularly keen on constructing wards which allowed for efficient nursing and good ventilation. 

 

1893

 

First overhead electric railway in the world. 1888 the Liverpool Overhead Railway Company formed. The railway was designed by Sir Douglas Fox and James Henry Greathead. Formally opened 4th February 1893 and public transport commenced on 6th March 1893. 

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Sources

​

1. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

2. www.liverpool2007.org.uk/transport/tramway2.htmwww.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/£cm21-69076.pdf 

3. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

4. www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/pda/A890606?s_id=3 

5. Morris M & Ashton J., The Pool of life – a public health walk in Liverpool. 

6. www.liv.rinursesleague.org.uk/memarticle.asp?articleid=171pge.

7. T Cecil Gray & Sally Sheard, A Brief History of Medical Education in Liverpool, The Bluecoat Press, Liverpool, A University of Liverpool Publication 

8. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

9. http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/l/liverpool_overhead_rail 

1895

 

School of Architecture -First in Britain. Charles Reilly was one of the most important figures in the history of 20th Century architecture in Britain. Dominated architectural education and was a huge influence upon practice. By the 1930's it was the most famous British School of Architecture in the 
world.

1901

 

First operating theatres in Liverpool to have electric lighting -in the Third Liverpool Royal Infirmary. 

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1901

 

Railway escalator – first. The first railway escalator was installed in 1901 on the Liverpool Overhead Railway and that at it's peak in 1919 it carried 18 million passengers 

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1905

 

New housing at Eldon Street in 1905 – pioneering because of the use of pre-cast concrete as a result of research by John Alexander Brodie, City Engineer (1858-1934) using large-panel reinforced pre-cast concrete as a solution to housing shortages. 

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1907-1975

 

William Graham Holford, born in South Africa, graduated from University of Liverpool School of Architecture and became one of its senior lecturers and planning consultant. His influence was 
felt on an international scale. 

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Sources

​

1. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

2. Sharples, J. Powers, A. & Shippobottom, M. (1996). Charles Reilly and the Liverpool School of Architecture . National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside 

3. www.presidentmedals.com/pag eDB.aspx?page=schooldetails&id=179&year=2003 

4. www.liverpool-unipress.co.uk/html/publication.asp?idProduct=3183 

5. Pge 10. T Cecil Gray & Sally Sheard, A Brief History of Medical Education in Liverpool, The Bluecoat Press, Liverpool, A University of Liverpool Publication 

6. Livepool Firsts Book 

7. http://www.didyouknow.inf/city/lvfacts2.html

8. Public Health – The Liverpool School of Hygiene Museum Collection – Introduction by Knowles & Sheard p.13 

9. http://www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.144 

10. pge 83 Proceedings of the first United Kingdom Healthy Cities Conference, Liverpool 28-30 March 1988 Edited by Dr John Ashton & Ms Lindsay Knight, Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, 1990, Printed by Mersey Regional Health Authority. 

11. http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/archive/holford.htm 

1909

 

Liverpool's School of Civic Design was the World's first planning school. ‘whose ideas are replicated right the way across the world in the way cities ought to be organised.’ from page 83 Proceedings of the first United Kingdom Healthy Cities Conference, Liverpool 28-30 March 1988 Edited by Dr John Ashton & Ms Lindsay Knight, Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, 1990, Printed by Mersey Regional Health Authority. 

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1926

 

Lister Drive – First British hyperbolic cooling tower-Lister Drive Power Station & Electricity Supply Liverpool, Lancashire. Lister Drive generating station developed, extension was completed in July 1926 providing the first hyperbolic concrete cooling towers. 

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1927

 

Bluecoat -Britain’s first arts centre 2007 80th birthday of its founding 

 

Sources

​

1. pge 83 Proceedings of the first United Kingdom Healthy Cities Conference, Liverpool 28-30 March 1988 Edited by Dr John Ashton & Ms Lindsay Knight, Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, 1990, Printed by Mersey Regional Health Authority. -The Department of Civic Design was the first of its kind in the world State Medicine and Public Hygiene: Implications of the New Public Health, Milroy Lecture 2000 -Delivered by Professor John Ashton CBE, at the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom -17th April 2000. Printed by Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University. 

2. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2242/is_1660_284/ai_n6141996 

3. http://www.liv.ac.uk/civdes/degrees/ 

4. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X archive records for power station held at Liverpool Record Office 

5. Woodward, G. (1996).Municipal electricity supplies and refuse disposal in Merseyside and North Wales. AME Board Municipal Engineer Editorial Panel, Panel 11088 pp37-46 www.atypon-link.com/doi/pdf/10.1680/imuen.1996.28189?cookieSet=1 

6. www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/£cm21-69076.pdf

 

1934

 

Official opening of the Mersey Tunnel -“the new tunnel, with underground junctions and two exits at each side of the river, was the longest and most complex underwater road tunnel in the world.” Built to relieve the pressures of increased transport between Birkenhead and Liverpool, so improved 
quality of life for travellers. "The Queensway Tunnel was completed in 1934, a great achievement which was celebrated with a 'tunnel walk-through' by 80,000 
people." quote from http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/collections/riverroom/ (22/09/06) 

 

1940s

 

Unique to a commercial building – a basement chapel in Royal Liver Building – created during World War II for prayer and contemplation. "During World War II, the basement of the Royal Liver Building was requisitioned by the Admiralty as H.M.S. Eaglet – the mission of the Naval Office was to arrange vital naval escorts for merchant vessels crossing the treacherous U-boat riddled waters of the Atlantic… a chapel in the basement...allowed service men and women to attend services or spend a few moments in private prayer without having to leave the building." 

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1945

 

Professor Abercromby of the School of Civic Design His ‘commitments to the Town & Country Planning Act of 1945 transformed the role of planners and transformed the way local government 
itself was organised.’ 

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1961

 

St George’s Secondary School, Wallasey – First solar heated school in the world 

 

1968

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The Wirral Way Country Park was one of the earliest country parks with Assisting Major Peter Moore as its 1st Country Park Manager from December 1968. 

 

Sources

​

1. Aughton, P. Liverpool, A People’s History 

2. http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/collections/riverroom/(22/09/06) 

3. Photo: The tunnel walkthrough, courtesy of Liverpool Daily Post & Echo (from liverpool museums website above) 

4. Morris M & Ashton J., The Pool of life – a public health walk in Liverpool. 

5. http://www.afs.org.uk/generalpdf/FFNov2003(20).pdf#search=%22basement%20chapel%20royal%20liver%20building%22(22/09/06) 

6. pge 83 Proceedings of the first United Kingdom Healthy Cities Conference, Liverpool 28-30 March 1988 Edited by Dr John Ashton & Ms Lindsay Knight, Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, 1990, Printed by Mersey Regional Health Authority 

7. Liverpool Firsts, Great Merseyside Geniuses, Jack Cooper Published by Sigma Leisure ISBN 1-85058-592-X 

8. www.st-georges-school.co.uk/georges_profile.html#sun%20Sc 

9. John Alcock, LiverpoolCity Council -Regeneration Planning & Building Control. 2nd source suggests Cheshire County Council 

1980's

 

Pioneering urban greenspace. In the Pge 42 Proceedings of the first 1980's Liverpool was conducting United Kingdom Healthy Cities pioneering research in how best to Conference, Liverpool 28-30 turn urban sites into greenspaces. March 1988 Edited by Dr John Ashton & Ms Lindsay Knight, Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, 1990, Printed by Mersey Regional 
Health Authority. 

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1990's

 

The design consultation of new Women's Hospital in Upper Parliament Street - - "encouraged women in the local community and hospital staff to influence the development of the women's hospital. Architect Jane Lock-Smith of HLM Architects - stressed the amount of community consultation that has taken place in the design process."

Earlier women's hospitals: Special hospital for women/women's hospital opened 1883 on Shaw Street. Samaritan Hospital for Women Upper Parliament Street Opened 1895.

1. Morris M & Ashton J., The Pool of life – a public health walk in Liverpool.

2. www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=ConNarrative.179@chapterId=794

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1994

 

The Women’s Hospital when constructed in 1994 was the largest Women’s hospital in Europe.

 

21st century Liverpool & boroughs Heritage Open Days. This is England’s largest voluntary cultural event – involves thousands of volunteers from all walks of life sharing their knowledge and memories of buildings and places across Merseyside

​

Pge. 12 T Cecil Gray & Sally Sheard, A Brief History of Medical Education in Liverpool, The Bluecoat Press, Liverpool, A University of Liverpool Publication

​

1. Heritage Open Days Brochure 7th – 17th September 2006

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Complimentary Medicine 

 

1887

​

Hahnemann Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary, Liverpool. Pioneering in the history of Homeopathy opened in Liverpool. in 1887 thanks to an endowment by Henry Tate, the sugar refiner. A photo can be seen on: www.homeoint.org/books3/hospital/foreign.htm (22/09/06)

​

Alongside the Hahnemann Hospital in Hope street, the NHS Homeopathy clinic in Mossley Hill was one of only 5 in the UK at the time of opening.

​

In the 1880/90's when Homeopathy was in fact the main medical system in America and Liverpool, this city was considered a global centre of excellence in that field.

​

To this day Liverpool/Lancashire born/based practitioners such as Clarke, Skinner, Hughes et al are revered on a global stage especially in India where homeopathy remains the primary system of medical care.

​​

Towards the end of the 1800's, the Liverpool Medical Institution banned Doctor's who practised 
Homeopathy from its membership towards the end of the 1800's. 

Dr.Skinner was one the doctor's of his day that strongly opposed homeopathic methods of cure. 

Later he sought help for his chronic insomnia from his allopathic colleagues to no avail – ultimately 
he was cured with one dose of Sulphur 10M potency, following this he became one of Liverpool Homeopathy's strongest supporters. 

​

I understand later the Medical Institution later changed its ruling and welcomed in doctor's who also practised homeopathy -this may have been in part due to Skinner's influence. 

​

The late Hahnemann Hospital which still stands today in Hope Street (now John Moore's University annexe) was built by the generosity of Henry Tate (late founder of the Tate & Lyle sugar empire) 
who was reputed to have been cured by homeopathic treatment. 

​

Interestingly the then hospital committee of the Liverpool Royal Infirmary were against homeopathy, declined Tate's money to build a Homeopathic Wing in the hospital – so Tate built his own hospital in Hope Street – which only closed in 1976 -and helped thousands and thousands of patients over almost a century in Liverpool. 

​

Henry Tate decided to call the hospital the "Hahnemann Hospital" after the originator of Homeopathy -Dr.Samuel Hahnemann -he didn't want to use the name Tate as he didn't want to be seen to be getting any praise for this wonderful gesture -it was a true act of charity that Tate created the Hospital for the many poor people of Liverpool. 

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There are still medical records of the various homeopathic physicians prescriptions from the Liverpool Hahnemann Hospital in public records office at the William Brown Library Liverpool, 
where all the hospital records where sent for safe keeping in the archives.

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1. Morris M & Ashton J., The Pool of life – a public health walk

2.  http://www.homeowatch.org/history/fishbein.html

3. www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=41378

4. Robin Grenfell Cowan

5. Lord Ward-Atherton

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