The Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world!
It was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood.
The Albert Dock, Liverpool, was opened in 1846 after taking 5 years to build. It is a large complex of warehouse buildings, closely linked to the Lancashire Cotton industry. Already revolutionary, only 2 years after it opened it was modified to feature the world’s first hydraulic cranes as well!
The warehouses were highly secure and the Albert Dock became a popular store for valuable cargoes such as brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar.
Jesse Hartley designed and constructed the Dock – and the swing bridge between Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum!
After WWII the dock fell into decline and despite numerous plans none came to fruition and in 1972 the dock was finally closed. Having lain derelict for nearly 10 years, the redevelopment of the dock began in 1981 and was completed 3 years later.
Their restoration took 6 years (a year longer than their construction) and opened anew in 1988. Now, they are beautifully restored and re-purposed to modern uses, such as hotels, restaurants, shops and museums.
Perhaps most significantly the Albert Dock in Liverpool also includes the Merseyside Maritime Museum!
It is a vital component of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site designation and the docking complex and warehouses also comprise the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the UK!
The former hydraulic pumping station and Jesse Hartley’s Swing Bridge leading from the dock towards the Pierhead are listed Grade II.
There’s lots on, so check out their website – HERE!
For much more information on the history of the Docks , read the History of the Dock by the National Liverpool Museum – HERE!
Albert Docks, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4AF
The Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world!
It was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood.
The Albert Dock, Liverpool, was opened in 1846 after taking 5 years to build. It is a large complex of warehouse buildings, closely linked to the Lancashire Cotton industry. Already revolutionary, only 2 years after it opened it was modified to feature the world’s first hydraulic cranes as well!
The warehouses were highly secure and the Albert Dock became a popular store for valuable cargoes such as brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar.
Jesse Hartley designed and constructed the Dock – and the swing bridge between Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum!
After WWII the dock fell into decline and despite numerous plans none came to fruition and in 1972 the dock was finally closed. Having lain derelict for nearly 10 years, the redevelopment of the dock began in 1981 and was completed 3 years later.
Their restoration took 6 years (a year longer than their construction) and opened anew in 1988. Now, they are beautifully restored and re-purposed to modern uses, such as hotels, restaurants, shops and museums.
Perhaps most significantly the Albert Dock in Liverpool also includes the Merseyside Maritime Museum!
It is a vital component of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site designation and the docking complex and warehouses also comprise the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the UK!
The former hydraulic pumping station and Jesse Hartley’s Swing Bridge leading from the dock towards the Pierhead are listed Grade II.
There’s lots on, so check out their website – HERE!
For much more information on the history of the Docks , read the History of the Dock by the National Liverpool Museum – HERE!
Albert Docks, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4AF
