Foreword to the first edition

Over the years, many books have been written about our great city, its people, its architecture, its history, its sporting achievements, its humour, its successes and its failures. This book has all of these elements and more, but it is the first of its kind, combining the story of Liverpool’s past with wonderful images of Liverpool today and an enthusiastic look at the excellent prospects for Liverpool’s future. I was born in Aberdeen and spent most of my life in Scotland but, having lived and worked here in Liverpool
for the best part of 10 years, I am proud to describe myself as an adopted Liverpudlian.
My 10 years here represent just 1% of the first 1,000 years of Liverpool which this book describes, but I am a great enthusiast for the city and fully committed to its regeneration, especially as we approach the 800th anniversary of the granting of the city’s Royal Charter in 2007 and, I hope, its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
I know that both of the authors of this attractive book are as dedicated to Liverpool as I am, even though they too are relative newcomers. Arabella McIntyre-Brown, who wrote the text, was born in West Sussex and came to Liverpool in 1988. Guy Woodland, who took the photographs, was born in Karachi and came here in 1979. Both are passionate about their adopted city.
Such passion is common amongst Liverpool’s citizens, whether they be born and bred here or recent converts like myself. It is a testimony to the qualities and strengths of Liverpool that it has such a positive effect on so many people, including a large proportion of the many thousands of students who come to the city to study each year. Some of that attractiveness is down to the complex and rich history of Liverpool, but much is due to the friendliness of its people, the excellence of its cultural and sporting activities and, of course, the beauty of its architecture and open spaces. All of these are captured in some way in this book.
Many institutions and companies are also committed to Liverpool, especially those which have their origins in the city. Typical of these is the University of Liverpool, created by the citizens of Liverpool in the 19th century ‘for advancement of learning and ennoblement of life’. The University today is proud of its roots and of its role as a key player in the heart of Liverpool. As a research-led university with excellent teaching, we are also working hard with a whole range of partners from business and industry to help bring wealth back to the city and help to restore Liverpool to its former glory.
As the University looks forward to celebrating the centenary of the granting of its own Royal Charter in 2003, I am delighted that we are able to sponsor the publication of this new book, which I am sure will be welcomed by all the many fans of Liverpool, wherever they may be living today. If you are not already a fan, then I am sure that you will catch more than a sense of what Liverpool was, is and will be, as you leaf through the pages that follow.
- Professor Philip Love CBE DL
[then] Vice Chancellor, University of Liverpool