Architecture of Liverpool

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The architecture of Liverpool is rooted in the city's development into a major port of the British Empire.^[1] It encompasses a variety of architectural styles of the past 300 years, while next to nothing remains of its medieval structures which would have dated back as far as the 13th century.^[2] Erected 1716–18, Bluecoat Chambers is supposed to be the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool.^[3]

There are over 2500 listed buildings in Liverpool of which 27 are Grade I and 105 Grade II* listed.^[4] It has been described by English Heritage as England's finest Victorian city.^[5] However, due to neglect, some of Liverpool's finest listed buildings are on English Heritage's Heritage at Risk register.^[6] Though listed buildings are concentrated in the centre, Liverpool has many buildings of interest throughout its suburbs.

In accordance with Liverpool's role as a trading port, many of its best buildings were erected as headquarters for shipping firms and insurance companies. The wealth thus generated led to the construction of grand civic buildings, designed to allow the local administrators to "run the city with pride".^[7]

The historical significance and value of Liverpool's architecture and port layout were recognised when, in 2004, UNESCO declared large parts of the city a World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the nomination papers stress the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology,^[8] summed up in this way under Selection Criterion iv: "Liverpool is an outstanding example of a world mercantile port city, which represents the early development of global trading and cultural connections throughout the British Empire."^[9] Following developments such as Liverpool Waters and Everton Stadium, the World Heritage Committee removed Liverpool's World Heritage Site status in July 2021.^[10]

As Liverpool grew in population, it absorbed certain surrounding areas which now act as its various inner districts (Clubmoor, Edge Hill, Everton, Fairfield, Garston, Kensington, Kirkdale, Knotty Ash, Norris Green, Old Swan, Toxteth, Vauxhall, Walton, Wavertree) or outlying suburbs (Aigburth, Allerton, Anfield, Childwall, Croxteth, Fazakerley, Gateacre, Grassendale, Hunt's Cross, Mossley Hill, St Michael's Hamlet, West Derby, Woolton), with varying architecture in each.